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Avoiding Damage to Your Formica Counter Top
Wed 29 Nov 2006 - 15:58
Avoiding Damage to Your Formica Counter Top
By Arturo Ronzon
Formica brand laminate, although highly durable and commonly used can easily be damaged or stained if it comes in contact with the wrong chemicals or abrasives.
If you are not sure which chemicals or cleaning agents are suitable for use on Formica counter tops or any decorative laminate, it is best to consult with the manufacturer in order to avoid damage. The following is a list of substances which may corrode, discolor, mar or in general damage Formica counter tops: anything containing sodium hyperchlorite, bathtub and tile cleaners, ceramic cooktop or oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, coffee pot cleaners, chlorine bleach, rust lime and scale removers, and/or metal cleaners.
In addition, Formica counter tops can be easily stained if they come in contact with the wrong chemicals. Many common things do not stain laminate, but the following must be avoided as they produce stubborn or even permanent stains: laundry bluing agents, hair dye/rinses, wood stain, cash register ink, marking pens, newsprint, ink from food pricing guns, and indelible ink. In addition, even some pharmaceuticals containing the following may stain: mercurochrome, silver nitrate, povidoneiodine, tannic acid, dermatological tar compounds, and peroxide.
If you should accidentally allow one of the above chemicals to make contact with your Formica counter top, it is advised that you wipe 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 to sit on or make contact with your Formica.
In addition to chemicals, it is important to protect your Formica counter top from cleaning agents and rough materials which may scar or damage the surface. Damaged Formica is not only unsightly, but may be more susceptible to staining. It is advised to avoid any abrasive cleaners (including powders), scouring pads / steel wool, sandpaper, rough ceramics, or anything rough and abrasive. Fabric, trivets, or placemats can also be used to help protect these surfaces.
Although it is best to simply not damage your Formica, there are some solutions to help mask or somewhat remedy the problem. Damage due to abrasions or chemicals can sometimes be masked using a self stripping wax product such as Plexus or Pledge. The same results can also be achieved using lemon oil. Stains, although permanent, can be lessened visually by using a simple baking soda and water paste (gently as to not further damage the surface) or a very mild household cleaner. Lastly, paints, glues, and adhesives in general can be removed from your Formica using any number of solvents (paint/lacquer thinner, nail polish remover, or denatured alcohol). Please keep in mind that all solvents are highly flammable. Use, especially in a kitchen environment, should be watched very carefully and all manufacturers warnings taken into consideration.
Want to learn more about Counter Tops?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.aboutcountertops.net/Articles/Concrete_Counter_Tops.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arturo_Ronzon
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