help with formica countertops (laminate, sand, color, light)

[slowes]

not sure what forum to post this in, maybe I will try a few....lol.
I am renting and have stains and scratches on my white formica countertops. Sometimes simple green takes off the stains as in crystal light stains, but sometimes not. In general it is scratched and some places are turning brownish.
looking online for hints, I came across sanding it with a light grit sandpaper. Oh gosh, I can't do that! I am renting, what if they end up worse.
Anyone have any suggestions for the crystal light stains, the brownish staining and the scratches. Some of them seem kind of deep. They were all there when I moved in but when I move out I don't want them to be on me for making the scratches.
anyone have any suggestions?

[Ohiogirl81]

Try baking soda and a little vinegar. That takes most of the stains out of my white countertops. Lemon juice also will bleach out some stains.

The scratches I just cover up with cutting boards, until I can remodel the kitchen.

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by slowes

not sure what forum to post this in, maybe I will try a few....lol.
I am renting and have stains and scratches on my white formica countertops. Sometimes simple green takes off the stains as in crystal light stains, but sometimes not. In general it is scratched and some places are turning brownish.
looking online for hints, I came across sanding it with a light grit sandpaper. Oh gosh, I can't do that! I am renting, what if they end up worse.
Anyone have any suggestions for the crystal light stains, the brownish staining and the scratches. Some of them seem kind of deep. They were all there when I moved in but when I move out I don't want them to be on me for making the scratches.
anyone have any suggestions?

First of all, do NOT use sandpaper on Formica counter-tops.

Regarding the stains, I'd suggest you use a little bleach water and let it set on them. Perhaps soak a dish-rag in bleach water, then lay it atop the stains.


By the way, I hope the landlord was aware of the fact that the scratches were there when you moved in.

[mirjaja]

Soft Scrub with Bleach. Squirt a small amount on, wipe it around with a damp paper towel - and let it sit 5-10 minutes, then wipe up with another paper towel until all of the cleaner is removed. I haven't found a stain yet that this doesn't remove off of our white formica countertops (Kool-aid, curry, juice, etc.)

[slowes]

Any ideas for the scratches? something I can use/buy. All of the suggestions were for the stains am I correct?

I am not sure if the landlord noticed the surface before I moved in. I just don't want them to think it was me when I move out. Next time I am going to go thru the apt with the landlord noting these things. That way there is no question.

[mrpeatie]

Magic frickin Eraser. Give it a go.

BTW- once formica/laminate scratches, the scratches are there for good. But if you pull up the discoloration it might be less noticeable.

[dsh1127]

I would use bleach for the stains and scratches. You can't remove the scratches, but the bleach will lighten any stained area within the scratches, so they don't show as much. I had a white formica countertop once and did this from time to time. Just pour a little bleach on and let it sit for about 5 minutes and wipe up.

[BentBow]

I second, the Mr. Clean: Magic frickin Eraser.

[slowes]

I put some bleach on my countertops and they look great, thank you so much to everyone that responded.

I was reading online yesterday to rub in toothpaste to the scratches, and then buff it.

I am going to try that. They say the kind w/o gel and of course that is the kind I have...lol.