Making sure laminate counter tops stay looking beautiful does require a bit of special attention. Just like all other counter tops out there, the better they are cared for the longer they will stay looking great.



General care:

* Avoid dropping heavy objects on them. Laminate countertops are pretty darn tough, but the laminate itself can be damaged by a particularly nasty drop. Take care when lifting heavy items onto the counters or over them.

* Don't let them burn. Laminate counters by their nature can be damaged by particularly hot items. Do not place hot pots and pans directly on their surface. Instead, use hotplates, hot pads or even heavy towels to protect the surface.

* Avoid cuts. Make sure not to cut directly on the surface of laminate counters. Use cutting boards, stones or plates instead to protect the finish and surface of the counters. This practice is required for just about every counter top out there. Using the right cutting techniques not only protects the counters, it also protects the knives.

* Be careful with water. Too much water flooded onto a laminate counter top can cause problems with the seams. If water gets inside, the substrate can swell and ruin the appearance of the counter tops.

* Don't use harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals that have acid in the mix do not go well with laminates. Avoid using them on or near these counters. The types of cleaners to exercise care with include such things as drain unclogging agents, metal cleaners, ceramic cleaners and even rust and lime removers.

Basic cleaning for laminate counter tops is very similar to the care instructions for most other counters. The instructions include:

* Simple cleaning. Wipe up these counters with a clean, soft cloth for basic, everyday cleaning. This will help remove surface dust and dirt without damaging finish.

* Tough stains. Mild household cleaners generally work very well on getting stains out. Avoid using harsh abrasive cleansers. Do not use abrasive sponges or steel wool on laminates. For really bad stains, create a paste out of baking soda and water. Blot this up rather than scrubbing and scraping. Take care to wipe up spills as quickly as possible as laminates can stain permanently.

* Waxing. There are special waxes for laminates that can help create a protective surface to stop stains from sinking in. These waxes should be used on a fairly regular basis to help protect the appearance of counters. Reapplications should be done if the surface wax becomes worn.

Laminate counter tops are a little more susceptible to damage than some of the other options out there. Still, these counters can be beautiful additions to any home. With proper care and cleaning, they can look great for years to come.