A reader wrote to ask how to bring the luster back to her vintage laminate countertops. Paste wax, maybe? To get the answer, I turned to expert Grace Jeffers. She is the writer, design historian and materials expert responsible for restoration of the Ralph Sr. and Sunny Wilson House – including its gorgeous Mondrian-style kitchen, above. Grace wrote back pronto:
Do use them with COUNTERTOP MAGIC. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT USE WAX. Plastics do not like wax, they like oil. In the Wilson house I used almonst an entire can of countertop magic for each 4 x 8 panel. Let it soak overnight and then polish with a clean cloth in the a.m.
Grace Jeffers
Readers, I actually bought some of this stuff — and my DH, the cleaner of the house — really likes it. We use the liquid spray, not the aerosol. We bought it from Amazon, as we could not find it locally:
Thanks, Grace! And reader – oopsy, I lost your email, thanks for your question!
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Thank you.
This is so funny, just last night as I was washing my countertops down, disgusted because coffee drips leave black/gray stains only removed by bleach, I was wondering what could help. Then I thought to this site and I had fully intended to come here today and search or send off a query.
No need, the answer was awaiting me! =)
Love this site!
Can Countertop Magic be used for everyday wiping down or just for reviving old laminate and getting out tough stains?
Thanks.
Would like to know what is a safe polish or wax chemical free for formica counter top and where to get it?
Heidi, Sounds like it does and at $5 it’s worth a try: Here’s what it says on the Lowe’s website:
“Spray on & wipe away stains, food and grease
Restores original luster to dull, lifeless countertops”
Wow, Pam…you’re quick! I was the person who wrote just yesterday to ask you about a good way to shine them up!
Thanks….I may even have to stop at Lowe’s on my way home tonight to pick up some of this stuff.
Oopsy Deb, how could I forget you!
Oh my gosh, I can’t thank you enough for all you do for us Pam! I was continuing to look around your site and thought to look for how to clean up my laminate countertops. Ours is white with gold ribbons/specks? My favorite juice is grape and my favorite fruit is strawberries. Ugh, that has been a nightmare on my counters. I’m so excited. I have to pick up countertop magic, liquid turtlewax and fine auto body compound tomorrow, oh and check out the local restore (cross your fingers)! Phew, the list keeps growing but I keep smiling!
I wanna be just like Pam when I grow up!
Hi everyone,
I recently bought Countertop Magic at local hardware store. It works well but I would strongly suggest only using it when you can have windows open. I only did a small counter to see how it worked and I thought I was going to pass out!! Its smell is VERY STRONG and I had to leave the house for several hours while the smell lessened. I will save the rest of the counters till spring when I can have all the windows open and a fan pulling the smell outdoors. Keep up the great work
Thanks, John, for that tip. Sounds like anyone with a parakeet should take care as well. Parakeets are very sensitive to fumes. We have one – a periwinkle parakeet – and we are very careful.
Does this go for the laminate on retro dinettes as well? I would think so.
Thanks.
I have white laminate countertops in my kitchen and bathroom. I found that Tarn-X tarnish remover removes ANY stain and makes them arctic white. Works better than bleach.
Thanks for the tip, drex. I actually am restoring a Burke tulip table and chairs set. The tabletop is white laminate and there are some stains – I’ll give this a try!
I hope it works for you, Pam. It has lifted every stain pretty instantly for me. Let me know if it works out for you!
Im currently working on a 1950s kitchen remodel with red counter-tops. The counter-tops are very cloudy and almost appear whitewashed. Would Counter top magic bring the red out? Thanks!
Hi Joshua, I don’t know for sure… the thing to do, I think, is to: Give it a try!
i work at a hotel and our counter top is the laminate in a burgundy color. i am trying to find something that we can use to restore the shine and remove the handprints left from body oils. any ideas? please let me know…thanks
Heather, the recommended solution (haha, pun) is in the story… Countertop Magic.
Pam – I love your web site so much! I have learned so much. My house thanks you.
I did try the Countertop Majic on my very dull “chopping block” laminate. It made it quite smooth, but there is still no shine. I also tried Hope’s Countertop Polish (the original formula). Have you heard of anyone trying any other options?
Thanks,
Jenn in TX
I have an idea but will have to get back to you…
We have the VirrVarr laminate in white in our kitchen. For stains, I use good old baking soda or Bon Ami. I sprinkle the area with a bit of water and then generously with baking soda, forming a paste as I scrub in a circular motion. Never fails to take away the stains!