How to Remove Ink From Formica

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Things You'll Need

  • Soft cloth rag

  • Hairspray

  • WD-40

  • Baking soda

  • Lemon juice

  • Nail polish remover

  • Cotton balls

There are several methods of removing ink stains from Formica.

Formica countertops and tables are known for their durability and versatility. Available in a wide range of colors, Formica--a heat-resistant, plastic laminate-- has been around since 1912. Whether your Formica surface is old or new, it can be annoying to realize you have a stain on it, especially an ink stain. Ink stains are not always easy to remove, but with the proper technique and some elbow grease, you can remove an ink stain and restore your Formica to its original state.

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Step 1

Hairspray can remove ink from many surfaces.

Spray the stain with hairspray. Allow it to soak a few minutes. Rub the stain repeatedly with a soft, clean cloth until it's gone. Hairspray can break up ink stains on a variety of surfaces.

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Step 2

Spray the stain with WD-40. Allow it to soak for a few minutes. Rub the stain with a soft cloth until it disappears. According to the WD-40 website, it removes even permanent ink from most surfaces.

Step 3

Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties.

Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Let it soak for a half hour, then scrub the stain gently with the mixture. Wipe clean and rinse with water. Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, and baking soda is slightly abrasive but gentle enough for use on Formica.

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Step 4

Soak a cotton ball with nail polish remover. Rub the stain with the cotton ball. Rinse with soap and water after stain removal. When using nail polish, test a small spot first to ensure the nail polish remover does not damage the color of the Formica.

Tip

Try several different methods until you find the one that removes your stain.

Warning

Do not use abrasive materials or scouring powder on Formica. Abrasives will scratch the surface and ruin the finish.

Do not soak Formica near the seam. Water can seep into the crack and cause the Formica to swell.

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