Normal Cleaning
Abrasive cleaners, powders and abrasive cleaning pads should never be used on your laminate countertop - they will scratch and damage the laminate and make it susceptible to staining.
Use a multi-surface cleaner such as Windex® Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner to clean and shine countertops made of sealed granite, sealed marble, Corian®, Formica® and more. For a gentle clean that also works on a variety of surfaces, try Windex® Vinegar Glass Cleaner.
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.
A: I would try Bar Keepers Friend. It's a mild powdered cleanser that doesn't scratch and is supposed to be effective on hard-water stains. The manufacturer says it's safe for plastic laminate, such as Formica. Make sure the surface is wet before you apply the cleanser.
As we'll explain further, do not use any commercial cleaners designed for standard household surfaces like cooktops, drains, tiles, or toilet bowls. Most of these products contain acids that can damage Formica® laminate. Instead, simply use dish soap or a mixture of water (2 cups) and vinegar (one tablespoon).
Laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are all essentially the same thing; laminate is the substance, and Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both types are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters and available in a variety of colors and designs.
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.
Homeowners or renters with laminate countertops may also want to steer clear of bleach. Though laminate is fairly hardy, it's not the most durable substance in the world. Bleach can damage the laminate countertop or can cause permanent discoloration.
The best cleaner for laminate countertops is dish soap and warm water. Use this mixture to clean your countertops daily to remove grease and debris. You can also use baking powder and water or a dash of white vinegar to treat stains. Never use bleach or harsh chemicals on the laminate.
Spray the area with Windex and allow it to sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Rinse well if using near food preparation areas. Windex is great on countertops, too, including quartz, granite, marble, laminate and tile.
While most wipes are safe to use on hard, non-porous surfaces like laminate, sealed granite, vinyl, and fiberglass, they are not safe to use on unfinished wood or extremely worn surfaces. Always test in a small area to make sure there is no etching or discoloration.
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a little surfactant to that solution to take things up a notch. Once you've made the solution, spray everything down with it. Don't wipe it all up right away.
Water Spots
This happens because the water leaves behind minerals when it evaporates completely. The minerals look white and chalky. Hard water is common in certain regions throughout the United States. Check with your local water supplier to determine if you have hard water.
Formica: Formica doesn't like abrasive cleaners — including ammonia or bleach — so clean it only with a mild soap on a soft cloth with warm water.
Laminate Countertops – Daily use of Soft Scrub Total All-Purpose Cleaner Spray is an excellent way to keep your laminate countertops looking magnificent. Just spray and wipe away for a clean, spotless shine.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers on your laminate countertops, such as steel wool. To disinfect laminate countertops, spray them with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Wipe clean with a dry rag. Bleach can discolor your laminate surfaces, so stick to less corrosive cleaning products to disinfect.
BKF is the #1 non-bleach Cleanser in the market today. The most significant differences between BKF Cleanser and Comet or Ajax is 1) the absence of bleach AND our use of oxalic acid, 2) the quality of “scrubber” used, and 3) the detergents used.
Is Comet safe to use on Corian, Formica, porcelain, fiberglass and stainless steel. Yes. Comet Cleansers, Comet Soft Cleanser and Comet Bathroom Sprays are all safe to use on these surfaces.
BKF cleans and polishes most hard, nonporous surfaces. However, never use BKF on the following: cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces. Although many of our fans have used BKF on mirrors, gold, and silver (sterling silver is OK), we advise against it.