You have a beautiful laminate countertop, and you want to take good care of it. You are wondering if you can clean your laminate countertop with rubbing alcohol? Let’s discuss this further!
Can you use rubbing alcohol On laminate countertop? Below are the pros and cons of using rubbing alcohol on laminate countertops.
| The Pros Of Using Rubbing Alcohol On Laminate | The Cons Of Using Rubbing Alcohol On Laminate |
| 1. Rubbing Alcohol Removes Stains | 1. Rubbing Alcohol Can Leave Dull Spots On Laminate Countertops |
| 2. Rubbing Alcohol Is A Disinfectant And Can Kill Bacteria | 2. Rubbing Alcohol Can Affect Your Skin |
| 3. Rubbing Alcohol Removes Oily Residue | 3. Can Remove The Top Finish Of The Laminate Countertop |
| 4. Rubbing Alcohol Can Be Used As A Cleaner For Laminate Countertops | |
| 5. Rubbing Alcohol Is Cheap And Easy To Find |
In the remaining part of this article, I’m going to share with you the details on the pros and cons of using rubbing alcohol on your laminate countertop and some better alternatives you can consider.
The Pros Of Using Rubbing Alcohol on Laminate Countertop
1. Rubbing Alcohol Removes Stains
Rubbing alcohol helps remove stains from your laminate countertop. You can use it for removing ink, marker pen, and lipstick stains.
This is because rubbing alcohol contains denatured alcohol that can help dissolve most types of stains.
By the way, it’s not recommended to use rubbing alcohol on granite countertops. Rubbing alcohol works best on sealed laminate countertops, but it can also be used for unsealed ones.
However, make sure you clean the surface with water before using rubbing alcohol. You can even go the extra mile and use mild dish soap to remove any rubbing alcohol residue after you’re done cleaning with it.
2. Rubbing Alcohol Is A Disinfectant And Can Kill Bacteria
Rubbing alcohol is a good disinfectant. It can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are living on your laminate countertop.
Rubbing alcohol contains denatured alcohol, which is not only abrasive on the stain by also an excellent disinfectant.
You can add some rubbing alcohol to the water and clean your laminate countertop with it.
Use a sponge or microfiber to wipe away the alcohol and denatured water mixture.
This makes it an effective choice for cleaning kitchen countertops where you prepare food. Rubbing alcohol is also good in eliminating germs and bacteria that can cause diseases.
However, make sure you don’t leave any puddles of rubbing alcohol on the countertop for too long because it can damage the laminate countertop.
Don’t use rubbing alcohol on granite because it can leave permanent dull stains behind which are difficult to remove.
3. Rubbing Alcohol Removes Oily Residue
Rubbing alcohol can cut through oil and grease, making it a great cleaning solution for your laminate countertop.
Nowadays, many people use their countertops as eating and cooking areas, so you will often come across oily residue.
You can use rubbing alcohol to clean away this type of residue from your laminate countertop.
Cleaning oily residues off your laminate countertop is much easier when you use rubbing alcohol because it quickly dissolves grease and oil.
The best thing about rubbing alcohol is that it evaporates very quickly, so you don’t have to worry about leaving any oily residue behind.
4. Rubbing Alcohol Can Be Used As A Cleaner For Laminate Countertops
Rubbing alcohol is a good cleaner that can work on different surfaces, including a laminate countertop.
It is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria and germs, which makes it good for cleaning kitchen countertops.
It is also great at removing stains from your laminate countertop. You can use it for water stains, juice stains, wine spills, etc.
The best thing about rubbing alcohol for laminate countertops is that it doesn’t leave any residue behind.
However, you need to make sure the surface has been cleaned with water and mild dish soap before using rubbing alcohol.
Additionally, a clean sponge or a microfiber should be used to wipe away the stains and rubbing alcohol.
5. Rubbing Alcohol Is Cheap And Easy To Find
Last but not least, the best thing about rubbing alcohol is that it’s cheap and easy to find.
You can purchase a large bottle of rubbing alcohol from any supermarket or convenience store at a very low price.
Additionally, you don’t need to buy specific cleaning products for your laminate countertop.
This makes rubbing the perfect alternative for your laminate countertop.
The Cons Of Using Rubbing Alcohol On Laminate Counters
Although there are a lot of benefits of using rubbing alcohol for laminate countertops, you should also consider the cons.
1. Rubbing Alcohol Can Leave Dull Spots On Laminate Countertops
Rubbing alcohol contains denatured ethanol which can leave dull spots on laminate countertops if the rubbing alcohol is left on the surface for long.
If rubbing alcohol is left on the surface of the laminate countertop for a long time, it can cause the finish to fade and dull.
In addition, you should also make sure that no puddles of rubbing alcohol are left on the countertop for too long because it can damage your laminate countertops.
You should clean and dry your laminate countertops with a dry cloth or towel after cleaning the surface to ensure no watermarks are left.
2. Rubbing Alcohol Can Affect Your Skin
If you use rubbing alcohol for laminate countertops, it can also affect your skin.
Rubbing alcohol is can be very strong for sensitive skin, so you should make sure to wear gloves while cleaning your laminate countertops.
If the rubbing alcohol comes into contact with sensitive areas like your face, neck, or eyes, it can cause irritation.
In fact, some people have reported that rubbing alcohol caused them to break out in a rash.
You should also avoid using rubbing alcohol on your laminate countertops if you have young children or pets or use them when your little ones are away.
3. Can Remove The Top Finish Of The Laminate Countertop
If you use a degreasing agent like rubbing alcohol, it can remove the top finish of your laminate countertops if you do not take the right precautions.
Precautionary measures like diluting the rubbing alcohol with water and using a clean cloth to wipe the surface can prevent any damage.
This among other things can cause your laminate countertop to lose its shine.
How To Use Rubbing Alcohol On Laminate Countertop
To use rubbing alcohol on laminate countertops, you need to follow these steps:
Things Needed:
- Rubbing alcohol
- A Clean Cloth or a Sponge
- Mild Dish Soap
Procedure:
Step 1:
- Put 2-3 drops of mild dish soap in warm water and mix.
Step 2:
- Mop the surface of your laminate countertop with the soapy solution to remove any dirt or grime.
Step 3:
- Make sure to completely dry the surface with a clean cloth.
Step 4:
- Mix one part rubbing alcohol to one part water into a spray bottle.
Step 5:
- Spray the alcohol solution on your laminate countertop and gently wipe it off.
Step 6:
- Use a damp clean cloth to wipe off any rubbing alcohol that remains on the surface.
Step 7:
- Let your laminate countertop dry before you use it.
Better Alternatives To Using Rubbing Alcohol On Laminate Countertop
While using rubbing alcohol on your laminate countertop is a cheap, easy, and safe way to clean the surface of your countertop, there are some better alternatives.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a great alternative to using rubbing alcohol on laminate countertops. It is available at most supermarkets and can be used as a degreasing agent, disinfecting agent, and as a general household cleaner.
In addition, vinegar can also remove stains from your laminate countertop surface without the risk of dulling or damaging the laminate.
Vinegar can also help you keep your counters clean and shiny without having to use a separate product for cleaning.
Here’s how to use vinegar to clean your laminate countertop
Things Needed:
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- A Clean Sponge or Cloth
Procedure:
Step 1:
- Mix 2-3 drops of mild dish soap and warm water in a clean bucket.
Step 2:
- Swish the soapy solution on your laminate countertop. Make sure to cover all parts of the surface evenly with the soap mixture.
Step 3:
- Use the solution to clean the surfaces of your laminate countertop.
Step 4:
- Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe the surface dry.
Step 5:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on your laminate countertop and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Step 6:
- Let the surface dry before you use it again to prevent watermarks from forming on the surface.
Steam Cleaner
If you have a steam cleaner, it can also be an effective way to clean your laminate countertop.
This is a very safe alternative because it does not involve the use of any chemical or solvent that can damage the surface.
You also do not have to worry about using too much pressure when cleaning your laminate countertop because steam cleaners produce very hot steam that can kill bacterias without leaving any residue behind.
Steam cleaners are also easy to use and require little effort on your part.
The steam cleaner uses hot water and high pressure to remove tough stains and dirt from your laminate countertop.
However, the downside to using a steam cleaner is that if you apply high heat for a long period, it can damage the laminate finish.
So for best results, you should use low-heat steam cleaning on your countertops.
Things Needed:
Procedure:
Step 1:
- Fill the water tank of your steam cleaner with distilled water.
- Make sure to set your steamer to the lowest heat setting possible.
Step 2:
- Now begin to use the steamer to clean the laminate surface by moving the nozzle back and forth.
Step 3:
- Be sure to keep your distance as you clean so as not to damage the surface of your laminate countertop.
- Also, do not leave the steamer on a particular spot of the laminate countertop for too long.
- This will help you avoid the risk of damaging it with too much heat or steam.
Step 4:
- Continue steaming your laminate countertop until you have covered all parts of it.
Step 5:
- Wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth to dry up excess moisture and leave the countertop to air dry.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we can all say for sure that rubbing alcohol can be used on laminate countertops.
As mentioned above there are a lot of benefits of using rubbing alcohol on laminate countertops. But there are also some downsides to it.
So you should read the article thoroughly so that you can make a better decision on when and when not to use rubbing alcohol on laminate countertops.
I hope this article can help you understand more about the details of rubbing alcohol on laminate countertops.
Thanks for reading! Let me know what do you think in the comments section below.
FAQ’s
Q: How often should I clean my laminate countertop?
A: You should clean your laminate countertops every day to avoid the build-up of dirt and grime. You can simply use mild dish soap, vinegar, or baking soda to clean your laminate countertops.
Q: Can you use an abrasive sponge on a laminate surface?
A: No, do not use any type of abrasive sponge on your laminate countertop. This can scratch the surface and end up ruining it over time. Other alternatives such as microfiber cloths are a much better option.
Q: Does water damaged laminate countertops?
A: Yes, sometimes if you leave water on a laminate countertop for too long, it can cause the laminate finish to peel. It is recommended that you wipe down your countertops with a dry cloth to avoid leaving any watermarks on the surface.