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Rust stains on a laminate counter can be stubborn to remove, but with the right techniques, they can be eliminated effectively. Here are the steps to remove rust stains from a laminate counter:
1. Start by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the vinegar solution directly onto the rust stains and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Scrub the stained areas gently with a soft-bristle brush or sponge.
4. Rinse the counter thoroughly with clean water.
5. If the stains persist, make a paste using baking soda and water.
6. Apply the paste to the rust stains and scrub gently.
7. Rinse the counter again with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Following these steps should help you successfully remove rust stains from your laminate counter.
Out of all the materials that can be used to cover kitchen counters, laminate is probably the most resistant to stains. The surface of laminate is either plastic or wood coated with plastic, and plastic is not easily stained. However, if you leave a wet cast iron skillet on the counter, it can leave rust stains.
Rust, like scale, usually cannot be removed with just soap and water, although it’s worth a try. To remove rust from your countertop, you either need to dissolve it or scrub it off with a mild abrasive. The issue with using an abrasive is that it could potentially scratch the plastic coating.
Fortunately, you probably have a suitable mild abrasive in your kitchen cabinet. Both baking soda and salt can do the job, as long as you’re willing to put in the effort. You can also use vinegar to dissolve the rust stain, but do not mix it with baking soda or else you’ll create a paste that doesn’t do anything except create foam.
Getting Rid of Rust Stains with Vinegar
Rust is made up of iron oxide, and vinegar contains acetic acid, which is strong enough to dissolve it. However, it takes some time to work, so you need to keep the vinegar in contact with the rust for an hour or two. There are two ways you can do this:
- Create a paste by mixing vinegar with salt or borax, apply it to the rust stain, and wait. Keep the paste moist by spraying it with vinegar a few times while it’s working.
- Apply a pool of vinegar to the stain and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation.
Whichever method you choose, you should see an improvement when you wipe off the paste or vinegar. If the stain is not completely gone, apply some baking soda to the stain and rub it in with a wet sponge. The abrasive action will remove the remaining stain and neutralize the vinegar.
Using Baking Soda and Salt to Remove Rust Stains
Appliance manufacturers recommend using baking soda and water to remove rust from enameled and stainless steel appliances, and it works just as well for laminate countertops. Make a paste with water, apply it to the affected area, and let it sit for about an hour. When you scrub with a nonabrasive cloth or sponge, the stain should come off easily.
Salt can also be used to make a paste that is often just as effective. Salt is known for its corrosive properties, but when used to remove rust stains from nonmetallic surfaces, it works in the opposite way. However, do not use salt to neutralize an area that has been treated with vinegar, as it is not alkaline like baking soda.
You can also use baking soda or salt to remove an ink stain from a countertop. Simply make a paste with water, apply it to the affected area, and scrub well.
Avoid Using Bleach and Acid/Alkaline Pastes
Bleach is indeed a powerful stain remover, but it can also create stains of its own, and removing a bleach stain from a laminate countertop is difficult. You might have some success by creating a poultice with hydrogen peroxide and talcum powder or borax, but this method doesn’t always work. It’s best to avoid using bleach altogether.
If you choose to utilize vinegar or lemon juice to eliminate a rust stain, avoid mixing it with baking soda. The reaction that occurs when the alkaline baking soda combines with the acidic vinegar or lemon juice creates foam due to the release of carbon dioxide. However, carbon dioxide does not possess any cleaning properties. Although this mixture may be effective in unclogging drains by displacing solid matter, it will not effectively remove rust.
