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Cleaning and Caring For Laminate Countertops

By Sarah Aguirre, About.com

Laminate Countertop Description:

Laminate countertops are the most common countertop you're likely to find. Laminate countertops are made from layers of paper and plastic that are laminated together to form the countertop surface.

Laminate Countertop Pros:

Laminate countertops hold up well to all the things a family puts their countertops through. These countertops will resist a lot of scratching and spills. They don't burn easily or dull. Many different patterns, colors, and finishes are available to choose from. These countertops are super simple to clean, and very forgiving.

Laminate Countertop Cons:

Although laminate countertops stand up to a lot of spills and scratches, they can be damaged. And when they are, it's nearly impossible to repair. Laminate countertops have seams, or places where the pieces meet. The seams are visible. They are also susceptible to water damage.

Cleaning Laminate Countertops:

To clean laminate countertops use a clean cloth and a mild dish soap and water. Dry the countertop after washing to prevent water from pooling in the seams.

Stained areas can be treated with a baking soda paste. Mix a 3:1 ratio of baking soda and water. Spread over the stain. Let sit for 3-5 minutes before wiping away. Don't scrub the countertop because, although it's a mild abrasive, the baking soda can damage the finish of the countertop.

Laminate Countertop Maintenance:

You can use a special paste for laminate countertops to repair small scratches or chips. Several colors of paste are available in hardware stores.

No regular maintenance is usually required.

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