Rust stains can be a real pain to remove from laminate countertops. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be difficult to get rid of.
In this guide, I will discuss the best ways to remove rust stains from your countertops so that you can have them looking their best in no time.
The best way to remove rust stains from laminate countertops is to use a rust stain remover or any cleaner specifically designed for the job. There are many rust removal products on the market, so be sure to read the labels carefully to find one that is safe for use on laminate.
Two of the best rust stain removers I found that can be used for laminate and other countertop materials is the Black Diamond Stoneworks Cleaner and good old Goof Off Household Heavy Duty Remover.
To use either of these cleaners, simply apply the rust remover to a clean cloth and rub it into the stained area in a circular motion. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.
If you don’t have any rust removal products on hand or you simply do not want to spend any cash on products, I’ve got you covered. There are a lot of household items that are equally effective at removing rust stains from your laminate countertops.
But before I get into the nitty-gritty of the cleaning process, I want to first talk about what rust is and how it can get onto your countertops in the first place so that we can better understand how to remove it and avoid it in the future.
What Is Rust And How Does It Form On Laminate Countertops?
Rust is an iron oxide that forms when iron or steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture.
This means that rust is a chemical reaction that occurs when iron or steel comes into contact with oxygen and water.
This combination creates a reddish-brown substance that can be very difficult to remove. In the right conditions, rust can occur on any surface including laminate countertops.
This is because rust is not a living thing, so it can spread to any surface that it comes into contact with. Rust is often particularly worse on surfaces that are exposed to outdoor elements, moisture, or damp conditions.
It is important to know that rust is not a sign of poor quality or durability of the laminate countertop, but rather it is a sign that the countertop has been exposed to oxygen and water.
This is why it is important to remove rust stains as soon as you see them so that they do not have a chance to spread and cause further damage.
How Do Rust Stains Form On Laminate Countertops?
There are a few ways rust stains can form on laminate countertops. Another way rust can form on the laminate countertops;
- Rust Can Be Caused By Metal Objects
- Rust Can Occur Naturally
- Rust Can Be Caused By Moisture
- Rust Can Be Caused By Damaged Countertops
Each of these factors will be discussed in more detail below.
Rust Can Be Caused By Leaving Metal Objects
The most common way is through contact with metal objects that are already rusty.
This could be anything from a rusty can to a piece of metal jewelry.
If these objects are left on your countertop for too long, they will leave behind a rust stain.
Rust Can Occur Naturally
Sometimes rust can occur naturally, even if you don’t have any metal objects on your countertop. This is because the air itself contains oxygen and moisture, which can gradually cause rust to form.
Rust Can Be Caused By Moisture
Another way rust can form is through contact with moisture.
This could be from water that is left on your countertop for too long or from condensation.
If these droplets of water are allowed to sit on your countertop, they can eventually cause rust to form.
Another way this happens is when there is rust inside your pipes.
If your countertop is connected to rusty pipes, the rust can eventually spread to your countertop and cause stains.
Also, those rusty pipes would carry rust-causing moisture every time you turn on your faucets, which would also contribute to rust stains.
Rust Can Be Caused By Damaged Countertops
Lastly, rust can also be caused by damage to your countertop.
If there are any cracks or chips in your countertop, this provides an opening for oxygen and water to get in and cause rust.
It is important to repair any damage to your countertop as soon as possible to prevent rust from forming.
Now that we know how rust can form on laminate countertops, let’s move on to the cleaning process. There are a few different ways you can remove rust stains from your countertops
Rust Can Be Caused By Damaged Countertops
Finally, another way rust can form on your laminate countertop is if the countertop itself is damaged.
Is Removing Rust Stains From Laminate Countertops Difficult?
The good news is that rust stains are not difficult to remove especially from laminate countertops. Laminate countertops are non-porous so rust stains will usually not penetrate deep into the surface.
This means that rust stains can usually be removed with some simple cleaning supplies that you probably already have at home.
The most important thing is to act quickly and remove the rust stain as soon as you notice it. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove.
How To Remove Rust Stains from Laminate Countertops
Now that we know a little bit more about rust stains on laminate countertops, let’s move on to the cleaning process.
There are a few different ways you can remove rust stains from laminate countertops, and we will go over each method in detail.
Method #01: Use Vinegar
Vinegar is a common household item that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including laminate countertops. The acids in the vinegar will break down the rust and lift it off the surface of your countertop.
Another reason why vinegar works so well for cleaning rust is that it is non-abrasive. This means that it won’t scratch your countertop like some other cleaners might. To use vinegar to clean a rust stain, you will need to:
Step One:
- Make a mixture of vinegar solution containing one part vinegar and one part water.
Step Two:
- Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and wring it out so that it is damp.
Step Three:
- Place the damp cloth over the rust stain.
- Use plastic food wrap to cover the cloth and secure it in place.
- This will help the vinegar solution to stay in contact with the rust stain without evaporating too quickly.
Step Four:
- Let the vinegar solution sit on the rust stain for at least 30 minutes.
Step Five:
- Remove the plastic food wrap and cloth.
- Rinse the area with clean water to remove any residual vinegar.
Step Five:
- Dry it off.
- The rust stains should come right off, and your countertop will be clean and sparkling.
Method #02: Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another common household item that can be used to remove rust stains. Like vinegar, lemon juice contains acids that will break down the rust.
Lemon also contains citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent. This means that it can also help to remove any discoloration caused by the rust stain. To use lemon juice to remove rust stains:
Step One:
- Simply apply the juice to a cloth.
Step Two:
- Rub it onto the affected area.
- You may need to let the lemon juice sit on the stain for about 3-5 minutes to give it time to work.
Step Three:
- Scrub the surface with a scrub brush to loosen the rust.
Step Four:
- Wipe away the lemon juice and rust residue with a damp cloth.
Step Five:
- Repeat steps two through five until the stain is gone.
- Once you have removed the rust stain, be sure to rinse the area with clean water and dry it off.
Method #3: Use Baking Soda Paste
If you’re looking for a natural rust-removing solution, look no further than your kitchen pantry. Baking soda is a gentle yet effective abrasive that can be used to scrub away rust stains.
Not only is baking soda a mild abrasive, but it’s also alkaline, which means it can neutralize acidic rust stains. When used properly, you should be able to remove most rust stains with this method. To make a baking soda paste:
Step One:
- Simply mix together equal parts baking soda and water.
Step Two:
- Once you have a thick paste with a consistency similar to that of toothpaste or honey, apply it to the rust stain.
- Use plastic wrap to cover the entire application to slow down evaporation.
Step Three:
- Now allow it to sit on the stain overnight.
Step Four:
- With the help of a putty knife or other dull edge, begin to scrape away the paste and rust stain.
Step Five:
- Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth. If necessary, repeat steps two through five until the rust stain is completely removed.
Method #4: Use Vinegar/Lemon Juice And Baking Soda
A good mixture of vinegar or lemon juice and baking soda can also be used to remove rust stains from laminate countertops.
As I have already mentioned, both vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, and baking soda is alkaline and is both great for removing rust stains from non-porous surfaces like laminate countertops.
This means that when they are mixed together, they create a chemical reaction that can be used to break down and remove rust stains. This works great on tough rust stains that are resistant to other methods. Here’s how to do it:
Step One:
- Mix vinegar or lemon juice with baking soda to form a paste.
Step Two:
- Apply the paste to the rust stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes and cover it up with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation.
Step Three:
- Scrub the area with a stiff brush or nylon scrub pad to remove the rust and paste.
Step Four:
- Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and dry the area thoroughly. If necessary, repeat steps two through four until the rust stain is completely removed.
Method #5: Use Salt
High concentrations of salt are corrosive on materials like metal countertops but when used on laminate countertops, it can actually help to remove rust stains without causing any damage.
The best part is, that all you need is salt and water. To remove rust stains using salt:
Step One:
- Mix salt and water together into a paste.
Step Two:
- Apply the salt paste to the rust stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Step Three:
- Wipe the salt paste away with a damp cloth.
Step Four:
- Rinse the area with clean water and dry it off.
- Repeat this process as necessary until the rust stain is gone.
- You may need to let the salt paste sit on the stain for longer periods of time if it’s stubborn.