If you have installed Formica on your countertops, you can attest to how it holds up well against scratches, water, and general wear and tear. However, like granite and quartz countertops, Formica can become dirty and grimy, necessitating the need for cleanup. So, what can you use to clean Formica?
There are various compounds you can use to clean Formica, including vinegar, acetone, warm water, alcohol, bleach, pledge, Windex, car wax, Clorox, magic eraser, rejuvenate, goof off, linseed oil, soft scrub, etc.
Keep reading to learn how to clean Formica using the above compounds.
How To Clean Formica Properly
Cleaning Formica is super easy. You may need materials like a mild cleaning agent, clean water, and a non-abrasive cotton cloth.
To clean Formica, dip the non-abrasive cotton cloth in a cleaning solution and then use it to scrub the soiled area. Rinse with clean water and use a dry, non-abrasive cotton cloth to dry. Don’t flood the Formica near the seams, as water may penetrate and cause substrate swelling.
If you feel comfortable scrubbing with a brush, be sure to use the ones with soft bristles to avoid scratching the Formica. The type of cleaning solution to use will depend on your preferences and the stickiness of the grime. I usually use white vinegar to clean tough stains. However, other cleaners like acetone, bleach and windex can also do the magic.
Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Formica?
Yes. You can use small amounts of vinegar to clean most Formica countertops. The beauty of using vinegar is that it won’t damage Formica or leave residues that may affect your skin.
To clean Formica using vinegar, dip a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth in a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar. Use the wet cloth to scrub the Formica surface. Then rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a cotton cloth
If the stains are too tough, sprinkle baking soda on the Formica surface, then spray water and vinegar solution and allow them to settle for at least 5 minutes to break the elements. Rinse the Formica surface thoroughly with clean water to get a sparkling clean surface and eliminate any chemical residue on the formica.
Why use baking soda? Baking soda reacts with water to produce heat and carbonic acid, quickly dissolving grime and other debris on the Formica countertops.
Note: Too much vinegar can be abrasive to the Formica surface. It can also leave acid residues on the Formica surface, posing a danger to the household members. For this reason, you should dilute it with water to avoid its worst effects.
Can You Use Water To Clean Formica?
Water is a great cleaning agent for hydrophilic elements such as salt, sugar, milk, among others from the Formica surface. It also plays a role in rinsing the Formica countertops off cleaning chemicals after cleaning hydrophobic elements like grease, oil, charcoal, etc.
So, water is a fundamental agent for cleaning Formica, whether you intend to use it alone or with a cleaner. However, you can only use it alone when cleaning soluble elements like salt and chocolate. On the other hand, you should use it with a cleaning agent to remove insoluble elements like grease.
Note: Water alone may neither remove all the tough stains nor kill the bacteria and molds on the seams. In addition, flooding the countertop with water may cause substrate swelling.
For this reason, you should use it with a cleaning agent to eliminate a significant percentage of the above elements and reduce water consumption. And, you don’t have to go for the most expensive cleaners; a dish soap might do the trick.
Can You Use Acetone To Clean Formica?
Acetone might be your go-to cleaning agent if you struggle with stubborn stains from tea, coffee, ink, lipstick, paint, or markers on your countertops.
To clean the stains on your Formica, dip a cotton ball or Q-tip into acetone. Use it to rub the stain in circular motions until it loosens. Then use a wet soft cotton cloth to wipe away the loose stain.
Don’t have a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply the cleaner? A piece of soft cotton cloth will suffice. Sometimes you might need a knife to scrape away the stains like the ones from super glue.
Do not let the liquid (acetone) settle on the Formica for too long as it might discolor the surface.
Can You Use Alcohol To Clean Formica?
Rubbing alcohol contains denatured alcohol, which dissolves stains from ink, lipstick, marker pen, etc. Also, the denatured alcohol disinfects surfaces by killing germs and viruses. You can use it to clean most surfaces, including Formica.
To use alcohol to clean Formica, mix some rubbing alcohol in water in a ratio of 1:1. Dip a wet cotton cloth into the mixture and then use it to clean the stains on your Formica countertop. Use soap and water to clean the rubbing alcohol residue on the Formica.
Don’t let the mixture stay on the Formica for too long, as it might discolor the laminate countertop. After cleaning the alcohol with water, use a dry and soft cotton cloth to dry the surface.
Can You Use Bleach To Clean Formica?
You can use bleach on laminate countertops like Formica to disinfect and clean off mold, mildew, and other unwanted debris.
To clean Formica with bleach, spray diluted bleach directly onto your Formica countertops. Allow the puddles to sit on the Formica countertop for a few minutes to break the stubborn grime and kill germs and fungi. Then rinse off the bleach with warm water and then it with a soft cotton cloth.
Note: bleach contains ammonia, which may sometimes discolor the Formica countertops. That said, you should use it in low volumes to avoid the worst from happening.
Sometimes I prefer applying the bleach to the affected areas directly and then rinsing it after 5 minutes.
Can You Use Windex To Clean Formica?
Windex is commonly used for cleaning windows in homes and offices. You can also use it to clean laminate countertops like Formica off tough stains that resist washing with regular soap.
If your Formica has sustained stains from watermarks, lipstick, tea, coffee, or scented cleaning soap, clean the Formica surface with soap and water, then dry it with a microfiber cloth. Spray the clean surface with Windex and wipe dry the surface with a microfiber cloth to get the shiny surface.
Note: Windex contains abrasive chemicals like ammonia, which may cause darkening of the laminate surfaces. For this reason, I recommend you test it in an inconspicuous area to see its effects before applying it in a wide area. Otherwise, you might risk darkening your entire Formica.
Can You Use Car Wax To Clean Formica?
Yes. You can use car wax to give your Formica a clean look. Applying car wax to your Formica gives it a smooth, shiny, and protective layer, securing it against scratches, grime, and other elements.
To apply car wax in your Formica, use soap and water to clean your Formica’s soft stains and dirt. Dry the Formica and spray the car wax in your Formica. Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff the excess wax from your Formica and give it a glossy look.
For best results, apply the car wax in circular patterns and leave it for at least 10 minutes. You can use a cleaning agent of your choice, provided it will leave your Formica spotless for applying the car wax.
Can You Use Pledge To Clean Formica?
If you are looking for a cheap and easy way to clean your Formica countertops and have a pack of pledge on your shelves, then it might be the right time to use it. One good thing about the pledge is that it gives your Formica a clean look while hiding any scratches.
To apply Pledge to your countertop, clean your Formica countertop, and then spray a small amount of Pledge on a clean microfiber cloth. Use the material to wipe the Formica surface in circular motions. Then use a piece of soft cloth to apply the pledge in the Formica.
Use a dry and clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface of the Formica to give it a glossy and smudge-free look.
Note: Pledge comes in different scents, including citrus, lemon, and lavender. You should be sure to pick your favorite scent in the market.
Can You Use Magic Eraser To Clean Formica?
Magic eraser is another cheap and efficient cleaning agent for cleaning Formica countertops. You can use it to clean grease, oil, etc. It also works excellently in masking scuff marks.
Cleaning your Formica using the magic eraser is super easy. Wet the magic eraser using clean water and squeeze out any excess water. Use the wet magic eraser to scrub the surface of your Formica countertop. Be sure to apply pressure to remove the stubborn stains.
Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any residue from the magic eraser and give your Formica a glossy and scuff-free look.
Can You Use Clorox Wipes/Lysol To Clean Formica?
The Clorox wipes are bleach-free disinfecting wipes that clear 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and deliver sparkling clear laminate countertops, including Formica.
Cleaning with Clorox wipes is hassle-free. Just remove the wipes from their pack and use them to scrub your Formica in a round motion. You might have to use several wipes, depending on the size of your countertop. Use a soft microfiber cloth to dry the Formica and clear any remaining stains.
Note: Clorox wipes are not meant for use on human skin. Please don’t use them as diaper wipes or to clean your skin as they contain ammonia and other abrasive compounds which may irritate your skin.
Can You Use Rejuvenate To Clean Formica?
Rejuvenate is a streak-free and pH-balanced formula meant to clean grime, grease, oil, and other surface stains and mask scuff marks on your laminate countertops. Using it to clean your Formica can give it a clean new look. The pack has a rejuvenate applicator to make the application process a breeze.
This content is owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on Dec 2, 2022..
To apply rejuvenate polish on Formica, apply a small amount of rejuvenate polish on the rejuvenate applicator cloth, and then use it to wipe your Formica countertop. Repeat the process until you cover the surface. Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the Formica surface to luster
I prefer cleaning the Formica countertop with soap and water, then wiping it with rejuvenate polish to eliminate stubborn stains and mask scratches to give it a new look.
Can You Use Bar Keepers Friend To Clean Formica?
Yes, You can use Bar Keepers Friend to clean your Formica countertops. The cleaner contains a significant percentage of natural ingredients like oxalic acid, promising to clean grease, oil, water stains, grime, and other debris on your laminate countertops efficiently without damaging them.
Cleaning your Formica with Bar Keepers Friend is easy. Spray the stained area with Bar Keepers Friend and then wipe away the stain with a cloth. Once clean, rinse any Bar Keepers Friend residue with clean water and dry the surface with a clean cloth.
Note: Bar Keepers Friend is available in powder and liquid forms. The powdered option is ideal for heavy-duty cleaning jobs, while the liquid one is designed to offer gentle cleaning on delicate surfaces like laminate countertops. It is the most suitable for cleaning Formica.
However, the liquid bar keepers friend may sometimes fail to clean hard water mineral buildup on your Formica countertops. If this happens, sprinkle the powdered Bar Keepers Friend on the affected area, then scrub the scaling with a damp cloth to remove the stains. Don’t forget to rinse the residue thoroughly with clean water.
Can You Use Goof Off To Clean Formica?
The Goof-Off super glue remover is the ultimate solution for removing the toughest stains you won’t clear using the normal soap and water. It might be your go-to cleaning option if you struggle to clean stains from the epoxy adhesive, super glue, grime, hard water mineral buildup, gorilla glue, etc., from your Formica countertop.
To clean Formica using Goof Off, apply the Goof Off remover to the stained area and wait at least 10 seconds for the stain to dissolve. Scrub the dissolved stain with a soft microfiber cloth. Rinse the stained area with warm water to remove any goof off residue from your Formica.
Can You Use Linseed Oil To Clean Formica?
The linseed oil soap is an efficient cleaner for removing grime, mineral buildup, paints, and other forms of stains. The soap also does excellent in cleaning, mildew, and pathogens.
To use Linseed oil to clean Formica, apply the linseed oil soap to the Formica countertop and allow it to dissolve the stains for at least half an hour. Use a soft-bristled brush to rub the Formica surface, then rinse thoroughly with hot water. Last, dry the surface with a clean cloth
This article was first published on Dec 2, 2022 by Wabi Sabi Group..
Can You Use Soft Scrub To Clean Formica?
Yes, you can use soft scrub to clean simple daily messes and stubborn stains on the Formica countertops.
To clean Formica using soft scrub, squeeze a small amount of soft scrub on the stained area and let it sit for 10 seconds to dissolve the stains. Use a clean microfiber cloth to clean the stain and the soft scrub residue with warm water.
Note: soft scrub may contain bleaching agents, so you shouldn’t let it sit on your Formica countertops for too long as it may discolor your Formica.
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WabiSabi Group is the owner of this article and was published on Dec 2, 2022 and last modified on .