I recently had to deal with a stained white laminate counter top, due to a tea spill that wasn't cleaned up right away. I tried everything to clean it: thick bleach, baking soda (left on for two 24 hour periods), dish soap, all-purpose cleaners, and Vim powder; nothing worked! In fact, bleach seemed to darken the stain, and I suspect this is due to the hard water in our location.
What did work was a melamine "magic eraser", such as the Mr. Clean brand, but any type of melamine foam pad will work. Scrubbing really hard on the stain with the eraser did what no other cleaner could. Now the countertop looks just like normal, after a few sessions with the eraser. Save yourself a lot of trouble and just go with the melamine foam.
Link: http://ask.metafilter.com/18615/Getting-stains-out-of-a-white-formica-kitchen-counter
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have been trying in vain to find some way to clean the counter tops in my kitchen. We are renting this house and the counter tops in the kitchen (Formica I think) are beige. There are all kinds of grayish stains and some that look like rust.
I would try either just some water softener (Calgon) in warm water which is an excellent cleaning solution -- or -- a mixture of 1 part water, 1 part hydrogen peroxide, 1 part liquid Tide, another good stain cleaner.
I have used Lysol Plus Bleach All Purpose Cleaner for many stains on my counters, and have had very good luck getting them out.Good Luck.
I have used Soft Scrub with good results. Are you sure it isn't a burn mark?
I always use straight Clorox>> open windows
leave on for about 10 minutes, if needed apply again. Haven't had a stain it hasn't taken off yet.
Try a product called Zud. You can usually pick it up at a home improvement store, or Wal-Mart. It is very reasonable, and I have found it to work where other products haven't. Good luck
I use the bleach trick also, but on occasion that doesn't work. Then I take some liquid dishwasher detergent, any will do, and rub that on always works.
I swear by BARKEEPERS FRIEND. That's what we used to clean the counters in a bar I worked years ago. I sill use it in my own home all the time.
Go to your local paper products/janitorial place and get some ringo if they have it. Don't leave it on for more than 2 minutes. But it will work.
I have used good old BAKING SODA and a damp sponge or also the liquid electric dishwasher detergent. Preferable liquid cascade brand for great results as I have all white counters
I use a product by Melauleuca called "Sol-u-mel"...it is a wonder product! Just dab it on a cotton ball and spead it on the stain...let it sit, then scrub with SOS pad.
If possible, I would ask the landlord to put in new counters. If refused, what about painting the counters, with the landlord's permission, of course. A good paint store or Home Depot type store should be able to make good suggestions.
Lynn
For the person looking for counter top cleaner, a friend gave me
something that is similar to Ajax, it is called Barkeepers Friend.
It took marker off a wood/glass coffee table. It works wonders!
Sharon
How can I clean formica furniture?
C from Coconut Creek, Florida
I am trying to clean my kitchen counters which are the laminate or whatever is in a lot of kitchens - inexpensive stuff. Can you please guide me to the right hint?
My black Formica countertop has white stains that do not show up when wet but can see when dry. Any ideas on how to remove them?
By nico De Zeeuw from Fort Lauderdale
I had accidently sprayed some oven cleaner on my black Formica counter. It has left a stain. How can I restore the color to the counter?
By Helen E. from Bellingham, WA
I have a vintage Formica-top kitchen table in my bedroom. It sounds weird, but it fits in and there's room for it. I have a large room and a small table.
The other day, I (foolishly) stood beside it while using hairspray, and now when you run your hand across it, you can feel the overspray. You can't see any difference.
How can I clean this off without damaging the 50-60 year old table? It didn't come clean with Windex.
By Claire
I have Formica countertops and also Formica on the back of my stove. Could you please tell me how to get grease spots off of my Formica on the back of my stove.
By Pat Rebuck
This is not really about a repair, but a question about cleaning and polishing an old '40s style Formica table top. It is yellow with a cracked ice design, some of which is worn away. It also has a painted fish design around the edges, which shows some wear, but I do not want to repair or replace the table top.
It's looking more dull than when I bought it and I'd like to clean (if necessary) and polish it without causing any more wear to the Formica or the painted design. Anyone?
I have a green Formica countertop that has pink mold in the crease behind the sink area. How do I remove the mold without removing color from the Formica?
How do I remove product stain from a black Formica countertop?
I want to clean Formica so that I can faux paint it to look like granite. What should I use to make sure it is really clean and the paint will stick?
By mary ann penson from Phoenix, AZ
