[fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” min_height=”” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” align_content=”stretch” flex_align_items=”flex-start” flex_justify_content=”flex-start” flex_column_spacing=”” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” container_tag=”div” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_sizes=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_right=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing_medium=”” margin_top_medium=”” margin_bottom_medium=”” spacing_small=”” margin_top_small=”” margin_bottom_small=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_dimensions_medium=”” padding_top_medium=”” padding_right_medium=”” padding_bottom_medium=”” padding_left_medium=”” padding_dimensions_small=”” padding_top_small=”” padding_right_small=”” padding_bottom_small=”” padding_left_small=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_vertical=”” box_shadow_horizontal=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” z_index=”” overflow=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” absolute=”off” absolute_devices=”small,medium,large” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_background_color=”” sticky_height=”” sticky_offset=”” sticky_transition_offset=”0″ scroll_offset=”0″ animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ align_self=”auto” content_layout=”column” align_content=”flex-start” content_wrap=”wrap” spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” type_medium=”” type_small=”” order_medium=”0″ order_small=”0″ dimension_spacing_medium=”” dimension_spacing_small=”” dimension_spacing=”” dimension_margin_medium=”” dimension_margin_small=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_medium=”” padding_small=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” hover_type=”none” border_sizes=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_position=”all” first=”true”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”193|full” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”center” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://cabinets4lessscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_2666-scaled-1.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” flex_grow=”0″ top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” width=”” alignment=”center” border_size=”” sep_color=”” icon=”” icon_size=”” icon_color=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
Laminate countertops are a great alternative to traditional hardwood or stone countertops when you’re doing a kitchen remodeling or renovation. They are both affordable and durable, come in many styles, and can be installed easily. However, they do require special care to keep them looking their best. If you want to learn how to take care of your laminate countertop so that it lasts for years without discoloration or damage, read on!
What is Laminate Countertop?
Laminate countertops are made out of a sheet of plastic that is molded with the pattern on it. When creating a sturdy solid countertop surface, layers of plastic are bonded to particleboard or kraft paper. The material can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other places where water may come into contact with them. It has become prevalent for its durability, easy-to-clean surface, and low cost.
Laminate Countertops are also one of the most popular choices for kitchen counters because they look like stone without all the worry about staining. One of the best things about laminate counters is that they are not limited to kitchens, as you can put them in any room. Many people love how their counters look and feel like stone, but there are some drawbacks.
Disadvantages of Laminate Countertop
The main disadvantage with laminates is it scratches easily, so care must be taken when cleaning or wiping up spills, especially if you’re using a material such as paper towels or sponges that contain rougher fibers. Another issue with these countertops is that the protective coating begins to wear off over time from daily use due to heat exposure. Chemical cleaners may damage this surface further because, firstly, they cannot penetrate through layers for effective cleansing. Secondly, the protective coating is designed to resist these types of cleaners.
Laminate Countertops: Maintenance and Cleaning
- The first step is to clean up any messes, such as spills or stains, right away before they settle in for too long.
- To clean up spills, immediately blot them with paper towels to prevent liquid migration into seams between individual sheets of laminate material which could cause staining over time if not cleaned properly.
- For extra protection against stains from hot liquids like coffee or tea, try using silicone sealant along with baking soda mixed in water as a paste; let it dry overnight before washing off in the morning.
- For stubborn marks, rub them off using mineral spirits on a soft cotton cloth; then wipe clean with soap and water.
- Use a damp sponge and water to wipe up spills. You can also use wax paper or newspaper underneath while cleaning, so the counter doesn’t get scratched.
- Please note that cleaning products containing ammonia should never be used on any surface, including laminates.
- An abrasive cleaner may be used on filthy surfaces if necessary, but it is not recommended as they strip your laminate of its protective coating.
- If your laminate is not sealed, try using oil like olive oil or coconut oil in place of household cleaners for protection against moisture, stains, and spills.
- Apply mineral oil or olive oil with a cotton rag to moisturize the laminate countertop.
- Clean the surface with warm water and use a mild detergent if necessary.
- Be sure you are wearing rubber gloves when applying cleaner so as not to get any on your hands!
- Using a microfiber cloth to polish the surface of your counters is a quick and easy way to keep them looking great.
- Simply wipe in one direction only, using even pressure to clean the surface of dirt and grime.
- Keep your counters free from food stains by using mats underneath dishes and utensils while cooking.
- To avoid scratches on the surface of your countertops, use coasters under glasses or cups while setting up dinner parties.
- If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to keep counters clean, try rubbing them down with baking soda before cleaning them with water.
- Please do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, or steel wool pads on laminate surfaces because they can damage the surface and leave scratches behind that are difficult to remove without sanding down the entire countertop.
- Be careful – cleaners can sometimes leave streaks if they’re not appropriately dried after wiping away the oil-containing soap film. Use caution around edges where spills might accumulate near kitchen cabinets or other furniture.
I hope this article helps you to care for and clean your countertops. If you are considering new laminated countertops, then contact C4L Cabinetry Scottsdale today! Our design consultants will help answer any questions you have about selecting a style and size, as well as what kind of maintenance needs to happen during installation so that there won’t be any surprises later on. Call now!