Definition
Main Entry: 3lam·i·nate
Pronunciation: -n&t, -"nAt
Function: noun
Date: 1939
: a product made by laminating.
First off, we should start out by explaining "laminate" to you so you can have a better idea of why laminate should be maintained. Laminate is made up of a backer material which gives it it's strength and a surface which is actually highly compressed paper. Think of laminate as a photograph of a natural or man made material that is then placed on your counter, just as with real photographs if you do not take care in preventing chemicals from coming in contact with the surface you may damage the finish.
CARING FOR..
- Always rinse your laminate surface thoroughly after cleaning! the number 1 cause of damage to many counters comes from the residue left behind by cleaning agents. These chemicals can be reactivated and concentrated by moisture that has collected on cups or dishes causing RINGS to appear on the laminate surface, This type of damage is permanent.
- Never use the surface of your counter as a cutting board, the laminate is durable but it certianly can't handle a ginsu! use a cutting board instead.
- Never place a hot pot or pan directly on your counter, you can cause blistering or de-lamination of the surface. Always use a trivet with feet to allow proper air-flow between the counter surface and pan/pot.
- Many all-purpose cleaners are safe for use on laminate surfaces but you should always check the directions for proper usage.
- You can prolong the beauty of your new countertops by using a countertop polish product. Think of your counter like your car, the occasional application of wax polish on it's surface helps protect it from mild scratching and weathering so why not apply a polish to your counters too?considering you use them almost as much as you do your car.
CLEANING..
- Bleach... Full strength bleach should not be used when cleaning your new counters, bleach can actually remove the color from your laminate counter if left in one spot for too long a period. If you feel that you must clean with bleach dilute it to a 6:1 ratio 6 parts water and 1 part bleach. After cleaning with the solution clean the counter again with soapy water, the reason for this is that were you to let the counter dry without cleaning off the bleach water it would form a film on the surface that could be reactivated if someone were to place a sweating glass on the counter, this would concentrate the residual bleach and cause "rings" to appear. these rings are permanent bleach marks.
- Soap and water... soap and water is recommended for best results and less cleaning time.
- Drain cleaners... Should drain cleaners come in contact with the laminate surface you should immediately wash the surface with warm soapy water repeatedly until you are sure that all traces of the cleaner are removed.
- Inks... Most inks will not "set"on the laminate surface, they can readily be cleaned up. The type of ink determines the type of cleaner to use, most can be cleaned up with nail polish remover or laquer thinner.
- Abrasive cleaners.. Abrasive cleaners should not be used to clean your counters, even mild abrasive cleaners will damage the finish of laminate. It may not be apparent at first but over a period of time areas will start to wear away where you clean the most especially on glossy finishes.
- Dyes... Fabric, hair and food dyes can cause permanent stains. Any spills should be wiped up immediately with dishwashing soap or an all purpose cleaner.
- Drain cleaners... Especially ones containing lye will permanently damage the counter surface, you should immediately wash the surface with warm soapy water repeatedly until you are sure that all traces of the cleaner are removed.
- Steel wool... As with abrasive cleaners you should not use steel wool to clean your counters. It may not be apparent at first but over a period of time areas will start to wear away where you clean the most especially on glossy finishes.
- Rust removers... These products contain very harsh chemicals which will quickly damage the surface of your counter, if you happen to spill these clean them up immediately with warm soapy water.
- Paint strippers... Paint strippers contain very harsh acids, if you happen to spill these clean them up immediately with warm soapy water.
- Toilet bowl cleaners... As with rust removers these products contain very harsh chemicals which will quickly damage the surface of your counter.
- Tea... Will wash off easily with mild detergent.
- Sunlight... Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause the laminate surface to fade or yellow, for this reason laminate should not be used for outdoor purposes.
- Paint... Water base paints can usually be cleaned up with soap and water. Dried paint should be removed with a soft bristle brush or a non-abrasive plastic scouring pad don't use a knife or metal scraper, lacquer or oil based paints should be removed with the same solvent recommended by the manufacturer follow instructions and be very careful as most solvents are highly flammable.
- Iodine... Tincture of iodine will stain if not removed promptly, use a mild solution of bleach and a soft bristle brush.
- Solvents... If you find the need to use a solvent for cleaning be very careful not to saturate the edges or joints of your counter as the solvent will quickly attack the glue used to bond the laminate to the substrate.
