Care and Maintenance

Laminate Countertop Care and Maintenance

The surface of your new countertop is highly resistant to wear and heat. It is not, however, completely heat, stain, or cut resistant. The material will withstand 275° F., which in normal household use, is more than adequate to prevent damage. Do Not place a hot pan or skillet directly on the countertop as these metals can reach 500° F. or more. Always use a trivet under cookware. Electric frying pans and other heat-producing appliances may produce heat in excess of 275° F.

Few chemicals and foods used in the kitchen will stain your countertop. If a slight stain should occur, it may be possible to remove it with a very mild cleanser containing a bleaching agent, or use a baking soda paste and rinse with water. Do Not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

The surface of your countertop is a decorative laminate and should not be used as a cutting surface or chopping block. There is no way of removing cuts or scratches.

Waxing and polishing are not necessary but a light wax may be used to keep your countertop looking its best.

Soap, water, and proper care will keep the surface beautiful for many years.

There are numerous products on the market to clean, shine, and polish countertops. Read all labels to determine if the product is safe for decorative laminate. If in doubt about compatibility, check with the laminate manufacturer.

Never let water or liquids stand on a mitered seam or laminate seam. The liquid could penetrate through the seam and swell the substrate over time. Appliances like coffee makers, ice tea makers, etc. that use water as part of their operation, and where water spills are likely to occur, should not be placed directly over a laminate or miter seam.

More information can be obtained at the individual laminate manufacturers web sites. Links to laminate manufacturers can be found on our ‘Contact Us | Links page’ for your convenience.

Notice: When designing or replacing an existing laminate top, it is very important to, keep the placement of a laminate seam or miter seam as far away as possible from the sink. Water contact over a repeated period of time can lead to a failure of the laminate joint and swelling of the substrate. Water penetration in a laminate joint is not covered by any warranty.