If your laminate countertop is sticky, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that many homeowners face. There are several reasons why your countertop may be sticky, and in this article, I will explore them all! I will also provide some tips on how to fix the problem and keep your countertop looking beautiful for years to come.
1. Food And Drinks Build Up On Laminate Countertop
One of the most common reasons why laminate countertops become sticky is because of food and drinks. Laminate countertops are usually installed in kitchens, and over time, they can become stained by spills.
If you don’t clean up spills immediately, the spill will quickly build up due to the non-porous nature of the laminate countertop. This can cause your laminate countertop to become sticky.
Food and drinks ranging from coffee and soda to spaghetti sauce can all cause your laminate countertop to become sticky. So it is important to clean up spills as soon as they happen.
Remedy:
The best way to clean up food and drink spills is to use a mild soap and water. You can also use one part vinegar to two to three parts water solution. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner. Here’s how you to remove stickiness resulting from food and drink stains;
- Step One: Mix a 5-10 drops of mild dish soap with a cup of warm water.
- Step Two: Use a soft cloth to apply the soap and water solution to the sticky area.
- Step Three: Scrub to remove the sticky residue.
- Step Four: Rinse the area with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
2. Grease And Oil Build Up On Laminate Countertop
Another common reason for a sticky laminate countertop is grease and oil. Grease and oil can build up on your countertop over time, and if you don’t clean it up, it can cause your laminate countertop to become sticky.
If all the sticky residue that can build up on your laminate countertops grease and oil are the most difficult to remove. In addition to that, if you don’t remove it, the grease and oil will eventually cause your countertop to become discolored.
The good news is that there are a few ways to remove grease and oil from your laminate countertop. You can use a degreaser, or you can make your own cleaning solution with vinegar and water. More on this later!
Remedy:
The best way to remove grease and oil from your laminate countertop is to use a degreaser. You can find degreasers at most hardware stores. You can also use household items like mild dish soap solution, white vinegar and water, or rubbing alcohol to remove sticky gunk from your laminate countertops.
If you decide to go with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar solution, you want to make sure that you properly dilute them. Use one part rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to two to three parts water. Here’s how to use a degreaser like the Stone Care International Granite Cleaner. You can find similar products in your local and online stores.
- Step One: Spray the degreaser or cleaning solution on the sticky area.
- Step Two: Let it sit for a few minutes (according to the recommended time).
- Step Three: Scrub the area with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Step Four: Rinse the area with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Repeat this process until the sticky residue is gone.
You can also use a poultice to remove oil stains. A poultice is a paste (can be made from baking soda and water) that you apply to the stained area and let it sit for a few hours. After a few hours, the poultice will have drawn out the oil from the laminate countertop.
3. Using Harsh Cleaning Products On Laminate Countertop
The best way to clean laminate countertops is to use a mild soap and warm water. However, there are a number of different cleaning products on the market that claim to be effective at cleaning laminate countertops.
Some of these cleaning products can actually damage your laminate countertop and make it more susceptible to becoming sticky. So be sure to read the labels carefully and avoid any cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals.
Cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach should also be avoided as they can damage the laminate finish.
Another twist to this is that sometimes the cleaning products you use can leave behind a sticky residue. This is especially true for most all-purpose cleaners.
Remedy:
The best way to avoid this is to purchase cleaning products specifically made for laminate countertops or make your own cleaning solution from mild dish soap or vinegar and water. You can use a ratio of one part vinegar to two to three parts water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will clean your laminate countertop without leaving behind any sticky residue.
4. Dirt And Dust Build Up On The Laminate Countertop
Laminate countertops that have become very dirt or can also become sticky. The dirt and dust can build up over time and cause a film to form on the surface of the countertop.
This film can make it difficult for you to clean your countertop properly and can also cause the finish to become dull. Not only is that unsightly, but it can also make your countertop more susceptible to becoming sticky.
Remedy:
The best way to clean a laminate countertop that has become dirty or dusty is to use a good mild dish soap solution and microfiber cloth.
5. Not Cleaning Your Laminate Countertops Properly
Another common reason for sticky laminate countertops is not cleaning them properly. You may think that you are cleaning your laminate countertop, but if you are not using the right cleaning products or methods, you may be leaving behind sticky residues.
As I mentioned earlier, the best way to clean laminate countertops is to use a mild dish soap solution and warm water. You should avoid using harsh cleaning products or scrubbing too hard, and wrong cleaning methods as this can damage the laminate surface.
Remedy:
The solution for this type of situation is to simply clean your laminate countertop more frequently using the right products and methods.
6. Temperature And Humidity Changes
If you live in an area with high humidity levels, this can also cause your laminate countertop to become sticky. When the air is too humid, it can cause the laminate to swell and become sticky.
On the other hand, if the air is too dry, this can cause the laminate to shrink and the adhesive to loosen. Both of these temperature and humidity changes can cause your laminate countertop to become sticky.
Remedy:
If you want to avoid this, wipe down your laminate countertops regularly with a damp cloth. You can also try to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in your home using a humidifier or dehumidifier.
7. Heat Damage To The Laminate Countertop Surface
The laminate countertop surface can also become sticky if it is damaged by heat. For example, if you place a hot pan on the laminate countertop, it can cause the laminate to melt and become sticky.
Also, if you set microwaves, toasters, or other appliances that produce temperatures above 200 degrees Fahrenheit on the laminate countertop, it can also damage the surface and make it sticky.
Remedy:
So, to avoid this, you should always use a trivet or hot pad when placing hot items on the laminate countertop surface.
8. Water Damage To The Laminate Countertop
Although not a very common cause, water damage can also make the laminate countertop surface become sticky.
For example, if your laminate countertop regularly comes into contact with water and you do not clean it up immediately, the water can seep into the laminate and make it swell. This can cause the laminate to become loose and eventually, sticky.
Remedy:
To avoid this, you should always clean up any water spills on the laminate countertop surface as soon as possible.
9. Old Laminate Countertops
With time and wear and tear, the laminate on your countertop can start to peel and become sticky. If this happens, it is probably time to replace your laminate countertop. The way this happens is that over time, the adhesive that is holding the laminate to the countertop starts to break down and loosen. So, if your laminate countertop is old and sticky, it may be time for a new one.
10. Improper Installation Of The Laminate Countertop
This is common with countertop installers who do not have the right experience or training. I have encountered a lot of these guys who do not clean after themselves.
They spill adhesives and leave them on the surface which makes the laminate countertop sticky. If you have recently had your laminate countertop installed and it is already sticky, this may probably be the reason why.
Remedy:
The best way to avoid this is to hire a professional countertop installer who has the experience and training. They will know how to properly install your laminate countertop and will not leave behind any sticky residues.
11. Counterfeit Laminate Countertops
There are a lot of fake laminate countertops on the market that are made with poor-quality materials. These fake laminate countertops can be made with adhesives that are not meant for countertops or are made of poor quality.
With time and just a tiny bit of wear, the adhesives or binders used can start to resurface and make the laminate countertop sticky.
Tips On How To Prevent Stickiness On Laminate Countertop
There are a few things you can do to prevent the laminate countertop surface from becoming sticky.
- The first thing you can do is to wipe down the laminate countertop regularly with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, or grease that can build up on the surface and make it sticky.
- You can also use a mild soap and water solution to clean the laminate countertop. Be sure to rinse the surface well after cleaning it with soap and water.
- Another tip is to avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbers on the laminate countertop. These can damage the surface and make it more susceptible to becoming sticky.
- If you do spill something on the laminate countertop, be sure to clean it up immediately. Allowing a spill to sit on the surface can cause it to become sticky.
- Finally, if the laminate countertop is still sticky after following these tips, you may want to consult a professional.
Final Thoughts
A sticky laminate countertop can be a nuisance. But by following the tips above, you can help to prevent the surface from becoming sticky. If the laminate countertop is already sticky, I have highlighted a few ways to clean it.
My recommendation is to use cleaners specifically made for laminate surfaces. These will be the most gentle on the surface and will not damage it. Thanks for reading!
I hope this article was helpful. If it was, feel free to share it with your friends or family. Have a great day!
FAQs
Q: What should I do if my laminate countertop starts to peel?
A: If the laminate is peeling, it is time to replace the countertop. Laminate that is peeling can be a safety hazard.
Q: Can I paint my laminate countertop?
A: You can paint laminate countertops, but it is not recommended. Paint can chip and peel, and it is difficult to remove once it is applied.
Q: How do I clean my laminate countertop?
A: Laminate countertops should be cleaned with a mild detergent and water. Avoid using harsh cleaners, as they can damage the laminate.