How to Clean Workbench Countertops
At Formaspace, we take product longevity seriously, and we’re sure you do too.
We’ve created a useful quick reference guide below that outlines the recommended cleaning techniques for keeping your workspace and desk countertops looking like new.
- Phenolic Resin Countertop
- Epoxy Resin Countertop
- Plastic Laminate Top
- ESD Laminate Top
- Chemical Resistant Laminate Top
- Solid Wood Countertop
- Stainless Steel Countertop
- Powder Coasted Steel Top
- Galvenized Steel Top
- HDPE Countertop
We’ve also included tips to avoid damaging your countertops through improper handling or using the wrong type of cleaning products. Remember: with proper care, your Formaspace furniture can look brand new for years to come.
Phenolic Resin Countertop
Phenolic Resin tops are made of an exceptionally hard material that is heat resistant, moisture resistant (non-absorbent), moderately chemical resistant, and easy to clean.
While many know the hard, black phenolic resin counter tops from high school or university chemistry labs, today’s phenolic material is also available in a variety of colors.
Field Applications
Phenolic Resin counter tops are used in numerous industrial processing labs, agriculture, water treatment facilities, photography labs, R&D and testing laboratories, as well as pharmaceutical and health care lab applications, such as radiology, microbiology, biochemical, hematology, and urology labs.
How to Clean Phenolic Resin tops
- Wipe up spills immediately using a soft cloth.
- Perform daily cleaning using a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning agent solution, such as Simple Green. Buff dry with a soft cloth or chamois to avoid water spotting.
- A small amount of Murphy’s Oil or finish oil (mineral oil) can be applied using a clean rag to shine the surface. Buff with a chamois cloth.
- Residues on the surface due to dragging metals across surface (known as marring) can be removed by scrubbing with a soft cloth and soap and water solution. Difficult cases may require acetone or even the use of a light duty Scotchbrite Pad (soaked in fluid, never dry). Steam cleaning is another alternative for removing organic compound stains.
- If necessary, small scratches and nicks can be sanded out of the counter top followed by refinishing the surface.
Things to Avoid on Phenolic Resin tops
- Avoid contact with sharp objects, hard metal tools, and abrasives.
- Do not use abrasive cleaning tools (steel wool, hard brushes), harsh cleansers including cleaners with abrasive ingredients (baking soda, Comet), bleach solutions, tub and tile cleaners, or oven cleaners.
- Do not apply wax or cleaning materials which contain wax.
- Avoid thermal shock. Do not put liquid nitrogen or dry ice directly into sinks or on counter tops
Epoxy Resin Countertop
Epoxy Resin tops are exceptionally strong and durable with the highest resistance to corrosive chemicals. They can also tolerate high temperatures.
Field Applications
Epoxy Resin counter tops are used in K-12 labs, university labs, applied science research labs, hospital labs, clinics, pharmaceutical labs, biomedical labs, molecular pathology labs, industrial testing facilities, chemical labs, including oil and spectrometry testing.
How to Clean Epoxy Resin tops
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- Use household products such as mild soap and water, or lemon, orange or citrus oil, or 50% vinegar water solution or Crystal Simple Green to clean surfaces using a soft cloth. Difficult spots can be cleaned with acetone if permitted. Wipe dry with a clean soft cloth to remove all cleaning residues and avoid water spotting.
- It is better to soak caked-on drips or stains with cleaning materials rather than scrubbing.
- Residues on the surface due to dragging metals across the surface (known as marring) can be removed by scrubbing with a soft cloth and soap and water solution. Difficult cases may require acetone or even use of a light duty Scotchbrite Pad (soaked in fluid, never dry). Steam cleaning is another alternative for removing organic compound stains.
- A small amount of Murphy’s Oil or finish oil (mineral oil) can be applied using a clean rag to shine the surface. Buff with a chamois cloth.
Things to Avoid on Epoxy Resin tops
- Avoid thermal shock. Do not put liquid nitrogen or dry ice directly into sinks or sit on counter tops
- Avoid contact with sharp objects, hard metal tools, and abrasives.
- In food preparation areas, use a separate cutting board. Do not cut directly against surface.
- Avoid using dry Scotchbright pads or other abrasive pads or powders which will scratch surfaces.
- Avoid using wax or polishes that contain wax.
- Avoid spilling or applying rubbing alcohol onto the surface.
- Avoid long-term exposure to sunlight or UV rays.
Plastic Laminate Top
Plastic Laminate tops (also known as high-pressure laminate) are a popular, economical, and durable solution for light to moderate duty applications.
It comes in a vast selection of colors and patterns and it can be cut, curved and customized to fit your exact size requirements.
Field Applications
As one of the most popular counter top materials, plastic laminate is used in nearly every possible field application, including K-12 labs, university labs, applied science research labs, hospital labs, clinics, pharmaceutical labs, biomedical labs, industrial testing facilities, chemical labs (including oil and spectrometry testing), office environments, light duty manufacturing, repair and packing stations, food and beverage applications, home kitchens and home workshops.
How to Clean Plastic Laminate tops
- Commercial laminate coating/sealer products are available to help resist staining.
- On a daily basis, wipe down the counter top with a soft cloth. To clean, use a mild detergent solution or special laminate cleaner.
- Avoid exposing seams to moisture as it may penetrate underneath the laminate, resulting in swelling.
- Wipe up spills immediately. Spills that sit may make permanent stains.
- Use a 50% vinegar and water solution to remove greasy spills.
- Coffee and tea stains can be removed by applying a baking soda paste mixed with household cleaner for five minutes then removing with a soft cloth. Stubborn stains may require an overnight application. Avoid rubbing baking soda paste if possible as it can damage the finish.
- Ink stains can be removed by applying a tiny amount of nail polish remover using a white (not dyed) cotton ball or Q-Tip.
Things to Avoid on Plastic Laminate tops
- Avoid using sharp objects or heavy tools directly on surface to prevent surface cuts, scratches, and chipping. Once the surface is scratched, it will stain more easily in the future.
- Do not expose to heat to avoid scorching or burn marks.
- Do not use abrasive cleaning tools (steel wool, hard brushes), harsh cleansers including cleaners with abrasive ingredients (baking soda, Comet), bleach solutions, tub and tile cleaners, or oven cleaners.
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or other UV light to prevent fading.
ESD Laminate Top
ESD Laminate tops are designed to prevent unintended static electricity discharges which can damage sensitive electronic devices.
Field Applications
ESD Laminate counter tops are used in electronics design, testing, manufacturing and repair settings that handle sensitive electronic components which could be damaged or destroyed by errant static electric shocks.
How to Clean ESD Laminate tops
- Clean bench surfaces with a soft cotton cloth soaked in a mild ammoniated detergent solution.
- Prior to use, wipe down the surfaces with an approved ESD cleaner. Re-test the ESD properties of the surface as needed.
Things to Avoid on ESD Laminate tops
- Avoid contact with sharp objects that can damage surfaces and reduce electrical shock resistance, including the use of brushes or abrasive cleaning tools.
- Do not apply cleaning materials which contain wax or solvent ingredients. (Diluted ammonia is OK.)
Chemical Resistant Laminate Top
Chemical Resistant Laminate tops are a popular economical and durable solution for light to moderate duty applications — with the added benefit of resistance to many types of chemical spills.
Chemical Resistant Plastic Laminate counter tops are used in serology or urology labs, college labs, pathogenic labs, hospital bathrooms and nursing stations, photographic labs, mortuaries, dental offices and beauty salons.
How to Clean Chemical Resistant Laminate tops
- Commercial laminate coating/sealer products are available to help resist staining.
- Only a daily basis, wipe down the counter top with a soft cloth. To clean, use a mild detergent solution or special laminate cleaner.
- Avoid exposing seams to moisture as it may penetrate underneath the laminate, resulting in swelling.
- Wipe up spills immediately. Spills that sit may make permanent stains.
- Use a 50% vinegar and water solution to remove greasy spills.
- Coffee and tea stains can be removed by applying a baking soda paste mixed with household cleaner for five minutes then removing with a soft cloth. Stubborn stains may require an overnight application. Avoid rubbing baking soda paste if possible as it can damage the finish.
- Ink stains can be removed by applying a tiny amount of nail polish remover using a white (not dyed) cotton ball or Q-Tip.
Things to Avoid on Chemical Resistant Laminate tops
- Avoid using chemical resistant laminate in environments where surfaces may come in contact with carbon-based chemicals, conditions conducive to communicable diseases, or environments prohibiting volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Avoid using sharp objects or heavy tools directly on the surface to prevent surface cuts, scratches, and chipping. Once the surface is scratched, it will stain more easily in the future.
- Do not expose to heat to avoid scorching or burn marks.
- Do not use abrasive cleaning tools (steel wool, hard brushes), harsh cleansers including cleaners with abrasive ingredients (baking soda, Comet), bleach solutions, tub and tile cleaners, or oven cleaners.
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or other UV light to prevent fading.
Solid Wood Countertop
Kiln-dried solid hardwood tops add a warm, natural element to many environments. They are durable as well as spot and stain resistant. They develop an attractive patina over time through use.
Field Applications
Solid Wood counter tops are made of hardwoods, such as maple, making them ideal for a wide variety of uses, including high-end residential and office applications, kitchens, and heavy-duty industrial applications.
How to Clean Kiln-dried solid hardwood tops
- When used in food preparation, butcher block counter surfaces need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent bacteria development. The FDA recommends washing with hot soapy water after each use, with periodic sanitizing using a bleach solution. Rinse and dry after cleaning. Apply a food-safe mineral oil treatment as needed, typically every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Deep cuts and scars can be sanded down, refinished and resealed as required.
Things to Avoid on Kiln-dried solid hardwood tops
