What not to use on laminate countertops?

Author: Destin Steuber  |  Last update: Monday, November 3, 2025

Acid or alkaline based cleaners, compounds, etc. will mar, etch, corrode and permanently discolor laminates. Examples of these are drain cleaners, rust removers, toilet cleaners, oven cleaners, chlorine bleach, tub and tile cleaners, & metal cleaners.

What can damage laminate countertops?

Laminate counters can scratch easily, so don't use them as cutting boards. Also, avoid placing hot items directly onto the countertop to prevent damage. Clean the surface with a mild soap. Laminates are also susceptible to burns and chipping, which is one downside.

What is the best thing to clean laminate countertops with?

Cleaning laminate countertops is as simple as cleaning the dishes. Take a non-abrasive brush or sponge, and add warm water and a drop of dish soap. Scrub the countertops until the suds lift away the dirt and grime. Rinse your sponge with clean water, and wring out continually.

Is Windex safe for laminate countertops?

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.

Will vinegar damage laminate countertops?

Vinegar is not safe for all types of countertops. It can damage natural stone surfaces like marble, granite, and limestone due to its acidic nature. However, it is safe to use on engineered countertops like quartz, laminate, stainless steel, and butcher block, just be cautious with prolonged exposure on laminate seams.

10 Countertop Mistakes You NEED To Want to Avoid!

What not to do with laminate countertops?

DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads or steel wool to clean the countertops. These will scratch and damage the tops. 1. Laminate countertops are not stain-proof.

What is the best natural cleaner for laminate?

If your floor has developed a slight film or waxy buildup on it (which happens over time when the wrong cleaning products are used), you can instead combine a gallon of hot water with a cup of white vinegar. Vinegar, which is a natural cleaning agent, will break down the film without hurting the laminate surface.

How can I make my dull laminate countertop shine?

Again, the most practical way to clean and polish your counter or tabletop is with a dry, clean, non-abrasive microfiber cloth and a little elbow grease. You can also use Hope's Perfect Countertop spray and wipe wax to polish Formica® laminate and give it an extra shine.

Can you use a magic eraser on laminate countertops?

Dip a soft bristle brush into the paste to cover the bristles. Gently rub the spot with the brush, moving in a circular motion and pressing very lightly. You may also use a Magic Eraser® stain remover following the manufacturer's instructions for stubborn stain.

Will rubbing alcohol damage laminate countertops?

Laminate is sturdy enough that it can handle traditional methods of disinfection. Bleach, isopropyl alcohol at 70 percent, and products designed to disinfect all work well.

Is Formica the same as laminate?

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.

How do you refresh laminate countertops?

Small scratches, gouges and chips can be fixed with laminate repair paste or a color-matched repair pen, available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. Choose the color that most closely matches your countertop color.

Can you use bar keepers friend on laminate countertops?

With one inexpensive product, your laminate countertops and tabletops can be restored to like-new. Why does it work so well? You need the very slightest bit of abrasion to truly lift the stain off laminate, and Bar Keeper's Friend has that. A little goes a long way, so one squirt is more than enough.

What is the downside of laminate countertops?

Laminate Countertop Cons: Heat sensitive: Laminate can scorch or discolor when exposed to hot pots and pans. Prone to scratching: While durable, the surface can be damaged by sharp objects. Not as long-lasting: Compared to natural stone, laminate has a slightly shorter lifespan.

Can I put hot pans on laminate countertops?

Placing hot pans directly on this surface can possibly weaken or chip the countertop. We recommend always using a trivet. Laminate – No. Hot pans can leave permanent burn marks.

What is the lifespan of laminate countertops?

Most laminate countertops can last around 15 years, though high-quality, well-maintained laminates can hold up for 20 years! This lifespan compares to butcher block countertops but is significantly shorter than stone surfaces, like granite or quartz, which can last a lifetime.

What is the best cleaner for laminate countertops?

To clean laminate countertops on a daily basis, all you need is dishwashing liquid, warm water and a microfiber cloth. Apply a mixture of dish soap and water to your counters using the cloth. As you wipe the counter, rinse your cloth in clean water.

Where not to use magic eraser?

Don't Use Them On Your Car

Or any other delicate surface, for that matter, like silverware, glass, or metal surfaces. Dry erasers have the abrasiveness of a 3000 grit sandpaper – very fine, but can still mar shiny surfaces – like your stainless steel appliances!

Can you use Windex on laminate countertops?

Both laminate countertops and glass top stoves are prone to scratching and damage from abrasive cleaners. Windex can be too harsh and cause these surfaces to lose their shine or become scratched. Opt for a gentle cleaner made for these specific materials.

How can I make my laminate shine again?

There are oils, waxes, polishes, and revivers specific for floors available in stores. These products are designed to bring shine to dull laminate floors. It's recommended to use a laminate floor reviver every six months, depending on your floor's wear.

How to make laminate countertops look better?

  1. Paint right over it.
  2. Re-finish it with a faux-marble look.
  3. Cover it with contact paper.
  4. Skim coat it with concrete.
  5. Give it a faux wood look.
  6. Use a stone-like finishing product.

Why are my laminate countertops sticky?

Sometimes, a little adhesive is left on top of the counters when they're first installed. Getting rid of that might seem like a challenge, but it's actually pretty simple. A Formica solvent ought to cut right through it. Then, you can wipe them down using your usual cleaning supplies.

How to restore dull laminate countertops?

Restoring your laminate worktop
  1. Step 1 – Disinfect and clean laminate worktop. Pour a small amount (1/4 cup) of white vinegar onto a clean, lint-free cloth. ...
  2. Step 2 – Waxing your laminate worktop. ...
  3. Step 3 – Buffing the wax on the worktop. ...
  4. Step 4 – Clean your laminate worktop. ...
  5. Step 5 – Polishing your laminate worktop.

Can you clean laminate with Dawn?

The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products made especially for them. If you don't have laminate floor cleaner, you can use a teaspoon of unscented clear dish soap in a gallon of water. A teaspoon of baby shampoo in a gallon of water will also work. Be careful not to soak the floors.

Can you use baking soda on laminate?

The recipe is quite simple and you shall observe the benefits on your laminate flooring: dilute 5 tablespoons of water with a glass of white vinegar and half a glass of baking soda. Don't be heavy-handed with the vinegar, it could damage the protective coating of your floor.

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