Old countertop, dirty gunk in texture. How to Clean?

Question

Crippled up elderly lady had this house. The texture in the counter top is nasty how do I scrub it clean. I have tried comet and a scrub brush with so-so results. I don't like using harsh chemicals. Any suggestions?

Dee · Answer

Did you try Dawn and white vinegar? Heat 1 c vinegar in the microwave. Add 1 c original blue Dawn dish soap. Stir GENTLY to mix. Spray on surface, let sit for 5-10 min, then go at it with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. You may have to repeat, but I'll bet this works!

Pamela Withrow · Answer

don't know if this will help, but my Mother recently broke her hip & was in rehab 2 months after hip replacement & then I moved home for one month to help her get on her feet again. I discovered that after nearly 50 years of frying most foods over the years, I discovered her Formica cabinet tops were actually sticky! Nothing my brothers had tried worked & since there was nothing to lose, I sprayed the tops with 'Awesome' cleanser that softened the goo even more so that a razor-blade scrapper like I use to clean up my glass cook-top stove just rolled off a thick layer that looked & felt more like a shellac surface being peeled off in strips! It was gross & exciting too. Beneath this mess was a clean, smooth surface which must have been similar to the new Formica when first put on. It was great!

Lemor Sidis · Answer

Try using a steamer!

Sherrie · Answer

I agree with Pam . It also might be the finish is becoming gummy it also happens to cabinets, her idea makes sense to me and I would also try the cleaner she suggested, I was going to suggest another one but hers is better.

Leah Benson · Answer

I don't have one, but hot water from the tea kettle may work. Thank you for the idea. LB

Amber · Answer

Magic eraser is made for texture surfaces

Cynthia H · Answer

I also love magic erasers (they even have a knock off at the dollar store). Before you go nuts, try something that's a great degreaser like Dawn detergent. My first thought, honestly, was the stuff that took the gunk off my kitchen floor in all the little scratches and pits that form - Mr. Bubble (I swear, it works). It's easy to use (all of the mentioned) and not horrible chemically.

Leah Benson · Answer

Thank you all. I'll let you know when I see what works. I really appreciate your responses. :)

Leah Benson · Answer

I finally got it done Thanksgiving morning. I used the Dawn dish soap and hot vinegar with a Mr. Clean kitchen sponge. I think I actually now know what color the counters really are. LOL. The walls are hopeless, I'm just going to have to paint them. Thank you all for all your help. Leah

Toopie · Answer

I have textured laminate counter tops and its so dirty looking,,,how can I clean it without damaging the finish

Janice · Answer

Years ago when I had textured formica counters, I found the secret to keeping them looking nice was to dry them extremely well each time I wiped them clean.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

SEE IF YOU CAN BORROW, HIRE OR BUY A STEAMER! Quickest way I know!

Redcatcec · Answer

Another vote for Awecon cleaner from the dollar store. It is a great product.

Betsy · Answer

Hi Leah: I had a similar problem with my mom's counters. What I used was L.A.'s Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner. Just follow the directions on the container and you should be good to go. Here's the site where it's sold, and I'd buy the refill as it's larger and the same amount of money :) It's the first 2 products shown. DollarTree.com Click on the blue words here and the site will come up beneath it and then just hit enter.

Good luck

Old countertop, dirty gunk in texture. How to Clean?

Suggested Project Book

Keep Your Clutter Off the Countertops With These Clever Ideas

Other

More

Old countertop, dirty gunk in texture. How to Clean?

Suggested Project Book