How to Clean Laminates

Clean laminate sheets effectively without damaging their surface finish.

Laminates are easily the most popular choice for all types of furniture, doors, table tops and more. Their wide application requires them to be strong and resistant against external environmental factors like high or low temperature, dust and scratches, moisture and pressure. Stubborn stains are difficult to get off, are frustrating to hide and require treatment according to the nature of the staining agent. The possibility of stain removal by indigenous methods puts us at the risk of seriously damaging the laminate sheets. Spot scrubbing under the action of chemical agents can result in scratches and discolouration.

The good news is most commercially available agents are capable of taking stains off laminate sheets. However, considering the health and safety aspects of modern living, they aren’t the best things you’d want to put your hands on. Laminates are items of finishing that come in direct contact with skin – we eat around them, touch them and store intimate objects in closets, table-tops and furniture. While some of us may want to take the supermarket approach to things, many of us have started to believe in using cleaning agents that come from organic sources and are devoid of harmful chemicals. As a rule of the thumb, make sure you check the label before you buy any product that is recommended to clean decorative laminates.

Here are some things you should bear in mind if you want to keep laminate sheets looking new –

1. Gentle scrubbing is more effective!

The secret to cleanliness lies in patience. Gentle scrubbing for a couple of minutes is more effective in removing stains from decorative laminates than a bout of effortful rubbing. If the commercial standard cleaners don’t work, use a mixture of baking soda. Baking Soda is slightly abrasive so use carefully!

2. The duster makes all the difference!

Use a clean and a damp, nonabrasive cotton cloth along with a mild liquid detergent.Always rinse it with clean water using a clean cotton cloth.Make sure you don’t flood laminate sheets with water.Dry the surface of laminate sheets with clean damp, cotton cloth.

3. Acetone is still the best solvent!

Acetone or nail polish remover is good for removing all kinds of stain from decorative laminates. Acetone is volatile (as you may be well aware) so the best way to put this into use would be to dab it on a bit of cotton wool or soak on a soft cloth before gently rubbing it on to the laminate sheets. Most laminates don’t get eroded by the action of acetone, but it is always advisable to do a spot test on an inconspicuous area before full application.
The key to care is to practice patience with what is precious. Decorative laminates are built to be robust and hardy, but gentle care is what gives them their best appearance and long life. If you have any tips on keeping laminate sheets bright and crisp, let us know in the comments section below!