Formica Laminate Care

Laminate care is easy. Here's what you need to know to maintain its beauty and durability for years to come.

Protecting the Surface

Before selecting the surface material that's right for you consider how you'll be using it in addition to its texture color and reflective values. A rough-textured surface has different advantages depending upon use than a smooth-textured surface. For example high-gloss finish laminates are not recommended for use in heavy-duty applications such as countertops. Dark colors tend to enhance scratches marring and fingerprints.

Scratch and Impact Protection

Formica^® Laminate is resistant to scratches and impacts under normal use conditions.

Use cutting boards chopping blocks or other protective surfaces.

- Do not chop slice pound or hammer on any laminate surface.

- Knives or other sharp utensils may slice or scratch the surface.

- Heavy blows from a hammer or meat tenderizer may crack or gouge the surface.

- Use place mats doilies and trivets on laminate surfaces when necessary.

- Ceramics and abrasive objects can cause scratching and premature wear – do not slide these items across surface.

 Visit our Cleaning page for more details.Follow recommendations for cleaning – do not use abrasive cleaners steel wool sandpaper or Scotch-Brite^®.

Hot Objects

Cookware still hot from the stove oven or microwave as well as electric skillets waffle irons curling irons and hot rollers should not be placed directly on laminate surfaces. Prolonged exposure to temperatures of 140°F (60°C) or higher may cause the laminate to separate from the core material. Use a trivet insulated hot pad or other protective device beneath all hot cookware heat generating appliances or other heated objects.

Formica^® Laminate can withstand heat up to 275°F (135°C) for short periods of time.Avoid ironing or placing a hot iron on laminate surfaces.

- Do not place lighted cigarettes directly on laminate surfaces.

- Find out more about laminate countertop burns prevention and repair.

* Scotch-Brite® is a registered trademark of 3M Company.