How to Care for a Dark Colored Formica Solid Surface

Keep the glossy finish on Formica with mild soap and water.

You can expect many years of use from your dark Formica solid surface if you just follow a few simple rules about its care. Formica is a common surface for kitchen counter tops and casual furniture due to its beauty and durability. The dark colored Formica is usually high gloss. To keep that glossy look, only use mild detergents to clean it and never use any abrasive cleaners, either powder or liquid.

Things You'll Need

• Mild dishwashing soap
• Sponge or dishcloth
• Paper towel or dish towel

Instructions

1. Wet a sponge or dishcloth and wring it out. Pour a small amount of dish detergent onto the sponge or dishcloth.

2. Wipe all the Formica surfaces with the wet sponge or dishcloth. Wipe across the surface in the same direction, to collect any debris or crumbs into a pile in one spot close to the edge of the surface. Wipe the debris into your hand and throw it away.

3. Rinse the sponge or cloth out with clear, running water. Wipe across the Formica surface to remove the soap.

4. Dry the surface with a dry kitchen towel or paper towel to remove the possibility of water spots on the glossy, dark Formica surface.

5. Clean stains such as tea, fruit drinks and food dye with full strength bleach. Leave it on the stain for two to five minutes, then wipe with a soapy sponge.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a cutting board to cut food because Formica can scratch.

• Dr Neil Schachter of Mount Sinai Hospital recommends you microwave your wet sponge for two minutes to eliminate the germs that tend to harbor inside. This will decrease the possibility you will spread germs around the surfaces.

• Never put a hot pan on a Formica surface since it can scorch.

References

• Krehling Industries, Inc: A Little Care Goes a Long Way
• Furniture Realm: Formica Laminate Care Guide
• WebMD: Germs in the Kitchen

Resources

• Formica: Product Line