How to clean laminate countertops?

Bracha Moskoff
by Bracha Moskoff

The countertops in my apartment are just cheap laminate. I can wipe them down well enough, but sometimes I get marks like this stubborn coffee ring or at the edge of the stovetop. What's the most effective way to properly clean the laminate surface and lift stains without damage?

  20 answers
  • Janice Janice on May 25, 2023

    I use a wet Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge to remove coffee or tea stains.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on May 25, 2023

    I'm with Janice on this one Magic Erasers really are magic! Instead of water to wet it though try using white vinegar for extra cleaning action.

  • Make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

  • William William on May 25, 2023

    You use a lot of bleach to get your bathroom counters clean. But you have recently noticed some brown/yellow stains on your normally white bathroom counters. You try to remove the stains with more bleach, but the stain remains. The stain is caused by using bleach to clean your countertop surfaces. Bleach or bleach based cleaners should not be use on laminate countertops.


    To remove the stains, all you need is some hydrogen peroxide and a clean cloth. Pour some hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Wear latex gloves to protect your hands. Dip a clean cloth or towel into the bowl of hydrogen peroxide. Wring out any excess liquid from the cloth or towel. The cloth or towel should be damp---not dripping with hydrogen peroxide. Wipe the stain with the hydrogen peroxide-soaked cloth or towel. Do not rinse the surface or rub the counter. Let the area air dry. You can also use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from marble and granite counters as well as other stone counters.



  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 25, 2023

    Another vote for hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on May 26, 2023

    I would use a magic eraser.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on May 26, 2023

    To clean laminate countertops on a daily basis, all you need is dishwashing liquid, warm water and a microfiber cloth. Apply a mixture of dish soap and water to your counters using the cloth. As you wipe the counter, rinse your cloth in clean water.

  • Dee Dee on May 27, 2023

    Hydrogen peroxide. A magic eraser can scratch your counter tops.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 30, 2023

    Make a scrub of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

  • I've had laminate countertops for over a decade and they look brand new. Here's how I remove stains. https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2016/11/perfectly-imperfect-home-decor-or-what.html

  • Like Dee, I'd skip the magic eraser as it will scratch and dull the laminate over time. I'd try a paste of baking soda and water with some gentle scrubbing.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 01, 2023

    Like to use Dawn and clean them every few days or more often if needed.

  • Bracha Moskoff Bracha Moskoff on Jun 06, 2023

    You are all amazing. Thank you so much for the advice

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 09, 2023

    Hi Bracha, hope this helps you out.

    How to clean white laminate countertops with stains

  • Betsy Betsy on Jun 21, 2023

    Hello Bracha: One thing you can try is to get some all purpose cleaner - liquid - and spray on your countertop. Then, sprinkle a little bit of Barkeepers Friend on the liquid cleaner and scrub, gently and then rinse. You can get Barkeepers Friend at most grocery stores near the cleaning supplies. Get the type that's the liquid cleanser known as the soft cleanser. The powder is for heavy duty cleaning, and is great to use on copper bottom pots! You should always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area.

  • April April on Jun 22, 2023

    While I can’t think of any suggestions offhand, I’m so thankful that you asked this. I’m wondering this too and it’s interesting to hear all of the suggestions! 😊

  • Annie Annie on Jun 30, 2023

    This video might be helpful, includes info on other kinds of countertops as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyqoyDg1ivU

  • Dishwashing liquid, warm water, and a microfiber cloth are all you need to maintain laminate countertops on a daily basis. Make use of the cloth to wipe the counters down with a solution of dish soap and water. Rinse your cloth in fresh water while you wipe the counter.

  • Deb K Deb K on Oct 02, 2023

    Hi Bracha, hope this helps you out.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne_3mgZcXL4

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 02, 2023

    Bar keepers friend will do the trick.