What is the best way to clean formika countertops?
Question:i am remodeling my kitchen and am about to install new counter tops and dont want to mistreat them. any tips or ideas?
thanks =]
Answers:
boy a lot of long answers let's make it easy go to home depot
in their cleaning dept they have a spray can of cleaner/polisher made just for Formica i use it all the time
i take care of 13 apts. when people move out this it what i use can not think of brand name but you will see it
In most cases, you only need to use a clean, damp, nonabrasive cotton cloth and a mild liquid detergent or household cleaner.
Rinse with clean water, using a clean, nonabrasive cotton cloth.
Do not flood the laminate, especially near seams, since water can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell.
Dry the surface with a soft, clean, nonabrasive cotton cloth.
Use cutting boards, chopping blocks, or other protective surfaces.
Do not chop, slice, pound, or hammer on any laminate surface.
Knives or other sharp utensils may slice or scratch the surface.
Heavy blows from a hammer or meat tenderizer may crack or gouge the surface.
Use place mats, doilies, and trivets on laminate surfaces when necessary.
Ceramics and abrasive objects can cause scratching and premature wear - do not slide these items across surface.
Follow recommendations for cleaning - do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, steel wool, sandpaper, or Scotch-Brite® scouring pads.
Ordinary Cleaning
Formica® brand laminate is very easy to clean.
In most cases, you only need to use a clean, damp, nonabrasive cotton cloth and a mild liquid detergent or household cleaner.
Rinse with clean water, using a clean, nonabrasive cotton cloth.
Do not flood the laminate, especially near seams, since water can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell.
Dry the surface with a soft, clean, nonabrasive cotton cloth.
For specific types of surfaces, use the following care guidelines:
Matte and Sparkle Finish Laminate
Especially hard-to-clean areas may require special attention. Use a nylon-bristled hand or vegetable brush, along with a mild liquid detergent-and-water solution or household cleaner. Clean the soiled area, using a rotating motion. Rinse and dry the surface as indicated above.
Sculptured and Dimensional Finish Laminate
These surfaces may require special attention to clean the depressed areas. Use a nylon-bristled hand or vegetable brush, along with a mild liquid detergent-and-water solution or household cleaner. Clean the soiled area, using a rotating motion. Rinse and dry the surface as indicated above.
High-Gloss Finish Laminate
If residual streaks and smears remain after normal cleaning, use a mild glass cleaner and then dry with a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.
Chemical Damage
Never use cleaners containing acid, alkali, or sodium hypochlorite. These cleaners will mar, etch, corrode, and permanently discolor the laminate surface. Also, make sure that bottles, rags, and other materials contaminated with these cleaners never contact the laminate surface.
Examples of cleaners containing acid, alkaline, or sodium hypochlorite include, but are not limited to:
drain cleaners
metal cleaners
oven cleaners
ceramic cooktop cleaners rust removers
tub and tile cleaners
toilet bowl cleaners
some countertop cleaners coffeepot cleaners
chlorine bleach
lime scale removers
Special Cleaning Recommendations
Residual Glue
Sometimes new decorative laminate has a streaky appearance caused by contact adhesive used during fabrication. Clean with a non-abrasive cotton cloth and an adhesive solvent such as Formica® brand Nonflammable Contact Adhesive Solvent. Use solvent sparingly, as excessive amounts may delaminate edges. Read and follow all warnings and instructions on the labels of all solvent products.
Paint and Varnish
Remove most oil-based paints, varnishes and lacquers from decorative laminate surfaces with a suitable solvent. Read and follow all warnings and instructions on the labels of all solvent products, and remember that most solvents are extremely flammable. Use solvent sparingly, as excessive amounts may delaminate edges. Remove most water-based paints with an ammoniated household cleaner. For stubborn paint spots, gently use a plastic, non-metallic, non-abrasive pad. Never use steel wool or other abrasive scouring pads.
Stains
To remove or minimize stains, use full strength Fantastik® All Purpose Cleaner, Formula 409,® Pine-Sol® or other mild household cleaner on the affected area, and allow it to draw out the stain. Blot with a clean, damp, non-abrasive cotton cloth, and then rinse with clean water. When a recommended cleaner changes its formulation, the change may be harmful to the laminate surface. Formica Corporation cannot be held responsible for these changes. Solvents such as denatured alcohol can also be used. Follow all directions and warnings on the solvent label because many are extremely flammable.
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