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For stained areas  a baking soda paste with a 3:1 ratio of baking soda and water. Spread over the stain. Let sit 2-5 minutes. After doing this do not  scrub the top because you  can damage the finish of the counter top.  I like to use a micro fiber cloth. Wipe and rinse till you see the stain fade away. If the stain still exist , try applying the soda paste for a longer period of time. 

To maintain the look and finish of your laminate counter top, hot objects should never be placed directly on the surface. Have a trivet close to your pot  or an insulated hot pad. A temperature above 250 degrees can leave a scorch on your counter top surface. Also the glues that hold your countertop down to the particle board sub straight can let go, creating a bubble on the laminate surface.

Any cutting can go through your counter top finish layer exposing the brown underlayment.  This can not always be repaired unless a colour laminate touch up is used. Even this repair will not make the scratch disappear completely. So use a Cutting Board.

One more very important thing to remember is that if you have a miter corner where two pieces of the countertop are glued together. Try to keep this area dry. If you have a kettle above the joint boiling over, water will get into the joint causing it to swell. This is due to the  particle board layer underneath the laminate absorbing water.

A qualified counter top installer will use the proper glue and sealing technique to only help reduce the problem not eliminate it.  

Remember these countertop maintenance guidelines and your counter top will last for years to come.

Important points to consider.

  Laminate countertops have two main types of finishes.. Matt and Texture. 
It is recommended that you select a better quality  for durability and cleanups.

  When installing a new dishwasher and  new flooring. Always MAKE SURE when installing new floors that you have the final  clearance between the new floor height and the bottom counter top  set to the installation guide on your dishwasher manual. I find this problem quite often.For more information on Formica Counter top go to more colours.

 If you are considering a larger fridge, will the laminate counter top need to be cut down? Consider a counter top with no back splash. Just a straight piece butting up against the wall then tiling to the top of the counter top.

 To avoid mitre cuts when installing diagonal sinks it is best to go with a custom flat laminate counter top in most cases. This is to prevent water damage on you mitre joints.

 Slide in stoves and counter top height clearances are important to know. Most slide in stoves require a finish height of 36" + - 1/4. Therefore check to see what your counter top height  needs to be in your owners manual.

  If you are considering a new cooktop, it is wise to select one when the new counter top is being purchased. Remember  the cut out hole can be made bigger not smaller!

Counter top measure process

• First we determine counter top type,style and budget
• Calculate the appliances to be fitted into kitchen.
• Measure counter top.
• Determine plumbing fixtures and drainage.

Countertop Install Process

• Call customer 3-5 days in advance for install
• Customer is to remove items from countertop and inside  base cabinet corners
• Plumbing is disconnected and top is removed
• Countertop is installed and scribe and caulked to wall.
• Sink hole is cut out and reconnected.
• Top is inspected by home owner and signed off.