Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500340
06/24/03
Removing Stains: Plastic Laminate
Some suggestions for specific types of stains:
Plastic laminate resists normal household staining
problems-it shrugs off children's crayons and most
spilled drinks.
Food Stains
Some fruit drink, tea and coffee stains can be
difficult to remove, as can glass rings, water marks and
fingerprints. A thorough cleaning with a mild detergent
or a household cleaner and soft bristle brush are
effective.
Newer food dyes used in beverages and gelatin dessert
mixes stain very quickly, especially red shades. If some
is spilled, wipe up at once. To remove the stain, pour
rubbing alcohol on the area and spread with your hand.
Let stand a minute, and then apply chlorine bleach
directly to the stain and let stand a minute. Rinse with
clear water. OR try a solution of equal parts of white
vinegar and water for a minute, and rinse.
Chemical Stains
FORMICA brand laminate resists many chemicals,
including alcohol and most cosmetics and drugs. Take care
when using bluing or laundry bleaches or hair dyes and
rinses. These chemicals can cause permanent stains.
Ink Stains
Take care with plastic laminate counters when using
indelible inks, such as felt marking pens. Food pricing
labels sometimes use indelible inks that can transfer
onto a laminate surface. To remove such stains, use full
strength Pinesol or household spray cleaner and allow it
to draw out the stain. Blot away with a damp cloth, then
rinse. Solvents such as denatured alcohol may also be
used. CAUTION: Most solvents are extremely flammable;
keep away from flame or electrical sparks. Chlorine
bleach may be used by dampening a cloth sparingly and
blotting onto the stained area for no longer than a
minute. Then, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Formica
Corporation.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .