How to Get Stains Out of Laminate Counters and Floors
Greased Lightning Multi-Purpose Cleaner
The company slogan for this super strength cleaner is “Cleans When Others Can’t” and it is absolutely true! I live by this cleaner and it really works. Not only is it good for getting some stains out of kitchen counters and floors but you can use this cleaner just about anywhere in the house, garage, and car. This multi-purpose cleaner is basically industrial strength and it will peel paint off sheet metal so you have to be careful when using it. For use on laminate counter tops and floors just spray the cleaner directly on the stain and let sit for no longer than 1 or 2 minutes. If you let it sit too long it will dull the surface of the laminate and then you will have to buff and polish it to get the shine back. While the cleaner sits on the stain rub it in a circular motion with either your fingers or a sponge. After 2 minutes wipe the cleaner away and rinse with water.
Because Greased Lightning is so caustic you want to only leave it on for a few minutes at a time, but you can repeat the process when neccessary. On counter tops it is great for small stubborn stains. When using Greased Lightning on a laminate floor after doing one spot you may come to realize just how dirty it may be. Because this spray is so powerful you may want to do the entire floor one section at a time. Clean about three square feet at a time; once you’ve done half the floor you will notice a distinct difference. Greased Lightning can be bought just about anywhere regular household cleaners are sold. It comes in a white spray bottle with a black and yellow label. If you can’t find it at any of your local stores go to the Greased Lightning website at http://www.greased-lightning.com and click on the where to buy link at the bottom of the page. You can also get coupons from the website.
Baking Soda
If you’re the type who wants to go the all natural route when it comes to cleaning your home you can try using baking soda. Baking soda works pretty decently on laminate floors and counters, and you won’t take the risk of removing the shine from the surface. To use baking soda simply make a thick paste with a couple of tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of water. Because baking soda tends to be slightly abrasive you cant really rub it in too hard otherwise you will scratch your counters and floors. Once laminate is scratched it is more likely to get stains and the stains will be very difficult to remove because they will actually be under the surface.
When using a baking soda paste rub gently, don’t scrub and when the stain begins to break up add a couple of drops of water and thin down the paste. Rub gently for another minute or so and then wipe away with a soft cloth. You don’t really have to rinse with water after using baking soda but if you don’t get the paste completely off it can leave some residue behind. On extremely difficult stains you may have to just let the paste sit for several hours and then come back and wipe it down.
Bleach
Bleach is definitely one of the most powerful stain removers but for many laminate surfaces you should test in an inconspicuous area first. A good spot for floors is usually behind an appliance, or on the end or side of a counter. When bleach is applied to some colored laminate counters it will take the color out, especially with blue and red hues. If your laminate counters and floors are resistant to bleach you may either apply it full strength or watered down. It is usually best to apply bleach watered down but applying it full strength will take the stains out in seconds. Testing first will let you know how much water you should add to the bleach. Sometimes a 2:1 ratio is fine but for sensitive laminate you may want to use an 8:1 ratio or higher. As with most cleaners you will want to rinse with clean water after removing the stains just to make sure there is no damaging residue left behind.
Nail Polish Remover
If you tried all the other suggestions mentioned and you still cannot get your stains out, then nail polish remover is basically your last option. Nail polish remover can remove the toughest of stains but it will strip the shine off laminate floors and counter tops. The brands of nail polish remover that have acetone as the main ingredient can do serious damage to laminate. If spilled or left on too long acetone nail polish remover can mar and melt the surface of your laminate counters and floors. When using nail polish remover it is pretty likely you are going to remove the shine from the surface, even if you use a non acetone remover. The best way to try to avoid this is to use a cotton ball or swab dipped in non acetone nail polish remover and rub gently on the stain for less than 30 seconds. Then wash with soap and water, dry, and repeat if neccessary. Because you will be applying the remover for such a short amount of time you may have to repeat the process 5 times or more. But if you’re trying not to ruin your laminate it is best to take it slow and do it a little at a time. Always wash with soap and water and then dry completely.
If none of these techniques works for you it may be time to just rip out the laminate counter top or flooring and replace it. Luckily laminate is cheap and if you have some money to spend it can be easily replaced.
