Hot cookware can leave permanent burn marks on many countertop surfaces including laminate. That's why we always recommend using a protective barrier such as a trivet or a hot plate as a final resting place for oven- or stovetop-fresh pots and pans.
It's common misperception that laminate can't tolerate any heat. Formica® Laminate can withstand heat up to 275 degrees for short periods of time. However, like all surface materials, a trivet should always be used on your countertops to avoid any possible heat mishaps.
Granite. One of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available today is granite. This natural stone requires extremely high temperatures and high pressure to form. You can place pans straight of the stove or oven on a granite countertop, and you won't see any marks or stains on the surface.
Abrasive pads or scouring powder should not be used on laminate countertops as they can scratch or dull the surface making it more susceptible to staining. Harsh chemical cleaners such as: toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, coffee pot cleaners, hydrogen peroxide and rust removers should be avoided.
Instead of putting hot items directly on your wood or laminate countertops, use heat-safe objects to protect the countertop surface and avoid heat damage – a simple heat pad or trivet made of cork, bamboo, silicone, or ceramic, for example, will do the job nicely.
Laminate – No. Hot pans can leave permanent burn marks. Use trivets underneath appliances that get hot.
The key to keeping laminate countertops clean is wiping them down regularly with mild materials, which Merry Maids notes results in less wear and tear. For everyday cleaning, use a mild dishwashing liquid, warm water and a microfiber cloth. “Apply a mixture of dish soap and water to your counters using the cloth.
Laminate countertops are not resistant to heat and can scratch. Laminate countertops are an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to pricey stone and solid-surface countertops, and they are available in many styles that mimic expensive surfaces such as granite or marble.
When it comes to cleaning, vinegar can be a solid workhorse. Vinegar can clean laminate countertops, ceramic sinks and toilets, and sink drains—but it should not be used to clean everything.
Laminate Counters Are Highly Heat resistant
You may be surprised to learn that modern plastic laminate countertops can withstand high temperatures; so much so that Consumer Reports gave both them and granite the same rating of 'Excellent' when they tested them.
The materials and process used manufacturing countertop laminate limit its ability to take the heat, so laminate countertops are only mildly heat resistant (up to about 150 degrees F/66C).
You cannot use air fryer on top of Formica without using a heat resistant mat or trivet. Formica is also known as laminated countertops thus it cannot withstand much temperatures. You cannot place hot pan or pot on top of it for longer period of time or it'll damage the Formica surface easily.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
When it comes to heat, laminate countertops are only mildly resistant in comparison to stone. Remember, laminate is plastic and can melt! It is easy to clean and stains can be avoided if addressed promptly.
Lifespan. With standard use, well taken care of laminate countertops will last about 15 years. After that, they'll show significant wear and fading. Heavy use will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
Laminate that Looks Like Quartz
Synonymous with laminate countertops, Formica offers countless styles and colors. If you like the look of quartz, this Bottle Glass Quartz style from Formica may be what you're looking for. Make your countertops look like new with this unique refinishing process.
For Formica® HPL and DecoMetal® Metal Laminates, we recommend disinfecting with: 1) Quaternary Ammonium which is the largest group (198 listed) of EPA approved disinfectants. Examples of Quaternary Ammonium products include: Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol®, Virex®, Caviwipes®… 3) Sodium Hypochlorite or Bleach.
To make the countertop shine, spray them with a vinegar solution. Mix 2 cups water with 1 tablespoon vinegar in a spray bottle (Image 1 below). Spray the countertop down, and allow the solution to sit for 2 minutes (Image 2 below). Finally, wipe the counter clean.
It's important to note that original Windex offers no disinfecting or cleaning properties, notes Gregory. However, Windex Disinfectant Cleaner Multi-Surface does and is a good choice for laminate countertops and glass stoves—areas you want to be disinfected since they're where you cook.
Laminate Countertops Are Not Out of Style.
The truth is, laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are basically the same; laminate is the material while Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both brands come in a wide range of colors and patterns and are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters.
Laminate countertop installation costs anywhere from $40 to $80 per square foot. This includes both materials and labor. The countertops themselves cost $10 to $40 per square foot, but prices vary based on the manufacturer, color, and style.
Counters are made of a variety of materials, so you can't indiscriminately aim a can of Lysol at laminate the same way you would granite, or approach cleaning butcher block in an identical fashion to stainless steel.
Windex is great on countertops, too, including quartz, granite, marble, laminate and tile. Just make sure that if you're cleaning natural stone counters that have a sealant, such as granite, marble or quartzite, you're using a Windex version that is free of ammonia and vinegar.
To use car wax to make laminate countertops shine, it should be applied in circular motions across a clean countertop and left for around 10 minutes. Then, with a clean cloth, excess wax should be buffed away. Car wax not only gives a shiny, granite-like finish to Formica countertops, but it acts as a protectant.