Three steps for the everyday care and maintenance of Formica® Brand Products.

1. 1. Use a clean, damp, nonabrasive cotton cloth and a mild liquid detergent or household cleaner. Clean the soiled area using a rotating motion.
2. 2. Next, rinse with clean water, using a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth. Please take care not to flood the laminate, especially near seams, since water can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell.
3. 3. Dry the surface with a soft, clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.

For special cleaning instructions, explore the links below. Note, some links may direct you to our website for documentation, www.formicadocs.info.

How to Clean Formica® Countertops

Cleaning Formica® countertops is extremely easy using the instructions given above. For tougher stains, we recommend using acetone, rubbing alcohol or ethanol. With a damp cloth or sponge, rub in circular motions until the stain has been removed. If the stain is particularly stubborn, try using a nylon bristle brush. Once the stain has been removed, rinse the countertop with water and dry with soft cloth. Be sure to remove all traces of the cleanser from the countertop to prevent damage.

How to Clean Laminate Cabinets

To clean cabinets with laminate exteriors, first remove dust and loose debris using a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. This step helps prevent scratching during the cleaning process. Next, clean the cabinets using Formica Group’s three-step cleaning process shown above or download our guide for more in-depth cleaning tips.

Taking Care of FENIX® Means Taking Care of its Structure

If you look at FENIX through a microscope, you will see the structure that causes light to reflect at a variety of angles. This is what we recognize as a matte appearance.

To clean the structure, an essential step is rinsing regularly with water as it avoids that anything stays behind in it. In this section, you will find some simple but important guidelines to help you care for your FENIX® surface: 

• Everyday Cleaning
• Dos and Don'ts
• Removing Stains
• Deep Cleaning
• Thermal Healing

Is Your Matte Surface FENIX®?

Before following these instructions, please verify whether your matte surface is FENIX®. Be aware that not all similar-looking matte surfaces have the same resistance to cleaning liquids. When in doubt, the supplier of your piece of furniture will be able to clarify if it is FENIX®.

Everyday Cleaning and Removal of Stains

Taking care of FENIX® means taking care of its structure. Usually warm water is highly effective. As FENIX® is a strong material, you can also use any household cleaner, like all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, degreasers or limescale removers. If needed, even acetone can be safely used (always follow the health and safety instructions on the bottle). 

To avoid damaging the structure, don’t scrub your FENIX® surface with abrasive cream, a scouring pad or a hard brush. In the long term, doing this might lead to a glossy spot on your matte surface. However, a wet melamine eraser can be used to remove a tougher stain. 

As a final step, always rinse with plenty of warm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. The water removes dirt, residues from cleaning liquids and particles of a melamine eraser, that could otherwise stay behind in the structure. The clean cloth absorbs water and therefore avoids limescale residues that may cause a change in appearance.

Cleaning Do's

• Use any household cleaner or just warm water
• Always end by rinsing with warm water
• Dry with a clean cloth to avoid limescale residue

Cleaning Don'ts

• Don’t use abrasive cream
• Don’t use a scouring pad or hard brush (you can use a melamine eraser)

Cleaning your FENIX® surface in this way helps you to enjoy it for years and years to come!

For more guidance on how to clean specific Formica® Brand surfaces, please visit our YouTube page.