What if I told you that there is a way to get your laminate countertop looking like new again? It’s true! There are many different ways to make your counters shine and look like they did when you first installed them. In this article, we’ll go over the most popular methods for making your laminated countertops shine and new again.
In summary, you can make your laminate countertop shine again is by;
- Using Laminate Countertop Polish
- Using Car Wax
- Using Baking Soda
- Using Vinegar
- Using Mild Dish Soap (Deep Cleaning)
Let’s learn about the details about the details on how to make laminate countertops shine again.
1. Using Laminate Countertop Polish
One of the best ways to get your laminate countertops to shine again is by using a silicone-free laminate countertop polish.
It is important to know that anything with high amounts of silicone is a no-go for laminate as it can create a build-up that can dull or make your laminate countertops streaky.
Laminate countertop polishes come in an easy-to-use pump spray bottle polish that works on all different types of laminate countertops from laminates made by Wilsonart, Formica, and many other brands.
This stuff is amazing! Not only does it make your laminates look new or shiny again, but the scent of this polish is absolutely amazing.
These laminate countertop polishes will often come with a citrus scent, which gives the countertop a fresh orange smell.
This countertop polish works great on hardwood floors, laminate countertops and flooring, cabinets, and more.
All you need to do is spray this onto your laminate countertops either before or after cleaning them with warm water (never use hot).
And then rub it in a circular motion with a microfiber towel and your laminate countertop will shine again. There are a few good products out there you can use for your laminate countertops but my go-to is this product from the Weiman brand.
If you’re finding it difficult to get a silicone-free laminate countertop polish, for your laminate countertops fiberglass or acrylic will work fine too.
2. Using Car Wax
Car wax is another great way to get your laminate countertops to shine again. When you use car wax on any type of laminate, the luster and shine that come from it will make your kitchen look brand new.
You can find this at most grocery stores in a small tin or container for around $0.99.
Simply apply a thin coat of wax to your countertops with a soft cloth and then buff it off with a clean, dry cloth. Do this every few months (or more often if needed) to keep the shine on your counters.
You can also use beeswax, carnauba wax, or another type of automotive wax that is made for high gloss. This will give your countertops a great shine that even the most expensive laminate counters can’t replicate.
If you want exquisite results with using car wax on your laminates, then use this product below to really make them come alive again. I personally think it is one of the best products out there for laminates.
This stuff is so amazing and it really brings out the shine of laminate countertops, even if they’re looking dull or scratched up. It’s easy to use too.
All you need is a microfiber cloth (this one works great) that can be purchased at any auto parts store or online for a few cents
Simply apply the wax in a circular motion with the microfiber cloth for 30-60 seconds. Leave the wax on the surface for about 10-15 minutes and then buff it off.
Do this every few months (or more often if needed) to keep your counters looking beautiful. The best part is car wax or beeswax acts as a protective layer and it will help prevent your laminate countertops from getting stained, scratched, or dull again.
3. Using Baking Soda
The third way you can get your laminate countertops to shine again is by using baking soda.
Baking soda is a natural and gentle abrasive that can help remove any built-up dirt or residues on your counters without scratching the surface. Indeed, this abrasive quality is what makes it a great choice for cleaning and polishing laminate countertops.
Baking soda can also be effective at removing any watermarks or streaks on your counters.
To use baking soda to make your laminate countertop shine again, simply mix together baking soda with a small amount of warm water to create a paste.
Apply the paste directly to the surface of your countertops and then rub it in with a clean cloth or sponge.
If you have the time, let this sit for about 2-5 minutes to help loosen up some of the dirt on your counters.
Then use another dry cloth or sponge (do not use water) to buff off any remaining baking soda paste from your laminate countertop surface. This will leave your laminate countertop looking shiny again in no time!
You can also use this method to clean and shine your laminate cabinets.
Baking soda is a great, natural way to clean and polish your cabinets without using any harsh chemicals or products.
4. Using Vinegar
Another way to restore the shine on your laminate countertop is by using vinegar.
Vinegar is a natural cleanser that can be used to clean and restore the shine on laminate countertops, cabinets, or any other surface in your kitchen (like sink drains).
You will want to choose white distilled vinegar for this method as it won’t leave behind any residue on the surface of your laminates.
To use vinegar to shine your laminate countertops, simply mix together a tablespoonful of white distilled vinegar with 2 cups of water.
Then apply this mixture to the surface of your counters with a clean cloth or sponge and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes have passed, go back over the surface of your counters with a clean cloth or sponge and rinse off the vinegar mixture.
This will help restore shine to your laminate countertops in no time.
To make sure that you are getting rid of all residue, wipe down the surface with a towel after rinsing until it is completely dry. This will ensure that there is no sticky film or vinegar smell left behind.
5. Using Mild Dish Soap (Deep Cleaning)
This next method is a natural way to restore the shine on your laminate countertops. All you need is warm water and mild dish soap (like Dawn).
It has a lot to do with removing any dirt or stain build-up that might be preventing the laminate countertop from shining.
To deep clean, your laminate countertops with dish soap, mix together a tablespoon of mild dish soap with a quart of warm water.
Apply this mixture to the surface of your counters with a sponge or cloth and let it sit on the surface f the laminate countertop for a good 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes have passed, use a sponge or cloth that is soaked in the warm dish soap solution to scrub the surface of your counters.
Make sure to clean all areas, including the corners and edges. Rinse off any remaining dish soap with warm water and towel dry the surface of your counters until they are completely dry.
This will help remove any built-up dirt or stains on your laminate countertops and restore shine.
If you want to add a little vinegar into the mix, feel free to do so! Vinegar can help remove any remaining residue left behind by the dish soap and it is also great for deodorizing (removing any smells).
Instead of the mild dish soap, you can also use an antibacterial surface cleaner to restore shine to your laminate countertops.
If you do decide to use an antibacterial surface cleaner, be sure that it is one without any ammonia. This can damage some laminate surfaces and leave behind a sticky residue or film on the top of their surface.
How To Prevent Laminate Countertops From Loosing Their Shine
1. Clean The Laminate Countertop Often
In order to prevent your laminate countertops from losing their shine, you should clean them on a regular basis.
How often you will need to clean them will depend on how much use they are getting and the type of surface that they are on.
If your counters are in a high-traffic area or if they are used for cooking, you will want to clean them more often.
You can use any of the above methods and products or mild dish soap with warm water (without vinegar).
You should also wipe down your laminate countertops after every time you cook, even if there is no food on them. This will prevent grease from building up over time.
2. Keep The Countertops Dry
One of the main ways that laminate countertops lose their shine is by water and moisture damage.
If you are not careful to keep them dry, they can start to show signs of wear and tear such as fading, discoloration, or even mold and mildew growth.
Make sure to use a dry cloth or towel to wipe down the surface of your counters after every use. If there is any liquid or moisture present, it can cause damage over time.
You should also avoid using excessive amounts of water when cleaning them. Only use enough water to wet the surface and then dab off any excess with a dry cloth or towel.
3. Use A Countertop Protector
If you are not able to clean your laminate countertops on a regular basis, or if you live in a high-moisture area, you can use a countertop protector to help keep them from losing their shine.
Countertop protectors come in both clear and solid versions. The clear version will allow you to see the laminate underneath, but it will still provide a layer of protection.
The solid versions come in a variety of colors and even patterns so that they can match your current decor. They also help protect against scratches from everyday use or damage from spills or moisture.
You may want to replace your countertop protector every few years, depending on how often you clean your laminate countertops or the amount of use they get.
4. Wax Or Polish From Time To Time
If you want to give your laminate countertops an extra layer of protection, you can wax or polish them on a regular basis.
This will help seal the surface and prevent any dirt, dust, or stains from building up over time.
Waxing and polishing your counters should be done every few months (or as needed) and it is a very easy process.
All you need is a wax or polish that is designed for laminate countertops and a soft cloth to apply it with. Be sure to follow the directions on the product packaging.
Final Thoughts
No matter how often you clean your laminate countertops, they will eventually lose their shine. When they do lose their shine, you can use the methods discussed above to bring back the shine.
You can prevent the laminate countertop from losing its shine by simply cleaning them on a regular basis with some warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge.
You should also wipe down the surface after every use to keep grease buildup at bay. Thank you for reading! I hope this article was helpful.