Ink stains can be a real pain to remove, especially from laminate countertops. However, if you’re not careful, you can end up damaging the surface of your countertops in the process. In this guide, I will walk you through the complete process of how to remove ink stains from laminate countertops.
I’ll cover everything from identifying the type of ink stain to using the right cleaning solutions and products. So read on and learn how to get those pesky ink stains out for good.
Ink Stains On Laminate Countertop
If you know a little bit about laminate countertops, then you would know that they are made up of multiple layers of plastic bonded to particleboard or kraft paper to fabricate a robust solid countertop surface.
The top layer is a clear protective coating, followed by a print layer, then the core layer, and finally the backing layer.
When you’re dealing with an ink stain on laminate countertops, you need to be careful not to damage any of these layers.
The nature of the top coat of the laminate is such that it’s not porous, so the ink won’t be able to penetrate it. So that’s one of the glimmers of hope when you’re dealing with an ink stain.
Things To Consider Before Removing Ink Stains From Laminate Countertops
There are a few important things to consider before you start removing ink stains from laminate countertops:
- First, what type of ink is it? Water-based or oil-based?
- How big is the stain?
- Is the stain fresh, or has it been there for a while?
Type Of Ink
Identifying the type of ink will help you determine what kind of cleaning solution to use. If you’re unsure what type of ink it is, you can do a simple test by dabbing a little bit of the ink onto a paper towel.
If the ink spreads out quickly, it’s water-based. If it takes a while for the ink to spread or if it doesn’t seem to spread at all, it’s likely oil-based.
Water-based inks are usually easier to remove than oil-based inks. But there are a few exceptions, so it’s still essential to identify the type of ink before you start cleaning.
Size Of Stain
The size of the stain will also help determine what kind of cleaning solution to use. If the stain is small, you can probably get away with using a household cleaner. But if the stain is large, you may need to use a commercial cleaner or call in a professional.
Fresh Or Old Stain
If the ink stain is fresh, you’re in luck. Fresh stains are usually much easier to remove than old stains. But if the stain is old, don’t despair. You can still do a few things to try to remove it.
How To Remove Ink Stains From Laminate Countertops
As I mentioned, there are several ways to remove ink stains from your laminate countertops using either household cleaners or commercial cleaners. I’ll go over a few of the most common methods below.
Method # 1: Use Hairspray
Hairspray is a common household item that can be used to remove ink stains from laminate countertops. The hairspray method works both on old and new ink stains.
The best type of hairspray to use for this is one that contains alcohol. The alcohol in the hairspray will break down the ink and make it easier to wipe away.
Hairspray also contains other ingredients that can help to break down the ink, so it’s worth trying if you’re dealing with a tough ink stain on your laminate countertops. To use hairspray to remove an ink stain from laminate countertops;
Step One:
- Spray the affected area with the hairspray.
- Ensure to keep a reasonable distance between the nozzle and the countertop to avoid over-saturating the laminate countertop.
Step Two:
- Let the hairspray sit on the stain for a few minutes to give it time to work.
- A good rule of thumb is to allow the hairspray to sit on the ink stain for about 3-5 minutes
Step Three:
- Use a clean cloth to wipe away the ink stain.
- You may need to use a little elbow grease to remove all the stain.
Step Four:
- Repeat steps one through three until the stain is gone.
Step Five:
Once the in stain has been removed from your laminate countertop, you’ll need to clean the area with soap and water to remove any residue from the hairspray.
Method # 2: Use Olive Oil
The olive oil method is one of the best ways to remove relatively new ink stains from laminate countertops. The reason why this works great is that olive oil contains a substance called oleic acid.
This natural fatty acid is a very powerful cleaning agent that can help loosen all kinds of stains, including ink stains on nonporous surfaces like laminate countertops.
Plus, it’s a very gentle cleaning agent, so it won’t damage your countertops like some harsh chemicals. To use this method;
Step One:
- Simply pour a small amount of olive oil onto the ink stain on your laminate countertop.
- Make sure the oil is enough to cover the entire stain.
Step Two:
- Allow the olive oil to sit on and let it sit on the ink stain for 10-20 minutes.
- This will immediately stop the ink from having a permanent bond with your laminate countertop surface.
Step Three:
- After a few minutes have passed, use a clean cloth to wipe away the olive oil and the ink stain.
- You should see the ink start to come off onto your cloth.
Step Four:
- Repeat steps one through three until the ink stain is completely removed.
Step Five:
- Once the ink stain has been successfully removed from your laminate countertop, rinse the area with warm water and dry it off with a clean towel.
- Your laminate countertop should now be ink-free!
Method # 3: Use Poultice (Baking Soda And Lemon Solution)
If you’re looking for a more natural way to remove ink stains from laminate countertops, then this method is definitely for you.
This poultice is made with two ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen – baking soda and lemon juice.
The combination of these two ingredients creates a powerful cleaning agent that can help you easily remove ink stains. Here’s how to use this method;
Step One:
- Start by mixing together equal parts baking soda and lemon juice in a small bowl to form a thick paste.
- You should have enough poultice to cover the entire ink stain on your laminate countertop.
- So mix according to the size of stain you have going on.
Step Two:
- Once the poultice is mixed, apply it directly to the ink stain on your laminate countertop.
- Use a spatula or your fingers to spread it over the entire area of the ink stain.
Step Three:
- Cover up the poultice application with a plastic bag or wrap.
- This will help create a humid environment, which is necessary for the poultice to work its magic.
Step Four:
- Allow the poultice to sit on the ink stain overnight or for at least 12 hours.
- The longer it sits, the better chance it has of successfully removing the ink stain.
Step Five:
- After the poultice has had time to work, use a clean cloth to scrape and wipe away the paste.
- You should see the ink stain start to come off the poultice residue.
- If not, you can repeat steps two through five until the stain is gone.
Step Six:
- Once the ink stain is completely removed, rinse the surface of your laminate countertop with warm water and dry it off with a clean towel.
Method # 4: Use Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another great way to remove ink stains from laminate countertops.
Rubbing alcohol is made up of ethanol, a powerful solvent that can break down ink.
The best part about rubbing alcohol is that it evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave any residue behind.
Rubbing alcohol is a common household item and can be found at most stores. To remove an ink stain with rubbing alcohol, follow these steps:
Step One:
- Saturate a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol.
Step Two:
- Place the saturated cotton ball or cloth on the ink stain for a good 3-5 minutes.
Step Three:
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the ink stain.
- Repeat steps two and three until the ink stain is gone.
Once you’re satisfied that the ink stain is gone, rinse the area with a clean damp cloth
Method # 5: Use Nail Polish Remover
Just like the rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover is also a great way to remove ink stains from laminate countertops.
Nail polish removers contain acetone, which is a powerful solvent that can break down any kind of ink stain. Nail polish remover works on both old and new ink stains on laminate countertops.
So if you or your partner has a bottle of nail polish at home and you’re in a fix, don’t hesitate to use it. To remove an ink stain with nail polish remover, follow these steps:
Step One:
- Saturate a cotton ball or soft cloth with nail polish remover.
Step Two:
- Scrub the ink stain gently with the saturated cotton ball or cloth.
Step Three:
- Use a clean dry cloth to blot the area when the ink stain comes off.
- This is so that the nail polish removers do not sit on the surface of your laminate countertops for too long.
- Continue this action until the ink stain is completely removed.
Step Four:
- Wash and rinse the area with soap and water.
- Dry off the surface of your laminate countertop and continue to enjoy your spotless countertop.
Tips And Warnings When Removing Ink Stains From Laminate Countertops
Before you go, here are a few important tips and warnings to keep in mind when removing ink stains from laminate countertops:
- Always test a small, inconspicuous area of your laminate countertop before using any kind of cleaner or solvent.
- Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any kind of cleaning product on your laminate countertop.
- If you’re using a solvent like rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover, be sure to ventilate the area well.
- Wear gloves when handling any kind of solvent.
- Never leave any kind of cleaner or solvent on your laminate countertop for too long, as it can damage the surface.
- It is always best to use microfiber cloth or towels, so you do not end up scratching your laminate countertop.
- Completely dry your laminate countertop after cleaning to prevent any water spots.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach to remove ink stains on your laminate countertop, as it can damage the surface.
When To Call A Professional
If you’ve tried all of the above and you still can’t get the stain out, it may be time to purchase an ink stain remover or call a professional.
One of the most common products recommended by most experts is Goof Off. This product is available at most hardware stores and can be used on various surfaces, including laminate countertops.
If you decide to call a professional, make sure they are experienced in working with laminate countertops, so you don’t end up damaging your counters. You can locate a professional in your local area by typing countertop experts near me on google.
A professional will have access to stronger cleaners, and they will know how to use them without damaging your countertops.
Final Thoughts
I hope that this guide was helpful, and that you were able to remove the ink stain from your laminate countertop with ease.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us and we would be more than happy to help. Until next time, goodbye!