Formica or plastic countertops are often a prudent financial choice for homeowners. But what do you do when the counters are stained in ordinary, daily use? Once the stain is set, it may be impossible to remove it completely from a plastic counter. At his blog, Mr. Fix It recommends the use of Gel-Gloss cleaner polish to remove all but the most-resistant stains and to add a protective coating.
It can be helpful to identify the substance that caused the stain. Tea and coffee stains are the most difficult to remove once they’re fully embedded in the counter. Above all else, don’t use a wire scrubber or abrasive; you only scratch the surface and then it is stained and scratched. Baking soda works well with fresh stains and you may have good luck in using it on older ones.
Treating Stubborn Counter Stains
You may also want to try dishwasher detergent or acetone (nail polish remover) on the most desperate cases. But make sure to remove all the residue of whatever you use for cleaning before you put anything down on your counters. Undiluted bleach can work, but try it on a tiny, inconspicuous section of counter to see if it only adds additional staining.
Family Handiman prefers the baking soda technique, applying it as a thick paste and laying wet paper towels over it while it does its work. It may work well on liquid stains, especially from fruit juices.
If you resort to using acetone or solvents like paint thinner, be sure to work in a well-ventilated kitchen or you can pay a price. If you know the brand of laminate, contact the manufacturer for details on the kind of protective coatings to use after you remove the stains.
