How to Repair and Clean Formica

Formica comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Formica is a composite material often used on kitchen and bathroom countertops. While Formica is heat resistant and easy to clean, it is subject to scratching, lifting and chipping. Depending on the type of damage and severity of the problem, you can fix your Formica countertop rather than replace the entire unit. This can save you thousands of dollars in materials and labor to replace your kitchen's countertop.

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife
• Contact cement
• Towel
• Household cleaner
• Baking soda
• Laminate filler
• Top coat wax

Instructions

1. Pull any corners that are lifting with a putty knife, giving yourself just enough space to apply a layer of contact cement to the underneath of the Formica. Push the Formica against the counter, holding it firmly for a minute while the contact cement dries and bonds the Formica to the counter.

2. Spray your Formica countertop with household cleaner. Stay away from brands with bleach, because they may fade the countertop color over time. Wipe the surface with a clean towel. You may need to scrub a little with the towel for anything that is caked on. Refrain from using abrasive pads; they can scratch the surface. Dry the surface with a fresh clean cloth.

3. Apply full-strength household cleaners directly to stains. Leave the cleaner on the counter for several minutes before blotting it with a clean towel. This will pull the stains out of the Formica.

   Household cleaners may not work on some stains such as hair dyes, tomato sauce or food dyes. For these types of stains, mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply the paste over the stain (do not rub it, because it can scratch). Let it sit for several minutes before wiping it up with a clean damp cloth.

4. Apply laminate filler to nicks, scratches and cracks. Use a putty knife to create a smooth surface covering the damaged area. Laminate filler is available at home improvement stores. Allow this to dry completely before covering it with a top coat wax to protect the surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use abrasive or harsh chemicals on your countertop. This can scratch, mar or corrode the top. It can also discolor the finish.

• Never place a hot pot directly on Formica. Use trivets to create a heat barrier, preventing burns and scarring of the top.

References

• Natural Handyman: Cleaning Formica
• Formica Corporation: National Product Guide