We all know the awesome cleaning properties of bleach. It can be used on several surfaces around the house but can bleach be used on laminate countertops? In Today’s article, I will answer the question above and go over 7 important pros and cons of using bleach on laminate countertops.
So can you use bleach on laminate countertops? Laminate countertops are nonporous and unlike natural stone countertops, you can use diluted household bleach on laminate countertops. You can use bleach on laminate countertops for sanitizing, disinfecting, and eliminating mold or mildew.
However, if wrongfully applied, bleach can still do some damage to laminate countertops. So you should use bleach on laminate countertops with care and the right steps.
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of using bleach on laminate countertops in detail and how to clean laminate countertops using bleach without damaging them.
The Pros of Using Bleach on Laminate Countertops
1. Bleach Can Be Used To Remove Tough Stains
Bleach is a powerful stain remover and can be used to remove tough stains from laminate countertops. Household bleach contains a small amount of ammonia, which can break down the proteins in stains.
It is important to test a small inconspicuous area first before using bleach on your entire countertop.
If the area is discolored after bleaching, you can use a household cleaner or vinegar to remove the bleach stain and do no follow-through with the bleach application on your laminate countertops.
But if there’s no adverse reaction, you can use bleach to get rid of tough stains on your laminate countertops.
Dilute the bleach according to instructions, apply it to the stained area with a cloth or sponge, and make sure to thoroughly rinse your laminate countertops afterward. More on this later!
2. Bleach Is Effective In Eliminating Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew can be a big problem in any home, but they can especially be a nuisance on laminate countertops.
Bleach is an effective way to get rid of mold or mildew on laminate countertops especially if you know what you’re doing.
Just as bleach can be used as a disinfectant and sanitizer, you can also use it to get rid of mold and mildew on laminate countertops.
You can use bleach to remove mold from your laminate countertops by spraying a diluted household bleach product directly onto the surface of your laminate countertops, letting it sit for a few seconds, and then rinsing it off with warm water.
Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection to avoid contact with your hand and eyes when using bleach. Again, you should always test a small inconspicuous area before using bleach on your entire countertop.
3. Bleach Can Sanitize And Disinfect Surfaces
Bleach is a powerful sanitizer and disinfectant. It can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact. This makes it ideal for use in areas where sanitation and hygiene are important such as the kitchen.
You can use bleach to sanitize your countertops after preparing food or before eating. You can also use it to sanitize your kitchen sinks and faucets, bathroom countertops, and toilets.
You can also use bleach to disinfect hard-to-reach areas in the house such as floors or walls that are not regularly exposed to water like toilet bowls or shower stalls.
Bleach is most effective when diluted according to instructions so make sure you follow the directions when using bleach to sanitize or disinfect a surface.
4. Bleach Is A Cheap and Effective Cleaning Solution
Bleach is a cheap and effective cleaning solution that can be used to clean laminate countertops.
You can get bleach from most supermarkets or drugstores for a few dollars.
Bleach is also versatile and can be used to clean other surfaces in your homes such as kitchen counters, bathroom tiles, floors, toilets, and showers.
It is important to note, however, that bleach should not be used as your only form of cleaning. You shouldn’t also use bleach too regularly to clean your laminate countertops.
You should use a gentle all-purpose cleaner or vinegar on your laminate countertops in conjunction with bleach for the best results
The Cons of Using Bleach on Laminate Countertops
While bleach has some benefits to using it on laminate, there are some downsides you cannot overlook. Here are the two most important ones:
1. Bleach Can Turn Laminate Countertops Yellow
Bleach can turn laminate countertops yellow if you don’t use it correctly. While some laminate manufacturers recommend using only diluted bleach to clean their products, others do not.
So if not carefully and properly applied, bleach can turn your laminate countertops yellow and this is certainly not a pleasant sight.
The yellow tint is due to the chemical reaction between bleach and laminates. The chlorine in the bleach reacts with the melamine in laminate products and it produces a by-product called dioxins which are responsible for turning your countertops yellow.
This discoloration will not go away after time so you have no choice but to live with it.
If you’re unsure if bleach can be used to clean your laminate countertops or not, always test a small inconspicuous area before using it on the entire surface.
This is why is it important that you know how to use bleach before attempting to use it on your laminate countertops.
2. You Have To Wear Protection To Use Bleach
When it comes to using bleach on your laminate countertops, you have to be very careful. Bleach is a powerful and corrosive chemical that, when not used correctly, can cause harm to your skin and eyes.
That’s why it’s important to wear gloves and eye protection when using bleach to clean your laminate countertops.
You should also avoid contact with bleach as much as possible especially if you’re pregnant, young children, as they can be very sensitive to the chemical.
3. Bleach May Leave a Chemical Residue After Use
When you’re finished using bleach to clean your laminate countertops, it’s important to make sure that all the residue is removed.
Bleach can leave a chemical residue on your counters which can be harmful if not cleaned off properly.
You can use a wet cloth or sponge to remove the residue and then dry the surface with a towel. Make sure that the area is completely dry before using it.
If possible, open your windows or pull your curtains so that direct sunlight can hit the surface and help to evaporate any leftover bleach residue.
4. Bleach Can Strip Of The Protection On Your Laminate Countertops
Bleach can strip off the protective finish from your countertop if applied incorrectly, so be sure to read and follow all instructions carefully.
While some manufacturers apply or recommend applying a protective coating to their laminate countertops from time to time, others do not.
Meaning there are some laminate countertops that will come with some form of protection on them. So when using bleach on them, you want to make sure the bleach does not strip off or react with the finish and cause any damage.
If unsure, test a small area first before using bleach on your entire countertop.
In most cases, bleach will do more than just clean dirt off your countertop; in fact, it also strips away any protection applied by manufacturers onto the laminate.
You must also make sure that the countertops are completely dry before placing any hot pots and pans on them as they can be very slippery when wet.
Important Tips When Using Bleach On Laminate Countertops
- Never allow the bleach to sit on the surface of your laminate countertops for up to a minute.
- Warm water is effective for removing bleach residue from laminate countertops.
- Always dilute bleach before using it on your countertops.
- Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products.
- If you notice a residue after using bleach on your laminate, wipe it with an ammonia solution and then rinse well. If sticky spots remain, use vinegar to remove them before wiping dry.
- As mentioned before, do not place hot pots or pans directly onto the surface of your laminate as they can be very slippery when wet.
- Always store bleach properly and out of the reach of children.
- Do not place anything on top of wet bleach. If you do, it will turn yellow as well.
- If your laminate countertops are already yellow from using bleach, avoid letting any more sunlight hit the surface as this will only make them worse.
- Wear protective clothing and glasses when using bleach to clean or disinfect your countertops.
- Make sure to remove any residue left behind by bleach with a wet cloth or sponge and dry the surface with a towel before using it.
- Test a small area first before using bleach on your entire countertop to make sure it doesn’t strip off the finish or protective coating.
- Open your windows or pull your curtains so that direct sunlight can hit the surface and help to evaporate any leftover bleach residue.
- Be careful not to let bleach come into contact with your skin or eyes as it can be very harmful.
Conclusion
All in all, bleach can be a great tool to clean your laminate countertops but it’s important that you use it correctly and take all the necessary precautions.
If not, you may end up with some unwanted results. Personally, no bleach or bleach-based cleaners will be a cleaning option for my laminate or natural stone countertops.
Vinegar diluted with water is a great and non-toxic option to clean both grease and dirt off of these surfaces without any harsh chemicals. Better still, I usually go for cleaners that are specifically made for laminate or stone countertops.
Always test any cleaners in an inconspicuous area before using them to avoid any damage. If the finish on your laminate is starting to wear off, you can usually purchase a sealant from the manufacturer to help protect it from further staining and fading.
