Formica brand laminate, while very durable and commonly used, can easily be damaged or stained if it comes in contact with the wrong chemicals or abrasives.
If you are unsure which chemicals or cleaning agents are suitable to use on Formica countertops or any decorative laminate, it is best to check with the manufacturer to avoid damage. The following is a list of substances that can corrode, discolor, mar or generally damage Formica countertops: anything that contains sodium hyperchlorite, bathtub and tile cleaners, ceramic stove or oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners , coffee maker cleaners, chlorine bleach, rust and scale removers and / or metal cleaners.
Also, Formica countertops can easily stain if they come in contact with the wrong chemicals. Many common things will not stain laminate, but the following should be avoided as they cause stubborn or even permanent stains: blueing agents for clothing, hair dyes / rinses, wood stains, cash register ink, markers, newspaper, food price gun ink and indelible ink. Additionally, even some pharmaceuticals containing the following can stain: Mercurochrome, Silver Nitrate, Povidoneiodine, Tannic Acid, Dermatological Tar and Peroxide Compounds.
If you accidentally let one of the chemicals above come into contact with your Formica countertop, it is recommended that you clean the area immediately and rinse thoroughly with clean water. To help further protect your Formica, never allow containers, bottles, cleaning cloths, etc. contaminated with these chemicals settle or come in contact with your Formica.
In addition to chemicals, it is important to protect your Formica countertop from cleaning agents and harsh materials that can mark or damage the surface. Not only is damaged Formica unsightly, it can also be more susceptible to staining. It is recommended to avoid any abrasive cleaners (including powders), scouring pads / steel wool, sandpaper, rough ceramic, or anything rough and abrasive. Cloths, trivets, or placemats can also be used to help protect these surfaces.
Although it’s best to just not damage your formica, there are a few solutions to help mask or somehow remedy the problem. Damage due to abrasions or chemicals can sometimes be masked with a self-destructing wax product such as Plexus or Pledge. The same results can also be achieved using lemon oil. Stains, although permanent, can be visually faded using a simple paste of baking soda and water (gently so as not to further damage the surface) or a very mild household cleaner. Lastly, paints, glues, and general adhesives can be removed from your Formica using any amount of solvents (paint / lacquer thinner, nail polish remover, or denatured alcohol). Please note that all solvents are highly flammable. Use, especially in a kitchen environment, must be monitored very carefully and all manufacturers’ warnings must be heeded.