Compact Laminate worktops (also known as solid laminate worktops) are ideal for those looking for a durable and stylish surface for their kitchen.
Fortunately, it is not difficult to clean compact laminate worktops. They are durable, waterproof, and heat resistant and work well in busy family kitchens.
In this guide, we will show you how to clean and maintain your compact laminate worktop.
What is compact laminate?
Compact laminate worktops are made from layers of card built with resin to achieve the desired thickness.
The resin makes compact laminate much more robust than standard laminate, as there is no chipboard beneath the surface.
The solid construction means the resulting worktop is waterproof and can even be used with under-mount sinks. You can also cut draining grooves into the surface.
Compact laminates are available in various textures, pattern effects and finishes. Polymer can be matched to the laminate surface to disguise joins.
Kitchin Insider describes compact laminate as a great alternative to natural stone worktops with a robustness that outperforms traditional laminate at a cost-effective price point.
Guide to Cleaning a Compact Laminate Worktop
Hygiene is obviously essential in a food preparation area, so it is good to know that compact laminate is easy to keep clean.
You don’t need any fancy specialist cleaning products. A simple surface cleaner or even washing up liquid and a soft, damp cloth will be fine.
Avoid highly acidic cleaners as these can cause damage over a long period and create micro scratches that trap dirt and spoil the shine.
It is always worth removing debris first to ensure you don’t mark the surface as you wipe.
Dilute your washing-up liquid or spray your surface cleaner and wipe with a microfibre cloth. You can remove excess water with a dry cloth if you prefer.
If you follow this routine regularly, your surfaces will be bacteria-free and look their best.
Removing Stains from a Compact Laminate Worktop
While compact laminate is a waterproof worktop, it is essential to remove liquids or chemicals that could stain as soon as possible. On light-coloured worktops, this is even more important.
It’s always best to start with a gentle cleaning product rather than go straight for something abrasive. Often a wipe with a surface cleaner will be enough to remove a surface stain.
A non-abrasive scourer can be effective but take care not to scratch the surface.
Bleach may seem like a good idea, but it can cause discolouration or damage if overused.
Top Tip for Cleaning Compact Laminate Worktops
A top tip from Epicurious is to make your own natural cleaning solution for stubborn stains on a compact laminate worktop.
Torelli-Sauer recommends making a solution with two parts water and one part white vinegar. You can spray the solution onto stains and leave it to work for a few minutes.
Wipe it clean with a microfibre cloth, and you will have an extra sparkly, shiny surface!
Maintenance of Compact Laminate Worktops
There is very little maintenance to do on compact laminate other than cleaning and removing stains promptly. However, there are some preventative steps you can take to ensure your kitchen stays looking good.
Three simple steps are all you need to keep your compact laminate worktop in pristine condition.
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Protect from Heat
Although compact laminate copes much better than standard laminate with steam, it is not entirely heat resistant. You should not place hot pans or plates directly onto the surface for longer than a few seconds.
Fortunately, you can use many stylish solutions to protect the surface.
- You can buy pot holders made from padded material that protects surfaces from heat and can also be used to remove pans from the oven. They are available in many patterns and colours to suit your style.
- Metal trivets are an elegant and timeless way to protect the surface.
- Cork mats are a budget and versatile way to protect your surface from hot pans, dishes and plates.
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Protect from Scratches
Minor scratches and abrasions are a terrible idea. Not only will they spoil the surface of your compact laminate worktop, but they will also be the perfect place for bacteria to breed.
It is easy to avoid scratching the surface. Do not use abrasive chemicals, scourers or knives on the surface.
When chopping food, always use a chopping board.
There are many chopping board styles you can choose from. Many people prefer traditional wooden boards, but you can also get modern plastic boards that discourage bacteria and are soft enough not to damage sharp knives.
Chopping boards help keep your work surfaces clean and bacteria-free and easily cleaned in the sink or dishwasher.
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Repair Chips Quickly
Although compact laminate is solid and the layers are strengthened with resin, it is possible to chip or cause damage.
Fortunately, you can buy proprietary repair kits that will help disguise any damage.
Ensure you colour match your worktop as closely as possible and follow the instructions to disguise any damaged areas.
You can contact your supplier for advice if you don’t feel confident.
Why Choose Compact Laminate?
Compact laminate makes a good choice for people looking for a worktop with many of the properties of natural stone, such as being waterproof but at a lower price. There are several benefits of using compact laminate:
- Ideal if you want an under mount sink. It also comes in various thicknesses so that you can have matching splashbacks and even cabinets.
- It comes in a wide range of colours, patterns and designs.
- It is easily cut with specialist tools to fit kitchens, offices or bathrooms.
- Very durable and will last for many years.
- Cheaper than engineered or natural stone.
- Environmentally friendly as it is made with renewable materials.
If you want to know more about our worktops, please get in touch with us at Mr Worktop Fitter.
