Laminate countertops sheets are created by adding two or more layers of synthetic material together. The materials are covered by two layers of plastic and sealed together using pressure, heat or adhesives. This creates a durable surface that is easy to maintain, and allows manufacturers to create designs, colors and styles that can match almost any home decor. One of the disadvantages of using choosing this type of countertop is that once damaged it's almost impossible to repair. So taking the necessary precautions to avoid damage is key, here are a few of the most common ways to damage your issues and how to avoid them.
1. Using sharp or abrasive objects
Laminate sheets succeptable to marks and scratches; using wire brushes for cleaning or cutting produce directly on your kitchen surface are a few examples of objects that can cause damage. They can leave unsightly marks and scratches that cannot easily be repaired. When cleaning use a common washcloth and soap. For stains use safe household products and/or baking soda, the sheets are porous so the stains are not that deep and should be easy to clean. Experts do not recommend using bleach; excessive bleach can lead to damage. For cutting produce, simple use a cutting board this will eliminate the possibility of accidentally cutting or marking the surface.
2. Heat, avoid direct contact.
Placing extremely hot objects from your oven or stove can possibly damage your countertop. When cooking or working with other items that cause extreme heat remember to always place a heat resistant item between the kitchen surface and the object, a good example would be to place a pot holder down or to keep pots and pans on the oven.
3. Moving heavy objects
Heavy objects mixed with sudden impacts can chip edges, for example moving a microwave and accidentally dropping it onto your countertop can possibly cause chips in edges. Our recommendation when moving heavy items is to use care, place the items down slowly and with purpose or simply avoid contact at all.
While these tips seem like common sense they are extremely important, once a countertop has been damaged you either need to live with the imperfection or replace the laminate all together.
Article written by Richard L McCaffery,
These tips have been brought to you by the staff at Formica-Laminate.com, we provide consumers with information regarding plastic laminate countertops and other laminate products.
Maintaining Plastic Laminate Countertops
