One of the biggest advantages of choosing laminates for your home is how low-maintenance they are compared to natural wood, marble, or other premium materials. But like anything in your home, a little care goes a long way.
Follow these simple tips from the Shyam Laminates team to ensure your laminate surfaces look as beautiful on day 3,000 as they did on day one.
Daily Care — The Basics
1. Wipe with a Damp Cloth
For everyday cleaning, a soft, slightly damp cloth is all you need. Wipe down surfaces to remove dust, grease, and light stains. Finish with a dry cloth to prevent moisture sitting on the surface.
Do: Use a microfibre cloth — it's gentle and highly effective. Don't: Use abrasive scrubbers or steel wool — they'll scratch the surface.
2. Clean Spills Immediately
Laminates are highly resistant to staining, but prolonged exposure to liquids (especially coloured ones like turmeric, tomato, or tea) can cause staining over time. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen.
Pro tip: Keep a soft cloth or kitchen tissue near your kitchen platform for quick cleanups.
3. Avoid Excess Water
While laminates resist moisture well, they're not waterproof. Avoid leaving standing water on laminate surfaces, especially at the edges and joints. Prolonged exposure can cause swelling or delamination.
Weekly Care — A Deeper Clean
Once a week, give your laminate surfaces a slightly deeper clean:
- Mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid with warm water
- Dampen a soft cloth with this solution
- Wipe down all surfaces in the direction of the grain (for wood-effect laminates)
- Follow up with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue
- Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth
This removes built-up grease, cooking residue, and any light stains that daily wiping may have missed.
What to NEVER Use on Laminates
Some common household cleaning products can permanently damage your laminate surfaces. Avoid these at all costs:
❌ Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners — strip the finish and cause discolouration ❌ Abrasive powders or pads — scratch the surface irreparably ❌ Acetone (nail polish remover) — damages the decorative layer ❌ Petrol or paint thinner — destroys the finish ❌ Steam cleaners — excessive heat and moisture can cause delamination
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Sometimes regular cleaning isn't enough. Here's how to deal with the most common tough stains:
Ink or Marker:
Dab with a cloth lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Wipe gently and follow up with a damp cloth.
Turmeric or Curry Stains:
Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply gently with a soft cloth, leave for 5 minutes, then wipe clean. Avoid scrubbing.
Adhesive or Sticker Residue:
Apply a small amount of white vinegar or a purpose-made adhesive remover to a cloth. Gently rub in circular motions until the residue lifts.
Grease Build-up (Kitchen):
A diluted solution of dish soap and warm water works well. For heavy build-up, a mild degreaser applied briefly to a cloth (never directly to the surface) can help.
Protecting Against Physical Damage
Beyond cleaning, protecting your laminates from physical damage will extend their life significantly:
- Use coasters and placemats — protect from hot dishes, cups, and glasses
- Avoid cutting directly on laminate surfaces — always use a chopping board
- Use felt pads under heavy objects, vases, and appliances
- Don't drag sharp objects across the surface
- Be cautious with heavy impact — while 1MM laminates are very resistant, repeated heavy impact can chip edges
Long-Term Maintenance Tips
- Inspect edge bands and joins periodically. If an edge starts to lift, have it resealed promptly to prevent moisture ingress
- In extremely humid climates, ensure good ventilation around laminate furniture
- Keep laminate furniture away from direct prolonged sunlight — UV rays can cause fading over many years
Why Shyam Laminates Age Better
Our laminates are manufactured with high-pressure lamination technology that creates a dense, non-porous surface. This makes them:
- More resistant to staining than low-pressure alternatives
- Harder to scratch than standard laminates
- More stable in varying temperatures and humidity
With proper care, Shyam Laminates surfaces can easily last 15–20 years while still looking fresh and beautiful.
For specific care advice for your laminate finish, feel free to contact our team. We're always happy to help you get the most out of your surfaces.