Hot pans and heat-producing appliances (such as electric skillets), when set directly upon countertops, can mar the product's beauty. Always use a heat shield, hot pad or trivet.
Care For Laminates
HPL is considered to be one of the most durable decorative surface materials and is available with special performance properties including chemical, fire and wear resistance.
Routine Care
To clean the surface, use a damp cloth or sponge and a milk soap or detergent. Difficult stains such as coffee or tea can be removed using a mild household cleaner/detergent and a soft bristled brush, repeating as necessary.
If a stain presists, use a paste of baking soda and water and apply with a soft bristle brush. Light scrubbing for 10 to 20 stokes should remove most stains. Althout baking soda is a low abrasive, excessive scrubbing or exerting too mich force could damage the decorative surface, esepcially if it has a gloss finish.
Stubborn stains that resists any of the above cleaning methods may require the use of undiluted household bleach or nail polish remover. Apply the bleach or nail polish removere to the stain and let stand no longer than two minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry. This step may be repeated if the stain appears to be going away and the color of the laminate has not beend affected.
A FEW NOTES OF CAUTION
- Acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage lamiate surfaces; do not use them
- Drain cleaners containing lye will permanently damage any laminte surface. If you spill a drain cleaner, wipe it up immediately and rinse several times with water.
- Hair, textile and food dyes can cause permanent stains. If dye should happen to spill, wipe it up immediately with diswashing detergent or an all-purpose cleaner.
- Never place pots on dishes directly from the oven or burner on a unprotected lamiate surface; such extreme hear can cause cracking or blistering.
- Do not work with oven cleaners on an unprotected coutertop. Wipe spills away promptly and rinse several times with water.
- Rust removers containt harsh chemicals which will quickly cause permanent damage. If a spill occurs, wupe off all residues immediately, wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse several times.
- Steel wool and other abrasive pads will damage laminate. Don't use them for cleaning and do not store steel wool pads on your countertop; the metal can rust and leave stains.
