Everyday Cleaning

• Most kitchen messes can be easily and effectively cleaned off your laminate countertops using just a clean, soft cotton cloth dampened with warm or hot water and a mild liquid detergent. Simply wipe the counter down with the solution-dampened cloth, then rinse out the cloth and go over the counter again with it. Let the countertop air dry or use a dry paper towel to get it dry faster.
  
  

Stuck-On Messes

• If you have stuck on food or other substances on your laminate countertops, you'll need a less gentle cleaning method. Fortunately, you can clean stuck-on messes from laminate countertops without risking unsightly yellowing to the counter material. A vegetable brush with nylon bristles, dipped in a mild warm water and liquid detergent solution should do the trick. Rub in a circular motion until the stuck-on mess is gone. Then, clean the area as you would the rest of your countertop, with a damp cloth and mild soapy water solution.
  
  

Stubborn Stains

• Some stains, such as those from glass rings, coffee and tea spills and water marks, may seem impossible to remove. However, using the above-mentioned methods repeatedly will remove them safely. Stains created by newsprint, label inks and marking pens may give you more trouble. While they may never fully go away, you can fade them significantly, without risking yellowing to your countertop, by gently rubbing them down with a paste made from baking soda and water.
  
  

What to Avoid

• Some cleaners, such as those that have acid and alkali, can corrode and discolor your laminate countertop, giving it a dull, yellow and old appearance. Thus, if you choose to use a chemical cleaner on your countertop, make sure it does not contain such substances. Stay away from cleaners with sodium hypochlorite as well.