Maintaining Your Laminated Surfaces: Tips and Tricks

Laminated surfaces are a popular choice in modern homes due to their durability, variety of finishes, and easy upkeep. From kitchen cabinets and worktops to wardrobes and furniture panels, laminates provide a clean, versatile, and cost-effective finish that holds up well to daily use. However, just like any other surface, they do need a bit of care to stay looking fresh and functioning at their best.

This guide walks through simple, practical ways to maintain your laminated surfaces. From sprucing up your home to managing a high-use commercial space, these tips will help keep your laminates looking sharp for years.

Regular Cleaning Goes a Long Way

Laminates are built to withstand everyday life, but even the strongest materials benefit from regular upkeep.

• Use a soft cloth or microfiber duster to remove daily dust. For deeper cleaning, a damp cloth with mild soap is sufficient.

• Avoid abrasive scrubs, steel wool, or scouring pads as these can scratch the surface.

• If you are dealing with fingerprints or smudges on high-gloss finishes, a mix of water and vinegar in a 3:1 ratio can help without damaging the shine.

Surfaces like digital wardrobe laminates often feature printed designs or finishes that mimic texture. These deserve a gentle hand, especially when cleaning around the grain or raised areas.

Dealing with Spills and Stains

Laminate is relatively resistant to staining, but quick action prevents any long-term damage.

• Wipe spills as soon as they happen — water, tea, or oil left to sit can dull the surface over time.

• For stubborn marks like ink or marker, use a small amount of acetone-free nail polish remover on a cotton ball. Always test it in an inconspicuous spot first.

• Never flood laminate surfaces with water. Excess moisture, if left standing, may lead to warping or lifting, particularly along the edges.

Watch the Heat and Sunlight

Even though laminates like sunmica laminate are designed to be tough, prolonged exposure to heat or UV rays can cause fading or bubbling.

• Avoid placing hot pans, straighteners, or irons directly on the surface. Use mats or trivets under anything hot.

• In rooms that receive a lot of sunlight, especially near wardrobes or furniture with bold colours, consider using curtains or UV film on windows to limit direct exposure.

This is particularly relevant if you are choosing vibrant laminates from Merino's sunmica laminate catalogue, for instance — preserving the intensity of the original finish is as important as maintaining its physical strength.

Preventing Physical Damage

Although modern laminates are scratch-resistant, they are not scratch-proof.

• Use felt pads under furniture legs or decorative pieces that rest on laminated surfaces.

• Be mindful while moving heavy objects across laminate wardrobes or worktops.

• If you are installing modular furniture, avoid over-tightening screws as it may crack the laminate near the edges.

Pay close attention to vertical applications like wardrobe shutters. Even something as simple as repeated friction from rings or bag straps can leave marks over time.

Long-Term Durability and Product Choice

It is worth noting that a laminate’s resilience often depends on the quality of the product used at the installation stage. Some brands incorporate features such as anti-bacterial layers, improved scratch resistance, and better bonding strength — all of which simplify maintenance in the long run. 

Merino, for example, has introduced collections that subtly blend performance with aesthetic flexibility, especially in high-use areas like wardrobes. For example, their range of digital wardrobe laminates is both visually versatile and designed for easy upkeep, quietly easing the load on your cleaning routine without demanding constant attention.

Occasional Deep Cleaning

While day-to-day cleaning is usually enough, scheduling a more thorough wipe-down every few months keeps things in top shape.

• Check for edge lifting or corners where dust may have settled.

• Clean both vertical and horizontal panels, even if they do not look dirty at a glance.

• For textured or embossed laminates, a soft-bristled brush helps reach into the grain without causing damage.

This periodic care keeps surfaces — especially large installations like wardrobe panels — fresh and visually consistent, preventing dullness or uneven wear.

Final Thoughts

Laminated surfaces, with their ease of use and broad design appeal, are a practical choice for most interior settings. The key to keeping them in good shape lies in simple, consistent maintenance — wiping spills promptly, protecting from harsh elements, and handling surfaces with care.

With thoughtful choices from the start — such as opting for quality laminates from reliable collections — much of the heavy lifting is done for you. As part of your consideration, browsing through well-established ranges like those from Merino offers a reassuring mix of design variety and subtle durability enhancements.

Your surfaces deserve to look good without becoming a chore. With just a bit of attention, your laminates will continue to reflect your space’s personality for years to come.