What Is A Safe Way To Remove Stains From A Formica Counter Top?

Question

I don't want to have to replace the countertop, so I'm looking for some way to remove stains without damaging it. There are some rings, rust and grape juice stains. Any help is much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Formica Cabinet Cleaning
If you're not cleaning your kitchen cabinets regularly, those made with material such as formica can turn yellow. If this has happened, of course you'll want to restore them to their original white color. Formica counters and cabinets can be cleaned with mild liquid scouring cleaner, a light duty cleaner, baking soda, or a glass cleaner. Wipe them with a damp sponge, rinse and wipe dry. For stubborn spots, try a shot of laundry pre-wash spray or a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for half an hour, then rub with a nonmetallic scrubber. For a greasy stain, you can use a little rubbing alcohol for your kitchen cabinet cleaning.. If the Formica has yellowed, it is likely the discoloration is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. A bleach based kitchen cleaning product used with a soft nylon scrubbing pad or a soft toothbrush might turn your cabinets back to white. If that doesn't work, you can try sponging on a bleach and water solution, but don't leave it on there too long, just a minute or so, then rinse well with clean water. (Make sure to wear rubber gloves and old clothing when working with bleach and be sure to protect surrounding surfaces from bleach drips.
Good Luck! =)

Answer 2

I have been in the countertop business for many years and this question comes up from time to time. Stains might seem permanent, but some simple mixtures can remove most, if not all of the stain. (Please note that before trying any of the following methods you test a small inconspicuous area of the countertop for discoloration.)

First, try a simple mixture of liquid soap and warm water. Let it stand for ten minutes and clean the area. Letting the mixture sit helps to draw out residue. I find that letting Formula 409® sit works also.
Make a paste using baking soda and water. Like the above method, let the mixture sit two minutes to draw out the stain. Do not rub the mixture, baking soda is abrasive. Wipe it away with a warm cloth and clean the area completely. If water does not work you can substitute a liquid detergent. Repeat the process a couple times if needed.
If all else fails try a small amount of denatured alcohol on a cotton ball. Follow all directions and warnings on the label because it is extremely flammable. (This method works well with pen and permanent marker stains).

Now for the important part, what NOT to use! Formica® says it best:
"Never use cleaners containing acid, alkali, or sodium hypochlorite. These cleaners will mar, etch, corrode, and permanently discolor the laminate surface. Also, make sure that bottles, rags, and other materials contaminated with these cleaners never contact the laminate surface. Accidental spills or splatters from these compounds should be wiped off immediately, and the area rinsed thoroughly with water."

No matter what type of countertop you own, prevention is key. Routine cleaning with soap and water applied with a sponge works great for daily cleaning. If you spill Wine, tea, coffee or any other staining liquids wipe the area immediately.

Answer 3

Bar Keepers Friend will take out rust, rings and the juice stain without scratching the surface or damaging the finish. I use it to take rust stains out of a lot of things, including fabric. It is sold in grocery stores where you find cleansers (like Ajax or Comet.)

Answer 4

For the rust you can try WD-40 or some cans of Diet Coke. Grape juice I would think should come up with some scrubbing -- maybe some abrasive detergents, but you could also try Nail Polish remover.

Answer 5

bleach works instantly on my juice stained countertop & I've never noticed any damage--just takes a minute or so then wipe it off

. --rust? there's a cleaner out there that's a paste with granules in it--"industrial strength" ....some guy gave me a bottle of at a yard sale once, but I've never had rust stains....
.

Answer 6

I pour a small amount of bleach on the stain wipe clean about about a couple of minutes. works great.

Answer 7

WD-40 works great on counters, but use nail polish remover if that doesn't work for you! Nail polish remover works on almost everything!

Answer 8

powder ajax or comet on the counter then take a damp (not wet) sponge and scrub it out. good luck

Answer 9

I use a cleaner with bleach -- either SoftScrub or Clorox CleanUp.

Answer 10

the product grease lightning works great for that sort of thing. you can get it at any grocery store or walmart, target.