How To Clean Sticky Feeling Laminate Countertops

If you have laminate countertops in your home, you likely enjoy their easy-to-clean, softer surface. They're an excellent choice if you occasionally drop dishes, make messes and want something affordable that's also durable. Over time, food and liquids that have spilled or been left on your countertops can lead to a sticky feeling on the surface. There are several ways to effectively clean laminate countertops.

You can choose to clean your laminate countertops with commercially produced chemicals or countertop polish. There are a number of chemicals that are safe for laminate, though Countertop Specialty suggests wiping the counters immediately with water after using a chemical. The buildup of these products can harm the laminate over time if you don't.

While sticky kitchen worktops from dried ketchup, barbeque sauce or jam may need the help of commercial cleaners if left for long periods of time, you might choose to use all-natural cleaning solutions for everyday cleaning or routine removal of stickiness.

This is because chemicals on kitchen countertops pose a threat to your health and safety. Read product labels very carefully to ensure that chemicals are safe for use in your kitchen where food will be prepared or served.

According to Merry Maids, all you need to get the stickiness of daily use off your counters is dishwashing liquid, warm water and a microfiber cloth. This is a mild enough mixture to use every day and won't damage your counters in the long run. Merry Maids also emphasizes that the best way to avoid buildup over time is to wipe the counters down each day.

For tougher messes like sticky jelly or honey that has dried on or for stains, Merry Maids recommends using a mixture of baking soda and water. Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a few tablespoons of water to make a paste. Let that sit on the countertop for several minutes. Then, wipe the counter down with a microfiber cloth, but don't scrub as doing so could damage the laminate.

Keep a spray bottle containing a solution of water and vinegar on hand to spritz your counters regularly. If you spray the vinegar on a sticky patch and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it down, you may find that the sticky residue goes away. For an all-over stickiness, spray with the solution and wipe immediately with a microfiber cloth.

Never use scrub brushes, scouring pads or steel wool on your laminate countertop. Doing so can cause permanent damage to the surface. A gentle sponge, paper towel or microfiber cloth is recommended by Merry Maids to clean up daily grime and basic messes. Stickier residue may require scrubbing with a thicker microfiber cloth that has ridges.

Don't wipe your countertops down with bleach as doing so can damage their coloration and surface. In addition, avoid cutting directly on your countertops since knives can leave lasting imprints in the laminate.