How to Remove Stains From Formica

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By MFoust
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Remove Stains From Formica

Have a stubborn stain on your Formica counter top? Let’s get rid of that stain in a few easy steps! Formica is a great imitation for marble and other types of quality stone. Formica consists of polyester and acrylic resins combined with mineral fillers which can on rare occasions lead to staining. Formica is sold under different brand types (DuPont, Corlan). Because Formica is a solid surfaced synthetic it is very easy to care for and widely popular

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

sponge
warm water
ammonia base cleaner
cleaning detergent
liquid scouring cleanser
plastic scrub pad
400 grit sandpaper(for semi gloss and hi-gloss finishes)
180 or 220 grit sandpaper (for matte and satin finishes)

Step 1

Dip sponge in warm water and detergent solution. Wipe stain to clean surface. If stain proves to be too stubborn for this removal advance to Step 2.
Step 2

Dip sponge in warm water and ammonia based cleaner. Wipe stain clean. If stain proves to be too stubborn for this removal advance to Step 3.
Step 3

Apply liquid scouring cleanser on stain let set for 5-10 seconds. Using a plastic scouring pad scrub stain clean. If counter top has a high gloss finish DO NOT use plastic scouring pad, instead use a sponge. If stain proves to be too stubborn for this removal advance to Step 5 after reading Step 4.
Step 4

Most Formica surfaces can withstand a light sanding. If all else fails (steps 1-3) sanding is necessary. This process will remove most stains, nicks, gouges burn marks and scratches.
Step 5

For high-gloss and semi gloss finishes use a 400 grit sandpaper - for a satin or matte finish use a 180 or 220 grit sandpaper to LIGHTLY sand the stain away. Be careful to go in the natural pattern of the Formica to ensure a smooth transition.
Step 6

After sanding surface carefully wipe away excess "shavings" with a sponge dipped in warm water and finish with light wiping of the entire surface. TADA! the stain is gone!

Comments

scrubjay said

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on 9/6/2009 Be careful of sandpaper, or any abrasive and even soft scrub. I got too energetic with soft scrub and wore a hole right through the surface to the undercoat. Huge mistake that can not be undone... Further, do more research on cleaners. Ammonia works well but other sites recommend peroxide and even denatured alcohol. I imagine it depends on the cause of the stain which may or may not be known.