Use and Care Guide

Formica Group Technical Guide | 4
FTB-0824 | Rev 8 | 06/20
FORMICA
®
LAMINATE BY FORMICA GROUP
TECHNICAL DATA
GENERAL PURPOSE GRADE 10 AND POST-FORMING GRADES 12 & 20
HOT OBJECTS
Cookware still hot from the stove, oven or microwave, as well as
electric skillets, wae irons, curling irons and hot rollers, should
not be placed directly on laminate surfaces. Prolonged exposure to
temperatures of 140°F (60°C) or higher may cause the laminate to
separate from the core material. Use a trivet, insulated hot pad or
other protective device beneath all hot cookware, heat generating
appliances, or other heated objects.
• Formica
®
Laminate surfacing material can withstand heat up to
275°F (135°C) for short periods of time.
AVOID IRONING OR PLACING A HOT IRON ON LAMINATE SURFACES.
DO NOT PLACE LIGHTED CIGARETTES DIRECTLY ON LAMINATE
SURFACES.
ORDINARY CLEANING
Formica
®
Laminate surfacing materials are very easy to clean.
• In most cases, you only need to use a clean, damp, non-
abrasive cotton cloth and a mild liquid detergent or
household cleaner.
• Rinse with clean water, using a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.
• Do not ood the laminate, especially near seams, since water can
penetrate and cause the substrate to swell.
• Dry the surface with a soft, clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.
For specic types of surfaces, use the following care guidelines.
DIMENSIONAL TEXTURED LAMINATES
These surfaces may require special attention to clean the
depressed areas. Use a nylon-bristled hand or vegetable brush,
along with a mild liquid detergent-and-water solution or household
cleaner. Clean the soiled area, using a rotating motion.
Rinse and dry the surface as indicated above.
HIGH GLOSS FINISH LAMINATES
If residual streaks and smears remain after normal cleaning,
use a mild glass cleaner and then dry with a clean, non-abrasive
cotton cloth. Avoid exterior glass cleaner.
ABRASIVES
Abrasive pads, scouring powders or cleaners may permanently dull
and scratch the laminate surface making it susceptible to staining.
Ceramics, including unglazed materials and other abrasive objects,
can cause scratching and premature wear – do not slide these
items across surface.
CHEMICAL DAMAGE
Never use cleaners containing acid, or alkali. These cleaners
will mar, etch, corrode, and permanently discolor the laminate
surface. Also, make sure that bottles, rags, and other materials
contaminated with these cleaners never contact the laminate
surface. Accidental spills or splatters from these compounds
should be wiped o immediately, and the area rinsed thoroughly
with water.
EXAMPLES OF CLEANERS CONTAINING ACID, OR ALKALI
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
ceramic cooktop cleaners oven cleaners
rust removers coeepot cleaners
drain cleaners lime scale removers
toilet bowl cleaners metal cleaners
tub and tile cleaners
SPECIAL CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS
RESIDUAL GLUE
Sometimes new decorative laminate has a streaky appearance
caused by contact adhesive used during fabrication. Clean with
a non-abrasive cotton cloth and an adhesive solvent such as
Formica
®
Brand Non-ammable Contact Adhesive Solvent. Use
solvent sparingly, as excessive amounts may delaminate edges.
Read and follow all warnings and instructions on the labels of all
solvent products.
PAINT AND VARNISH
Remove most oil-base paints, varnishes and lacquers from
decorative laminate surfaces with a suitable solvent. Read and
follow all warnings and instructions on the labels of all solvent
products, and remember that most solvents are extremely
ammable. Use solvent sparingly, as excessive amounts may
delaminate edges. Remove most water-based paints with an
ammoniated household cleaner. For stubborn paint spots, gently
use a plastic, non-metallic, non-abrasive pad. Never use steel wool
or other abrasive scouring pads.
STAINS
To remove or minimize stains, use full strength Fantastik
®
All
Purpose Cleaner, Formula 409
®
, Pine-Sol
®
(original formulation) or
other mild household cleaner on the aected area, and allow it to
draw out the stain. Blot with a clean, damp, non-abrasive cotton
cloth, and then rinse with clean water. When a recommended
cleaner changes its formulation, the change may be harmful to the
laminate surface. Formica Corporation cannot be held responsible
for these changes. Solvents such as denatured alcohol can also
be used. Follow all directions and warnings on the solvent label
because many are extremely ammable.
STUBBORN OR “FUGITIVE” STAINS THAT MAY DISAPPEAR
ON THEIR OWN, AFTER A SHORT TIME OR AFTER REPEATED
CLEANINGS, INCLUDE:
coee and tea stains food stains
ngerprints glass rings
food dyes water marks
STAINS WHICH ARE STUBBORN OR EVEN PERMANENT, AND
MAY NOT DISAPPEAR, INCLUDE:
cash register inks lemon juice
food pricing ink marking pen inks
indelible inks newsprint
label inks wood stains