Laminate surfaces have become a popular choice for kitchens due to their versatility, affordability, durability and ease of maintenance.
They are a world away from the old camel brown or intense blood-orange coloured surfaces of the 50s and 60s. Today laminates come in sophisticated colours such as Cappuccino Suede and Metallic Rose Gold. Then there are the extensive collections of textures and finishes that resemble marble and wood grained surfaces to create, enhance and complement the ambience you desire.
In this guide, we will provide practical advice on cleaning and maintaining laminate surfaces in kitchens, including countertops, cabinetry, and even laminates for caravans.
Establishing a regular cleaning routine will keep your surfaces in pristine condition.
- Wipe down laminate countertops, and cabinetry regularly using a microfiber cloth dampened with a mixture of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.
- Clean grease with warm water and a mild detergent.
- Your laminate will resist most stains but some accidental spills need to be addressed immediately:
- Beetroot, grape and berry juices, and red wine
- First aid products such as iodine, Dettol and peroxide
- Concentrate bleach, oven cleaners and dishwasher detergents
- Artificial dyes and hair colourants
- Solvent based and permanent inks.
- Glues like Super Glue should also be removed with nail polish remover/acetone.
- Stains: most stains can be removed with a product like an extra strength window cleaning product, or methylated spirits.
- Or try a 1:8 bleach to water solution that can be dabbed on the stain, left for a short time to be removed and rinsed completely.
- Use cream cleansers or toothpaste only as a last resort and use them sparingly and carefully, they can do irreparable damage.
- Avoid using strong alkaline or bleach cleaning products regularly as they can etch the surface. In many cases if cold water and a mild soap won’t help a bit of warm water will, or try a mild all purpose cleaner.
- Avoid scourers and brushes that can scratch the surface.
- Don’t use waxes or polishes – they will dull the natural shine of the laminate surface.
Protecting laminate surfaces from heat and moisture will ensure longevity and minimise any damage.
- Use trivets or hot pads under hot pans, pots, and appliances to prevent heat damage to laminate countertops and cabinetry.
- Avoid placing hot cookware directly on laminate surfaces.
- Wipe up any spills or moisture promptly to prevent water damage and warping.
- Don’t clean with boiling water.
Consider the following as part of your long-term maintenance:
- A polish with a clean microfibre cloth will often bring back the brightness and sheen.
- Regularly inspect laminate surfaces for signs of wear, peeling, or damage.
- Address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.
- Use specialised laminate cleaning products recommended by manufacturers for occasional deep cleaning.
- Generally, dark colours and high gloss surfaces demand increased care and maintenance in contrast to lighter colours or those with lower gloss levels. (See below)
To protect the integrity and appearance of laminate surfaces, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals – keep it natural.
- Create a paste by combining a tablespoon of baking soda with a couple tablespoons of water. Apply it to stains on laminate countertops, let it sit for 5 minutes, and wipe it off gently with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbing, as it may damage the laminate surface.
- Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult NX Decor for stain removal product recommendations specific to their laminate range.
Preventing scratches and nicks is essential for maintaining the pristine appearance of laminate surfaces.
- Darker shades are more prone to revealing scratches compared to lighter tones.
- Place cutting boards or chopping mats on laminate countertops when working with knives or sharp objects – don’t use the knives directly on your laminate surface.
- Use coasters or placemats under glasses, plates, and utensils to prevent scratches.
- Apply felt pads or furniture glides to the bottom of items that may come into contact with laminate flooring or cabinets.
- Place and lift objects, don’t drag and slide them across the surface.
In the event of minor damage to laminate surfaces, repairs are possible.
- For small scratches or nicks, use a laminate repair pen or touch-up kit to conceal the imperfections.
- Consult NX Decor for specific recommendations on repairing laminate products, as products may have specialised repair kits or techniques.
NX Specialty Laminates
Generally, dark colours and high gloss surfaces demand increased care and maintenance in contrast to lighter colours or those with lower gloss levels.
NX Synchronous
Our NX Synchronous wood grain texture laminates bring a touch of nature into your kitchen or caravans. Whilst they are more durable than wood, and less susceptible to staining there are some recommendations for cleaning.
- Avoid acetone, silicone-based cleaners, abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, sandpaper and steel wool; these can damage the finish and actually make them susceptible to stains.
- To remove more stubborn stains the use of alcohol, ammonia or other light solvents should be used sparingly and carefully. Take the time to rinse the area thoroughly with a cloth and warm water.
- These same cleaning principles should be applied to the textured and patterned finishes of our NX Luxedge and NX Luxform ranges.
NX Supergloss
The NX Supergloss range comes in a variety of grains, patterns and colours, and whilst they exude elegance and panache, they are also UV and fade resistant.
Gloss surfaces can show marks and dust more readily, so there are our tips for keeping the surfaces looking sleek.
- Never use abrasive cleaners (even liquids) or materials as they will mark/scratch the gloss surface.
- Light stains and greasy residue can be removed with warm soapy water, or with a non-abrasive glass cleaner. Do a final washdown with mild soapy water and a dry, clean microfibre cloth to remove any residue and restore the surface appearance.
- Wipe all spills and marks promptly.
- Keeping the sheen or gloss of the surface can be achieved by polishing with a clean, soft damp cloth regularly.
Metallics
Metallics are available in our NX Supergloss, NZ Supermatt +2, and NX Melamine ranges, and are suitable for splashbacks, countertops and cabinetry; limited only by your imagination.
When cleaning your metallic finishes use only a soft cloth and mild soapy water. If spills or splashes are more persistent, use a non abrasive glass cleaner. Clean regularly.
- Avoid cleaners that are highly acidic, caustic, abrasive and never use scourers or similar on the metallic laminate surfaces.
- Don’t allow food residue to build up.
- Avoid cleaning the metallic laminate surface if it’s hot.
Final Word: Keep it Simple
With the right care and maintenance, laminate surfaces in kitchens, including splashbacks, cabinetry and countertops remain beautiful and functional for years.
In most cases a clean soft cloth and a mild detergent will do the job.
Remember to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and talk to our team, if you have questions about the maintenance, care or repairs of your laminate surfaces.