Why is there yellow staining on my laminate?
The yellow staining on your laminate can be attributed to several reasons, such as food stains, or hot items being placed on the laminate surface. Other possibilities that can cause yellow staining on laminate are the use of strong cleaning products, rust build-up, or sun exposure.
Although laminate is a versatile and fairly sturdy material to use for kitchen countertops, there are things that must be avoided in order to keep your counter looking good.
Food stains
Food is or can be a leading reason that your laminate countertop may have a yellow stain, especially when the food contains turmeric or curry powder. Curry powder contains an ingredient called turmeric.
Turmeric root is traditionally an Indian spice and is dried and made into a powder that is added to certain dishes. Turmeric powder is used to not only flavor food but to add color. So when it gets on anything, it will stain.
Food dyes can also stain your laminate countertop. Natural and artificial food colorings can stain your countertop. The natural dyes may include, annatto, turmeric, beet juice, caramel from cooked sugar, and paprika, just to name a few.
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Hot items were placed in that area
Hot items can cause your laminate counters to stain. Laminate is manufactured from plastic. Plastic can be damaged by high heat, and in the case of a laminate countertop, leaving a hot pan on the countertop can stain and possibly damage it permanently.
Trivets and hot pads are the best defense in avoiding having any stains from hot pans.
Extremely strong cleaning products were used
Extremely strong cleaning products are to be avoided when needing to clean a laminate countertop. Any type of abrasive, chemical, or cleaners that contain bleach are not recommended for cleaning laminate countertops.
It is better to use a milder cleaning solution when cleaning your laminate countertop. Abrasives can damage the surface, making it more susceptible to future staining.
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Rust build-up
Rust build-up comes from metal products being in contact with water or any other liquid and causes oxidation. The rust oxidizing agent is very harmful to the laminate and can severely stain the counter.
When water and metal sit together over time rust forms. This can occur when a pan or any other metal type utensil lay on the counter in water for an extended period of time.
Too much sun exposure
Sun exposure can damage and stain your countertop. Ulta-violet light is damaging and will cause discoloration and yellowing on the surface of your worktop.
If the worktopis in direct sun , shades or curtains are a good idea. Reducing direct sun exposure to your countertop will extend the life of your laminate.
How to remove yellow stains from laminate countertops
When removing yellow stains from your laminate countertops remember that using abrasive cleaners and scrub pads will damage your countertops.
Use care when applying mixtures and use soft cloths or soft bristled brushes when you work in the cleaning agent.
Baking Soda
Baking soda and water can be a good mixture to try when the yellow satin is more recent and on a smaller scale.
Make a paste of the baking soda and water and gently apply it to the surface. Keep in mind that baking soda can be an abrasive powder so don’t get overly aggressive with scrubbing. Work the paste into the stain then allow it to sit and dry.
Once the mixture is dry you can rinse with water and wipe clean with a dry cloth. If this doesn’t work the first time you can repeat the process. If it still doesn’t work you may need to try one of the other cleaning options.
Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the top of the list cleaners for laminate counters and home cleaners as well. Mixing an equal part of vinegar and water apply this mixture to the stain with a cloth or in a spray bottle.
Let the solution sit for around fifteen minutes and then wipe it clean.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Using vinegar and water can be a way to remove yellow stains from your countertop. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl, and then apply this solution to the stain.
Remembering the abrasiveness of baking soda, apply this with a soft cloth and work it into the stained area.
Allow this mixture to sit for a few minutes and wipe clean. Repeat if necessary.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a good way to get rid of a yellow stain. Start by dampening a cloth with the peroxide and applying it to the stain. It’s okay to scrub a bit more aggressively here if you are using a soft cloth.
If the stain persists you can try scrubbing it with a soft brush. Once you have sufficiently scrubbed the area, wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Repeat if necessary.
What if the yellow laminate stain does not go away?
If the yellow staining still hasn’t gone away, this is likely due to a burn mark or extremely harsh cleaning methods. If this is the case, you’ll have to completely replace the counter or add a laminate sheet. You can also try painting it.
Once you have tried all the methods of removing a yellow stain from your countertop and none of them have helped.
It may be that the damage is too extensive and the best option would be to replace the countertop laminate or cover it with contact paper or consider painting it.
If the counter top is severely damaged and these methods are not an option then replacing the countertop would be necessary.
