If you’ve just moved into a new home or are in the process of renovating, you may be considering installing white laminate countertops. They’re affordable and easy to care for, but there’s one big downside: they can yellow over time.
In this article, we’ll explore six reasons why your countertops might be turning yellow and what you can do to fix the problem. There are several reasons why your white laminate countertops might be turning yellow. Here are eight of the most common ones;
1. Not Using The Right Cleaning Product
One of the first reasons your white laminate countertops might turn yellow is that you’re not using the right cleaning products.
You should avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or anything with bleach.
Instead, opt for a mild soap and water solution or a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for laminate surfaces.
When it comes to white laminate countertops, you should also avoid using any type of oil-based cleaner.
These can leave behind a greasy residue that will attract dirt and dust, making your countertops look even more yellow over time.
So if you’re using the wrong cleaning products on your countertops, they can actually end up looking dirtier.
Stick to gentle, pH-neutral cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals. Cleaners that contain bleach or other harsh chemicals can damage the finish on your laminate countertops and cause them to yellow.
2. Sunlight Exposure
Another common reason why white laminate countertops might be turning yellow is because of exposure to sunlight.
Laminate is a type of plastic; over time, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can break down the plastic material, causing it to turn yellow.
You can avoid this problem by ensuring your countertops are not in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
If you have a window above your countertops, make sure to keep the blinds or curtains well-positioned to obscure the sunlight.
You can also buy countertop covers that will protect your laminate from the sun’s UV rays.
In general, it’s a good idea to keep laminate surfaces out of direct sunlight whenever possible to prevent fading and yellowing.
While sunlight exposure is the most common cause of yellowing in laminate countertops, it’s not the only one. Here are a few other possible causes:
3. Heat Exposure
Another common cause of yellowing in laminate countertops is heat exposure. Laminate countertops are made of plastic materials, and like all plastics, they can be damaged by prolonged heat exposure.
Laminate countertops get exposed to a lot of heat and can be damaged by hot pans or dishes placed directly on them.
To avoid this, always use a trivet or hot pad when placing anything hot on your countertops.
You should also avoid putting any type of heat source, such as a toaster oven, on top of laminate countertops. Prolonged heat exposure can damage the laminate material and cause it to yellow.
4. Water Damage
Now, many people do not know when it comes to their white laminate countertops: You should not let water sit on the surface for too long.
Water can cause the laminate material to swell and discolor, and over time, this can lead to yellowing.
So if you spill something on your countertop, make sure to wipe it up immediately. And avoid letting dishes or cups sit in water for too long.
Water can also get under the laminate and cause it to yellow from the back side, and in most cases, it will be very difficult to fix this problem once it happens.
This usually happens if the laminate countertop has cracks, scratches, or chips that allow water to seep into the laminate material whenever it gets wet.
So if you have a leaky sink or dishwasher, make sure to fix the problem as soon as possible to prevent water damage to your laminate countertops.
5. Rust
If your laminate countertops come into contact with rust, it can cause them to yellow.
This is because rust is an oxidizing agent that can damage the plastic materials in laminate, causing them to discolor.
This can usually occur if you have metal objects on your countertops for prolonged periods, such as pots and pans.
Also, water with a high iron content can cause rust stains on laminate countertops over time, causing them to yellow.
If you notice rust stains on your laminate, make sure to clean them up as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
You can remove rust stains from laminate countertops by using a rust removal product or by scrubbing the stain with a stiff brush and some elbow grease.
Just make sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers on your laminate countertops, as this can damage the surface.
If you have rust stains that seem impossible to remove, you can always sand down the affected area and refinish it with a new coat of laminate. This process is not difficult, but it will require some time and effort to do it right.
6. Smoke
Smoke exposure can also cause yellowing in laminate countertops. This can be smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or even from cooking.
This is because smoke particles can settle on the surface of the laminate and cause it to discolor over time.
To avoid this, make sure to ventilate your kitchen whenever you’re cooking, and if you smoke cigarettes or cigars, do it outside to prevent the smoke from settling on your countertops.
You can also try using an air purifier in your kitchen to help remove smoke particles from the air and prevent them from settling on your laminate countertops.
7. Old Laminate Countertops Yellow
One of the main reasons why laminate countertops turn yellow is because they’re old. Unfortunately, laminate is not a material that lasts forever; over time, it will start to show its age.
This is especially true for white laminate countertops, which are more susceptible to staining and discoloration.
So if your laminate countertops are starting to look yellow and you can’t seem to get rid of the stains, it might be time to replace them.
Fortunately, laminate countertops are not too expensive and relatively easy to install, so replacing them shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.
How To Remove Yellowing From Laminate Countertops
There are a few ways to remove yellowing from laminate countertops. I will show you some home remedies that you can use to remove the yellowing.
There are a few home remedies that you can use to remove yellowing from laminate countertops.
Using Vinegar Solution
- One of the most effective home remedies is to use a vinegar solution.
- Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar to make this solution.
- Then, use a clean cloth to apply the solution to the yellowed areas on your laminate countertops.
- Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes before wiping it off.
Using Baking Soda
Another way to remove yellow stains from your laminate countertops is to use baking soda. This usually works on small, recent stains.
- Make a baking soda and water paste, then apply it to the stain.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.
- If the stain is still visible, you can try repeating the process.
Baking soda is a natural abrasive, so you need to be careful not to scrub too hard, or you could damage the laminate.
Using Baking Soda And Vinegar
You can also try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
- Start by mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar in a bowl.
- Then, apply it to the stain with a clean cloth.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
- If the stain is still visible, you can try repeating the process.
- Just like with baking soda, you need to be careful not to scrub too hard, or you could damage the laminate.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide
- Start by pouring a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto a clean cloth.
- Then, apply it to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
- After a few minutes have passed, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
- Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
- You may need to use a little elbow grease if you’re dealing with a tough stain.
- Start by pouring a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto the stained area and then scrubbing it with a brush.
- Once you’ve scrubbed the area, wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
- If you’re still seeing the stain, repeat this process until it’s gone.
How To Prevent Laminate Countertops From Yellowing
- The best way to prevent your laminate countertops from yellowing is to clean them regularly.
- Wipe up spills as soon as they happen and clean the surface of your countertops with a mild soap and water solution.
- You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your laminate countertops, as these can damage the surface and cause yellowing.
- If you do need to use a strong cleaner, make sure to rinse the area well afterward.
In conclusion, there are a few reasons your white laminate countertops might turn yellow. Fortunately, there are also a few ways to remove the yellowing.
And if all else fails, you can always replace your laminate countertops. Just be sure to clean them regularly to prevent the yellowing from happening in the first place.