When it comes to cleaning laminate countertops, many different options are available. Unfortunately, some people knowingly or unknowingly use harsh chemicals that damage the countertop’s surface over time.
Others might use natural products that don’t impact the environment as much. For example, if you’re looking for an option safe for your laminate countertops and the environment, you might want to try using Bar Keepers Friend mainly because it is a gentle yet effective cleaner.
In the rest of this article, I will share with you the reasons why Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) is a good choice for cleaning laminate countertops and how to use it without damaging the surface. But first, let’s begin with a few basics.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are made of layers of kraft paper or melamine resin, a type of plastic. Next, a decorative layer is glued on the kraft paper or melamine resin. This decorative layer is what gives laminate countertops their unique look and feel.
Laminate countertops are popular for many homeowners because they’re less expensive than other countertop materials such as granite or quartz. They’re also easy to clean and maintain.
The downside of laminate countertops is that they can be scratched or damaged easily. That’s why it’s important to use cleaners that won’t damage the surface.
Now that we know a little bit more about laminate countertops, let’s move on to the main ingredients of Bar Keepers Friend.
Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend is a cleaning product that has been around since the 1800s. According to a 2015 safety data sheet, some main ingredients are oxalic acid, feldspar, dodecyl benzene sulfonate (DDBSA), and linear sodium.
Its main ingredients like oxalic acid are natural substances found in many plants. When appropriately used, Bar Keepers Friend can clean laminate countertops without damaging them.
It is important to note that there different types of Bar Keepers Friend. The original powder form is the most concentrated and powerful. There is also a liquid cleanser known as the soft cleanser.
The powder form is usually used for heavy-duty cleaning jobs, while the liquid and foaming cleansers are more gentle and can be used for everyday cleaning, including laminate countertops.
Now that we know what Bar Keepers Friend is and what it’s made of let’s move on to how to use it without damaging laminate countertops.
Reasons You Can Use Bar Keepers Friend On Laminate Countertops
As I mentioned, you can use bar keepers friend on your laminate countertops without damaging them. Here are some reasons why:
1. Removes Grease And Oil Stains
If you have any grease or oil stains on your laminate countertops, Bar Keepers Friend can help remove them. BKF contains oxalic acid, which is a natural degreaser.
To remove grease or oil stains, make a paste with the powder and water. Apply it to the stained area and let it sit for about five minutes. Then, scrub the area gently with a sponge or brush and rinse with water.
You can also use the liquid Bar Keepers Friend to remove these types of stains. Pour it on the stained area and scrub with a sponge or brush. Rinse with water afterward.
Remember that before using it on the entire surface, you should always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area. This is to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolor the laminate.
2. BKF Removes Water Stains
Water stains are a common problem with most countertop surfaces, including laminate. The good news is that Bar Keepers Friend can help remove them quickly and easily. In addition, natural ingredients make it gentle enough to use on laminate without damaging the surface.
To remove water stains from your laminate countertops, it’s always best to use the liquid form of Bar Keepers Friend. Pour a small amount onto the stained area and use a clean cloth to scrub it.
You should see the water stains start to fade away within minutes. Once it’s gone, rinse away any residue with water and dry the area with a soft cloth.
You can also use Bar Keepers Friend’s granules if you have stubborn hard water stains that won’t seem to budge.
Just sprinkle a small amount onto the stained area and scrub it with a damp cloth. The granules will help loosen up any stubborn water stains so they can be easily wiped away.
Again, once the stain is gone, rinse away any residue and dry the area with a soft cloth.
You should now have sparkling clean laminate countertops free of water stains! Thanks, Bar Keepers Friend!
3. BKF Cleans Rust Stains
Another awesome thing about the Bar Keepers Friend is that it can get rid of rust stains. Rust is a very common issue, especially in older homes. So if you have rust stains on your laminate countertops, you can use BKF to clean them up.
To use BKF to remove rust stains, make a paste with the powder and water. Apply the paste to the rust stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Once the time is up, scrub the area with a sponge or brush. Rinse away the paste and rust stain with water.
You can make a more pungent paste using less water if you have a stubborn rust stain. You can also let the paste sit on the stain for longer – up to an hour. Just be sure to rinse away the paste thoroughly when you’re done so it doesn’t damage your countertop.
You can also use Bar Keepers Friend to clean rust off other home surfaces, like sinks, tubs, and tile. It’s a great way to get rid of rust stains without using harsh chemicals.
4. It Helps To Remove Yellowing
Laminate countertops also have the tendency to yellow over time. This can be caused by a number of factors, including heat and sunlight exposure.
Bar Keepers Friend can help to remove this yellowing (or, in some cases, browning), restoring the countertop to its original color.
Bar Keepers Friend can break down the bonds or reactions that create the yellowing on laminate countertops, making it an ideal solution for this problem.
To use, take a liberal amount of soft cleanser and apply it to the affected areas. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and enjoy your newly restored laminate countertop.
5. It Can Be Used On Various Surfaces
When you purchase a bottle of Bar Keepers Friend, you will notice that it can be used on various surfaces. This means you can use it on your laminate countertops without any issues. This cleaner is perfect for removing tough stains from laminate countertops.
Bar Keepers Friend is also safe to use on other surfaces in your home, such as:
- Tiles
- Sinks
- Faucets
- Showers
- Glass, etc
As you can see, there are many different surfaces on which you can use Bar Keepers Friend.
6. Easily Removes Colored Stains
Another great thing about this cleaner is that it easily removes colored stains. So, for example, if you have a laminate countertop with coffee, tea, or food stains, you can use Bar Keepers Friend to remove them quickly and easily.
Its unique formula helps break down the stains and lift them away from the countertop’s surface.
So, if you’re looking for a cleaner that can be used on various surfaces and easily removes colored stains, then Bar Keepers Friend is a perfect choice!
7. It Is A Gentle Cleaner
Bar Keepers Friend is a gentle cleaner that can be used on various surfaces, including laminate countertops. It will not scratch or damage the surface of your countertop like some harsher cleaners can.
Bar Keepers Friend can be found in most stores that sell cleaning supplies. It is a white powder that you mix with water to create a cleaning solution. You can use this solution to clean your countertop with a sponge or cloth.
If you have tough stains on your laminate countertop, you can pre-treat them with Bar Keepers Friend before cleaning the entire surface. Then, apply the cleaner to the stained area and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it away.
8. Bar Keepers Friend Removes Stickiness
Have you ever noticed that your laminate countertop gets sticky over time? This is because of a build-up of oils and dirt.
This happens very easily on laminate countertops due to their porous nature. Bar Keepers Friend can help to remove this stickiness and restore the surface of your countertop.
Mix a solution of equal parts water and Bar Keepers Friend to use. Apply it to the sticky surface and scrub with a sponge or cloth. Rinse away the cleaner and enjoy your clean, non-sticky countertop.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Bar Keepers Friend has many different uses. It is a versatile cleaner that can be used on various surfaces, including laminate countertops.
If you have a laminate countertop needing cleaning, consider using Bar Keepers Friend. It is a gentle yet effective cleaner that will not damage your countertop. Plus, it easily removes tough stains and sticky residue.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the Bar Keepers Friend bottle. This will ensure that you are using the cleaner correctly and safely.
When cleaning your laminate countertop, always use the least abrasive option. This will help to avoid damage to the surface of your countertop. If you have tough stains, you can pre-treat them with Bar Keepers Friend before cleaning the entire surface.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a bottle of Bar Keepers Friend and start cleaning! Your laminate countertop will thank you. Thanks for reading! Until next time!
FAQs
Q: Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on my granite countertop?
A: No, you should not use Bar Keepers Friend on your granite countertop. Granite is a natural stone and is susceptible to damage from harsh cleaners—instead, soap and water or a granite-specific cleaner on your granite countertop.
Q: How often should I clean my laminate countertop?
A: You should clean your laminate countertop at least once a week. Depending on how often you use it and how dirty it gets, you may need to clean it more frequently. If you have spills or stains, clean them up as soon as possible.
Q: What is the best way to clean my laminate countertop?
A: The best way to clean your laminate countertop is with a mild soap and water solution. You can also use a vinegar and water solution or a commercial cleaner for laminate countertops. Avoid using harsh cleaners, as they can damage the surface of your countertop.