Q: Any tips on how to remove hard-water stains on my Formica countertops around the dish drainer trays? — Marguerite Harrah Cuyahoga Falls A: I would try Bar Keepers Friend. It’s a mild powdered cleanser that doesn’t scratch and is supposed to be effective on hard-water stains. The manufacturer says it’s safe for plastic laminate, such as
Formica. Make sure the surface is wet before you apply the cleanser. I’d also test it in an inconspicuous spot first. Although soaking in vinegar removes hard-water residue from many surfaces, I wouldn’t try that on a plastic laminate counter. Vinegar is an acid, albeit a weak one. Plastic-laminate manufacturers caution against using acidic cleaners. Chlorine bleach might work, but laminate manufacturers differ on whether it’s safe to use on their products. Since I know from our follow-up correspondence that you’re not sure of the brand of your countertops, I’d avoid bleach or at least test it in an inconspicuous place. Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Akron Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries that are chosen to appear in the paper. To submit a question, call her at 330-996-3756, or send email to . Be sure to include your full name, your town and your phone number or email address. Facebook Twitter Email Even the toughest food and liquid stains can be cleaned from kitchen counters with the right tools and cleaner.
Apply a Baking Soda Paste to the StainStubborn stains on countertops can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent. Standard household spray cleaners will remove most of them. Check the label and make sure any product you use is recommended for laminate countertops. The secret to success with these products is patience; let the cleaner work for five minutes or so before you wipe off the countertop. A plastic brush is helpful on stubborn spots. If a standard cleaner won’t do the job, try baking soda. Paste made from baking soda and a little water often removes stains left by fruit juices and other liquids. Baking soda is slightly abrasive and can leave fine scratches, so don’t scrub. Just let the paste work for one to two hours and then wipe it off gently. Pro Tip: Don’t let any type of cleaner or solvent pool over seams in the laminate or along the edges. It can seep under the laminate, weaken the adhesive and damage the particleboard substrate. Rub Off Stains With Nail Polish RemoverGentle solvents like paint thinner, or harsher solvents like denatured alcohol, acetone and nail polish removers, often work on the toughest stains, including ink. These solvents are flammable and give off nasty fumes, so the best way to use them is to apply a small amount to a soft rag or cotton ball. Most solvents won’t harm or discolor plastic laminate, but play it safe and test them on an inconspicuous spot first. Pro Tip: Don’t clean laminate with abrasives like steel wool, scouring pads or scouring powder. They may remove stains, but they may also leave micro-scratches in the surface, making future stains more likely. What about bleach?There’s no doubt that bleach is a great stain remover. Some laminate manufacturers suggest using it undiluted on stains, while others warn against using any product that contains bleach. Since you may not know what brand of laminate you have, test bleach before using it. Wipe a little on an inconspicuous spot and let it dry. Check the spot for discoloration before you use bleach on a stain. These are the mistakes people make when cleaning with bleach. Family HandymanProtect Against Future StainsThe best way to prevent stains is to wipe up messes immediately; the longer something sits, the more likely it is to leave a stain. A coating of countertop polish can also help. Coating products usually aren’t necessary on newer laminate. But years of wear leave the surface more porous and stain-prone; that’s when these protective coatings can make a big difference. One such product, Countertop Magic, is available home centers and hardware stores. Any coating product will wear off and should be reapplied every few weeks. How do you get water stains out of laminate?↪ Use Vinegar-Water Mixture
To remove water stains on laminate flooring, you need a mild solution. Mix a cup of vinegar in a bucket of warm water. Mop the floors as you usually do with the mixture. Rinse off afterward with plain water.
How do you remove white water stains from laminate countertops?Apply a paste of baking soda and water on the area to pull out the stain. Wipe up the dried paste with a clean, damp non-abrasive cotton cloth, and rinse clean with water. Be aware that the baking soda-water paste will be slightly abrasive, so it is important not to rub the paste into the laminate surface.
How do you get hard water stains off countertops?While it's not generally wise to use abrasive cleaners on your natural stone countertops, you can safely treat stubborn hard water stains with a paste of baking soda and water. Simply apply it to the affected area and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush, then rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
How do you fix discolored laminate countertops?Instead, simply use dish soap or a mixture of water (2 cups) and vinegar (one tablespoon). Leave the solution on the surface for 2 minutes before wiping it down. If the stains are especially stubborn, use a paste made of baking soda and water. Apply the paste with a nylon brush to reach any stains in deeper crevices.
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How to remove hard water stains from laminate countertops
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