How to Clean Formica
Apply a mild dish soap to the surface., Try a white vinegar and water mixture., Spray high gloss surfaces with glass cleaner., Avoid cleaners that contain acid, alkali, or sodium hypochlorite., Rub with a damp cotton cloth or soft sponge., Rinse...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Apply a mild dish soap to the surface.
To clean Formica, apply a mild dish soap to the surface.
You can either apply the dish soap directly to the surface or mix with water and then dip a sponge into the solution before rubbing it on the surface., You can also use a white vinegar and water solution to clean formica.
Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water and then apply to the surface. , If your counter tops have a high gloss finish, you may need to use a simple glass cleaner to remove any streaks or smears that may become present after a normal cleaning.
To do this, spray glass cleaner on the streaky area and then wipe with a paper towel or cotton cloth., These can etch, corrode, or discolour the surface.
As a result, only mild and gentle cleaning agents should be used.
Read the ingredients on your cleaning products to ensure they will not mark the surface., Gently rub the cleaning agent onto the surface, using a damp cotton cloth or soft sponge.
Using a circular motion and a little elbow grease, you should be able to remove most spills.
For matte, sparkle, or dimensional finishes, you may need to use a nylon bristled brush to adequately clean the surface.
Do not use an abrasive pad or scouring cloth.
These can permanently scratch or dull the surface. , Once you have rubbed the cleaning solution over the surface, soak a clean cloth in water.
Wring the cloth so that it is slightly damp and then rub the surface to rinse away any remaining soap.
Do not flood the surface.
If you pour too much water onto the surface to rinse away the soap, it may seep into the seams of the Formica.
This can cause the surface to warp. , Using a dry cloth or towel, thoroughly dry the surface and remove any excess water. , Some tough to remove stains will respond well to a baking soda and water mixture.
Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of baking soda with one quart (liter) of water.
Apply the mixture to the desired area.
Leave the paste on the stain for approximately five minutes.
For really tough stains, leave the paste on the stain overnight. , Baking soda can be corrosive, as a result, you should not rub the mixture onto the Formica surface.
Instead, use a damp cloth and blot the stain.
This will prevent you from scratching or damaging the surface and will remove the baking soda and water mixture. , Once you have rinsed away the stain remover, dry the surface using a clean and dry cotton cloth or towel. , The best way to prevent the development of tough stains, is to wipe up any spills immediately as they happen.
The longer a stain stays on the surface, the more likely it is to cause permanent damage. , Dishes or pans that have been removed from the oven or stovetop should not be placed directly on a Formica surface.
These can leave permanent scorch marks or warp the plastic finish.
Similarly, you should not place a curling iron or straightener directly on the surface.Always use a trivet or insulated hot pad to protect the surface from direct heat. , Do not use a Formica countertop as a cutting board.
Sharp knives can scratch the surface causing permanent damage.
As a result, you should always use a cutting board when working with sharp objects. -
Step 2: Try a white vinegar and water mixture.
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Step 3: Spray high gloss surfaces with glass cleaner.
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Step 4: Avoid cleaners that contain acid
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Step 5: alkali
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Step 6: or sodium hypochlorite.
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Step 7: Rub with a damp cotton cloth or soft sponge.
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Step 8: Rinse with water.
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Step 9: Dry the surface with a cotton cloth.
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Step 10: Use a baking soda and water mixture.
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Step 11: Blot the stain with a damp cotton cloth.
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Step 12: Dry the surface.
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Step 13: Wipe up spills immediately.
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Step 14: Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface.
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Step 15: Use a cutting board.
Detailed Guide
To clean Formica, apply a mild dish soap to the surface.
You can either apply the dish soap directly to the surface or mix with water and then dip a sponge into the solution before rubbing it on the surface., You can also use a white vinegar and water solution to clean formica.
Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water and then apply to the surface. , If your counter tops have a high gloss finish, you may need to use a simple glass cleaner to remove any streaks or smears that may become present after a normal cleaning.
To do this, spray glass cleaner on the streaky area and then wipe with a paper towel or cotton cloth., These can etch, corrode, or discolour the surface.
As a result, only mild and gentle cleaning agents should be used.
Read the ingredients on your cleaning products to ensure they will not mark the surface., Gently rub the cleaning agent onto the surface, using a damp cotton cloth or soft sponge.
Using a circular motion and a little elbow grease, you should be able to remove most spills.
For matte, sparkle, or dimensional finishes, you may need to use a nylon bristled brush to adequately clean the surface.
Do not use an abrasive pad or scouring cloth.
These can permanently scratch or dull the surface. , Once you have rubbed the cleaning solution over the surface, soak a clean cloth in water.
Wring the cloth so that it is slightly damp and then rub the surface to rinse away any remaining soap.
Do not flood the surface.
If you pour too much water onto the surface to rinse away the soap, it may seep into the seams of the Formica.
This can cause the surface to warp. , Using a dry cloth or towel, thoroughly dry the surface and remove any excess water. , Some tough to remove stains will respond well to a baking soda and water mixture.
Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of baking soda with one quart (liter) of water.
Apply the mixture to the desired area.
Leave the paste on the stain for approximately five minutes.
For really tough stains, leave the paste on the stain overnight. , Baking soda can be corrosive, as a result, you should not rub the mixture onto the Formica surface.
Instead, use a damp cloth and blot the stain.
This will prevent you from scratching or damaging the surface and will remove the baking soda and water mixture. , Once you have rinsed away the stain remover, dry the surface using a clean and dry cotton cloth or towel. , The best way to prevent the development of tough stains, is to wipe up any spills immediately as they happen.
The longer a stain stays on the surface, the more likely it is to cause permanent damage. , Dishes or pans that have been removed from the oven or stovetop should not be placed directly on a Formica surface.
These can leave permanent scorch marks or warp the plastic finish.
Similarly, you should not place a curling iron or straightener directly on the surface.Always use a trivet or insulated hot pad to protect the surface from direct heat. , Do not use a Formica countertop as a cutting board.
Sharp knives can scratch the surface causing permanent damage.
As a result, you should always use a cutting board when working with sharp objects.
About the Author
Susan Hill
Experienced content creator specializing in creative arts guides and tutorials.
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