Cleaning a laminate countertop is as simple as wiping it down with a wet cloth or spraying it with some household cleanser and wiping it off with a dry cloth. Cloths used should be nonabrasive to avoid scratching your laminate countertop. Scratches can ruin the countertop’s finish and allow moisture to penetrate, opening it to mold and mildew, bacteria or discoloration.
Damage to laminate countertops is usually caused by misuse or inadequate maintenance. Some like to rinse their countertops. While this causes no direct damage, it is best to keep the moisture at a minimum. Make sure the water does not get into the seams, which is where bacteria tend to grow and where damage usually starts. A good suggestion is to use a spray rather than a wet cloth, so you can easily control the amount and direction of the water.