Asked on Nov 29, 2017

Removing yellow stains from a white countertop

Barbara
by Barbara

We have a problem removing yellow stains from a white laminate countertop. They appear under the drain board and coffee maker so heat and moisture must be contributing factors. So far we've tried bleach, baking soda, white vinegar, rust remover solution, general cleansers, and paint thinner to no avail. It's as if the stain is coming from below the counter and is impervious to all attempts to remove it. Does anyone have a solution to successfully remove the stain other than replacing the countertop? Photo attached.



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  17 answers
    • See 2 previous
    • Brenda DeMarches Brenda DeMarches on Nov 30, 2017

      Had same problem with this type of counter top in my basement. Used Wink Rust Remover, comes in a brown bottle & can be purchased at any Wal-mart.

  • Tess Tess on Nov 29, 2017

    Did you try Lime from Home Depot? Soak cloth and leave on the stain overnight than scrub with plastic scrubbing pad. Leaving soaking overnight should help.

  • Njlou Njlou on Nov 29, 2017

    try the mr clean sponge

  • Odi31540818 Odi31540818 on Nov 29, 2017

    Try CLR available everywhere. . . .Or soaked paper towels with pure lemon juice over night. . . . ?????

    • See 1 previous
    • Barbara Barbara on Dec 07, 2017

      Update...Unfortunately five separate applications of CLR had not effect on the stain.

  • Sfreer Sfreer on Nov 30, 2017

    The reason the stain developed is laminate surface was weakened by repeated cleaning with abrasive products. Once you get the stains removed, seal your counter with something. I used car wax but I'm sure the are products for this issue.

    • Barbara Barbara on Nov 30, 2017

      That is good advice and makes a lot of sense. Thank you. The house was built in the early 60s and we are the 4th owners. With persistence I hope to solve the problem and seal the counter to avoid future concerns.

  • Melissa Melissa on Nov 30, 2017

    I use a little bleach on a rag

    • Barbara Barbara on Dec 07, 2017

      That works well for new surface stains, but unfortunately has not been able to remove the deeper stains.

  • Jelita Jelita on Nov 30, 2017

    Mr Clean magic eraser!! Get a mat from the dollar store to put under the coffee pot

    • Barbara Barbara on Nov 30, 2017

      I'll try the Mr. Clean eraser. I did put trays under the coffee pot and dish drain to prevent direct contact and keep a watchful eye to try to keep the problem from getting worse.

  • Jen Potter Sullivan Jen Potter Sullivan on Dec 01, 2017

    Mr Clean Eraser didn't work from my countertop. Did you end up getting it out of yours?

  • Lonny Langione Lonny Langione on Dec 01, 2017

    Go to a beauty supply house and buy the highest percentage peroxide. Use that instead of bleach. This peroxide is different than what you buy in a pharmacy. The pharmacy peroxide is diluted with water. Use gloves because it will burn your skin. This is also what you use to kill green and black mold. Bleach will not work. DO NOT mix this peroxide with anything, especially bleach.

  • Barbara Barbara on Dec 01, 2017

    Thank you for the helpful suggestion. We also tried a concrobium mold stain remover solution which removes black mold stains, and later tried muriatic acid left over from another project, but they didn't work.

  • Tess Tess on Dec 07, 2017

    I used on my Formica and rinsed afterwards with clean warm water with squeeze of lemon and nothing has happened to my counter top. It’s your choice what you try and good luck 😀

  • Jen Potter Sullivan Jen Potter Sullivan on Jan 29, 2018

    Has anyone came up with a solution ? Lemon juice, bleach, hydrogen peroxide and also a magic eraser ( not all at the same time) Did NOT work!!

  • Ana Priscilla Cunillera Ana Priscilla Cunillera on Apr 30, 2018

    same problem here 😭😭 I’m moving to a new place and use tilex to clean the counter top and that happens!!!

    comment photo
  • Melissa Melissa on Jun 08, 2019

    I know this is an old thread but wanted to share I was looking for solutions myself and read many people rave about using silver jewelry cleaner (connessuir brand I think) and it’s lifted the stain after some time and several applications. Hoping for the best!

  • Aleah Tucker Aleah Tucker on Aug 03, 2019

    My countertops looks exactly like this! What worked for you? My stains and are right above the dishwasher so maybe that has something to do with it? Ive tried bleach and baking soda so far. No amount of cleaning seems to help lift.

  • Amy Lynn Amy Lynn on May 16, 2020

    I saw on an answer on a different thread that worked! Silver jewelry cleaner- connoisseurs- red bottle. I have no clue how or why, but I bought some after trying everything else I could think of and it worked! Thought I would add

    in case anyone else still has this issue or comes across this thread.

  • ShanP ShanP on May 26, 2020

    Thank you all! Just purchased new home and island has a small yellowish stain; didn’t have a clue how it got there because I clean it consistently. I’ll try the silver jewelry cleaner. Any specific one you suggest?