How can I extend the life of my laminate worktops?

Last Updated on September 12, 2024

Whether you have just purchased a brand-new laminate worktop and want to keep it in tip-top condition for as long as possible, or if you have an older laminate worktop but want to prolong its lifespan, this article is for you.

Our team of in-house worktop experts take a comprehensive look at how to best look after your laminate worktop, from daily maintenance and cleaning right through to fixing common minor issues.

Daily Laminate Worktop Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

When it comes to daily cleaning and maintenance of your laminate worktop, you will only need a few products and tools to effectively get the job done:

• A non-abrasive cloth
• Hot soapy water
• Antibacterial spray

Always be sure to wipe your surfaces down with a damp cloth and antibacterial spray after meals and if anything is spilt on them. This helps to avoid any stains and ensures your kitchen worktop maintains its fantastic aesthetics for as long as possible.

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When cleaning your worktops, avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage your surface. A simple antibacterial spray is more than good enough for daily cleaning, and bleach should only be used as a last resort if there is a stain you cannot get out.

Preventing Issues with Your Laminate Worktop

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your laminate in top condition over the course of its lifespan. So be sure to have a cutting board on hand any time you want to do some chopping, or even if you are simply cutting a slice of cheese. Whilst laminate worktops are relatively robust, they can be prone to scratches when they come into contact with sharp objects, so it is essential you always have a chopping board on hand.

Along with chopping boards for cutting, we would also recommend having something heatproof you can pop any hot pots or pans onto. You could opt for a wooden chopping board, so you are covered for cutting on your worktop, whilst also avoiding any burn marks on your laminate worktop.

While laminate worktops are waterproof, it is also recommended to be mindful of just how much water is exposed to these countertops, especially around any seams or joins in the worktop. These parts of the worktop are generally more susceptible to water escaping through them, so it is important to dry your worktops if you do spill any water on them.

Dealing with Common Issues

While laminate worktops are robust and can withstand a lot of general day-to-day wear and tear, if they are not looked after properly, they can begin to show signs of aging or become damaged. Here are a few common issues that can be rectified fairly simply:

Fixing Scratches on Your Worktop

A mild abrasive cleaner is a real lifesaver if you do have any minor scratches on your laminate worktop. As long as the scratches are not too deep, there is a good chance they will buff out by using this, but it is important to ensure you do not use anything too abrasive, as this can actually do more harm to the worktop.

Fixing Chips on Your Worktop

If you accidentally chip one of the sides of your laminate worktop, it is important that you retrieve the chipped material, as there is a good chance it will simply glue back on and look good as new. If this is not an option, there are repair kits available, with colour-matched adhesive you can simply add.

Fixing Burn Marks on Your Worktop

Any surface-level burn marks from hot pans can usually be sorted with a mild-abrasive cloth, but there is a chance that some signs of damage may be left behind. If you do accidentally put anything hot directly onto the laminate worktop, it is essential that you remove it as quickly as possible, as the longer it is on the surface, the more damage that will occur.

As mentioned previously, do not take risks and place anything hot or fresh out of the oven on your laminate, always use something heatproof to protect your worktop. Anything from a wooden chopping board to a trivet will do the job just fine and can save you having to purchase a new worktop.

Long-term Laminate Worktop Preservation Tips

While laminate worktops are relatively long-lasting, if you are serious about preserving their lifespan as long as possible, there are some ways you can ensure you get the most out of them. Here is some of our team’s top tips:

Use Sealants or Finishes for Added Protection

There are some great protective sealants or finishes you can apply to laminate worktops. These are best applied relatively early on in the worktop’s life, so once it is installed, we would recommend a sealant is applied in any areas that may be susceptible to water (such as around the sink) or on any joins in the worktop. Sealing these areas can help prevent water from getting into areas it should not, as swelling can be a problem in laminate worktops.

Keep Excessively Heavy Items off your Worktop

Something that many homeowners do not take into consideration is leaving extremely heavy items on worktops for extended periods of time. This can be particularly problematic with laminate worktops, as adding excessive weight to the worktop can considerably weaken the internal structure of the laminate over time.

Regularly Check your Worktop for Damage

Regularly checking your worktop for any damage can also go a long way in terms of preservation. By finding and rectifying any minor issues early on, you can rest assured you have nipped any issues from becoming more problematic in the future.

For example, if you see there are any visible signs of swelling to your worktop, it is essential that you keep an eye on this and ensure the area does not become wet. If you do this, there is a good chance you can prevent the swelling from becoming worse, as this is particularly difficult to fix and often requires a brand-new worktop to be installed.