WITH caesarstone, marble, granite, and travertine tile hogging the kitchen countertop spotlight, laminate has been nudged aside, used mostly in bathrooms and ensuites.
Countertop.com, a U.S.-based industry website, says that in today's hurry-up lifestyle, laminate deserves a second look by those considering a renovation or the purchase of a new home. "Who has time these days to maintain their home like mother used to do? If you're time-crunched, then consider choosing laminate for your new countertop," says a message on its website.
Laminate has gone through some major changes in recent years, offering rich and textured looks while retaining the earlier combination of affordability, easy maintenance and long wear.
But even the hardest-wearing countertop needs a little care.
In a room where things can go wrong, like the kitchen, here are a couple of tips from countertop.com that will keep you from having to consider replacing your countertop, regardless of which material it is made of, before its time:
* Use a pot holder or trivet rather than placing a hot pot directly on the counter. This will prevent it from discolouring or darkening.
* Use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the counter. This will prevent scratching your countertop and damaging your knives.
* Don't use acidic cleaners or abrasive pads on your countertops. They will damage any countertop surface, including laminate.
Because stains can still happen despite these precautions, here are some helpful tips (from www.countertop.com/care) to keep your laminate surfaces looking their best:
* Cleaning your kitchen countertop is a snap. All it takes is a little mild soap or detergent and a damp sponge or cloth after meals.
* If you find a stubborn stain from coffee, tea or red wine, take a slightly stronger approach. A mild all-purpose household cleaner applied with a little elbow grease and a soft-bristle brush will quickly remedy the problem.
* If a stain really persists, use a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply with a soft-bristle brush. Light scrubbing for 10 to 20 strokes should remove most stains (yes, you do have to count).
Although baking soda is a low abrasive, excess scrubbing or exerting too much force could mar the countertop's surface, so be gentle. This procedure should not be used on laminate with a gloss finish.
The most stubborn stains may resist these methods.
Next time, wipe up that stain right away.
-- Canwest News Service
