Easy hacks to clean your laminated surfaces

Merino Laminates, November 29, 2024

One of the most crucial factors that one must bear in mind while choosing finishes for the different parts of their home is the ease of maintenance. Materials and finishes that are difficult to clean or demand expensive treatment every time are not very ideal, especially if you are seeking long lasting finishes that work well on a budget. Laminates are one such material that is easy to clean and maintain and come in a variety of colours and designs- thus making it an ideal option to use across your home. Merino Laminates offers over 500 designs in varied colours, finishes and textures and you can use these to create an elegant and beautiful space with finishes that are not only great to look at, but easy to maintain too.

Here are some simple do’s and don’ts when it comes to cleaning, maintaining and increasing the longevity of your laminated surfaces.

1.  Things to do to increase the life of your laminated  finishes:

●   Dusting is one of the simplest and the most effective ways to keep your laminated surfaces clean. Use a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and avoid scratches, especially on glossy laminates like the super reflective Glossmeister laminate from Merino which offer a glass like, sleek finish.
●   When you are cleaning cupboards, make sure to completely empty them out to give it a thorough cleaning.
●   Always use coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to protect your laminated surfaces from spills and scratches. If there is a spillage, try to clean it immediately, failing which, it can leave a long lasting stain that may be difficult to clean.
●   Direct contact with heat, or exposure to direct sunlight can also dull the finish, thus, both should be avoided. You can keep it in a closed area and use any tablecloth or similar product to protect the surfae that is exposed to heat or sunlight constantly.

2.  Things to avoid when cleaning laminated surfaces

●   Do not use harsh chemicals like ammonia, strong detergents etc as they  can compromise the finish of your laminate.
●   Always use a cloth or a cleaning pad to clean the surface and never spray any cleaning solutions directly onto the surface. Even if you make a mild cleaning solution at home, always make sure to first spray it on a cloth, mop or a cleaning pad and then use the cloth to clean the surface.
●   Follow up any wet cleaning with a thorough wipe down with a wet cloth. Long exposure to moisture can cause peeling or warping of the laminate.
●   Handle sharp objects carefully around laminated surfaces as they can cause scratches and damage to the surface.

3.  Simple home remedies to clean laminated surfaces efficiently

●   You can use baking soda to get rid of stubborn stains on laminated surfaces. Prepare a paste with baking soda, some water and liquid soap. You can then apply it on the stain and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You can then gently scrub it with a soft cloth and rinse with water and completely dry it with a soft dry cloth. This is a really useful hack to get rid of any stains on your laminated furniture or finishes and it will make it look  as good as new again.

●   A concoction of vinegar and water also works well on laminate surfaces. MIx equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and use it on the surface that you wish to clean, and once the stain is cleared, wipe down the surface with a soft dry cloth to completely dry the surface. This is a good option to try in kitchens where we may have a lot of greasy stains, which will ultimately get more difficult to clean when left unattended for a long period of time.

We hope that these simple cleaning hacks will help you take good care of your laminated furniture and laminated finishes. Be it, walls with laminated finishes, wardrobes or kitchen cabinets- regularly following a simple cleaning routine can help you keep your surfaces tidy and fresh.