Laminate Countertops: Stain Removal

With laminate countertops, time is of the essence when you have a spillage. Spills should be wiped up immediately to reduce the risk of a stain taking hold.

However, in a well used area like a kitchen, stains are inevitable. Follow these steps to remove the stains from the countertop.

Step 1 – Identify the Substance

If the stain you are dealing with is an old one, take a moment to identify the culprit, as this will have a bearing on the method you use to remove it.

Step 2 – Tea and Coffee Stains

Tea and coffee stains can be difficult to remove if they have been allowed to become engrained. You will need to concoct a potion of baking soda and household cleaner to remove the stain. The potion should have the consistency of a paste. Select a scouring sponge with a lightly abrasive surface. Do not use a wire wool pan cleaner as this will leave permanent scratches on your work surface. Dip the pad into the paste and rub it onto the stain for a maximum of 2 minutes. The paste will froth, due to the soda. When you have finished rubbing the stain, wash the paste off with warm water and dry the surface completely with an old towel.

Step 3 – More Stubborn Stains

If the stain persists despite your efforts with the soda, it is time to try a more powerful substance. Apply a small amount of nail polish remover (acetone) to a cotton wool pad and rub the stain a few times. Then rinse the laminate countertop thoroughly and wipe dry.

If the stain is still there, you may have to give it the same treatment with a dishwasher detergent. Again, you must be vigilant in removing all traces of the detergent when rinsing the surface afterwards.

Step 4 – The Last Resort

Undiluted bleach is not recommended with laminate countertops but can be used as a last resort. Rinsing the surface afterwards is crucial. If you leave a residue of bleach and later place a coffee cup on that spot, you could cause an even worse stain than the one you had to begin with. Abrasive cleaners (like cream cleaners) should be avoided completely on laminate countertops.

Step 5 – Assess the Results

If you have tried all the steps above, and the stain is still present, it is highly unlikely that you will ever remove it. If you have any spare laminate and your countertop was installed in sections, it might be possible to replace the offending part. Otherwise, you will need to replace the whole countertop or find a suitable piece of kitchen equipment to place over the stain!