How to Clean a Formica Counter Top

Clean your Formica countertop with products you already have at home.

Formica and laminate are great materials for counters tops. Unfortunately, they are porous and stain quite easily. Coffee, wine, ketchup, spices and juice can all leave stains on your Formica counter top. There are many products on the market that are designed to clean these surfaces effectively. However, you can readily make your own cleaner that will work as good as any commercial cleaner, and you'll save a little money in the process. Use these steps to get counters clean the old fashion way.

Things You'll Need

• Kitchen cleanser
• Bleach
• Gloves
• Absorbent cloth

Instructions

1. Fill the bottom of a sink with a gallon of warm, clean water.

2. Add one quarter cup bleach. Any bleach will do, but bargain brands give you the most for your money.

3. Sprinkle the counter with any mildly abrasive kitchen cleanser.

4. Wet cloth or a cleaning brush in sink. Wring out excess water.

5. Lightly rub the cloth or a cleaning brush in a circular motion over the counter top, making a thin paste of the cleanser.

6. Let this paste sit for 90 seconds. Don't let mixture sit any longer as bleach stains badly if left sitting too long.

7. Clean the paste from counter. Rinse cloth out in clean water and rinse well to remove all of the kitchen cleanser residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Use gloves to protect your hands.

• Open window to reduce fumes.

• Don't use a heavy wire brush as it will scratch your counter.