How to Clean a Laminate Table or Countertop

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: January 14, 2023

Laminate is an easy-clean surface that doesn't need too much extra care. Many household products are designed to help keep laminate surfaces clean. More difficult food and liquid stains might require a little more work, but they'll come up with relative ease too.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Maintaining a Clean Surface

1
Wipe up spills quickly. Most spills can be handled with relative ease if addressed immediately. Use damp paper towels or a wash rag on wet spills, and clean crumbs with a mini broom or simply by wiping them away with your hand.
2
Prepare your solution. If you weren't able to address a spill immediately, you can use one of any number of standard household cleaners after checking the back label to make sure they are compatible with laminate. If you don't have a solution you can mix soap with warm water, or add 2–4 tablespoons (30–59 mL) of vinegar to 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water.^{[1]
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- Most standard cleaners will be compatible. Laminate usually tolerates everything from soap to vinegar to even bleach.^{[2]
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- If you are ever unsure about any cleaning solution, test it in an inconspicuous spot first. ^{[3]
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3
Wash the laminate. Use a non-abrasive sponge or towel to clean the laminate.^{[4]
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Research source} If you are using your own solution, wet your sponge and spread it over the laminate. Allow it to sit and soak in a moment before scrubbing. If you are using a pre mixed solution, spray it over the laminate and let it sit for a moment before scrubbing.
- Use a soft, used toothbrush to scrub along seams and metal edging. ^{[5]
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4
Rinse it with water. Once you have washed the laminate, you should rinse the surface with water to remove any remaining residue of your cleaning solution. Warm water and a soft towel are great for this.
5
Dry the laminate. Use a soft dry towel to dry the laminate if you desire. You could also let it air dry, but drying it yourself will help you see whether or not there are any remaining stains. Assuming that there aren't any stains left, you are done!

Expert Answer

Q

A wikiHow reader asked: "How do I get the shine back on my laminate countertop?"

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

EXPERT ADVICE

Answer from Michelle Driscoll, MPH:

Michelle Driscoll, a cleaning expert, recommends: "You can use a laminate countertop polish as long as it does not contain silicone, which can leave unwanted build up on your countertop. If you can't find a laminate polish, you can use a fiberglass or acrylic polish instead. Simply spray the product on your countertop and rub it in with a soft cloth using circular motions."

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning Tough Stains

1
Mix baking soda into a paste. Slowly add water to a bowl of baking soda and mix it until a thick paste forms. You don't want this paste to be too runny. It should be thick.
2
Apply the paste to the stain. Put paste on top of the stain. The stain should be completely covered by a layer of paste. Put a paper towel on top of the area to keep moisture in.
3
Let the paste soak in. Leave the stain alone for at least an hour, but preferably several. It will take some time for the baking soda to lift the stain out of the laminate.
4
Wipe the paste away. Without scrubbing, gently wipe the laminate surface clean. Baking soda can be abrasive so you don't want to scrub and potentially leave micro-scratches on the surface. Most of the time, this should take care of your stain.
5
Use a gentle solvent on any remaining stain. If any stain remains, it can usually be addressed by using a solvent like paint thinner or nail polish remover. Apply one of these and gently scrub with a soft towel.
- Be sure to use a white cloth or towel - the solvent could cause the colors to bleed!

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I get the shine back on my laminate countertop?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

You can use a laminate countertop polish as long as it does not contain silicone, which can leave unwanted build up on your countertop. If you can't find a laminate polish, you can use a fiberglass or acrylic polish instead. Simply spray the product on your countertop and rub it in with a soft cloth using circular motions
Question

How do you clean a sticky laminate countertop?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

If you have a sticky substance on your laminate countertops, it is recommended to create a thick baking soda paste with baking soda and water or baking soda and vinegar. Apply the paste over the sticky areas of the countertop and let the paste soak in for about 30 minutes. Wipe the paste away and wash your countertop with mild soap and water or a vinegar and water solution.
Question

What is the best product to clean laminate countertops?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

In most cases, you will only need a mild dish soap solution or a vinegar and water solution to clean your countertops. Use a soft sponge and let the solution sit on the countertops for a few minutes before rinsing it with water and drying with a microfiber cloth.