How to take care of your Melamine wood products?
It’s no secret that maintaining products correctly ensures that they remain in better condition for a longer period, and melamine boards are certainly no different.
Melamine boards are simple to clean and maintain, usually requiring very little in order to remain in tip-top condition. It is very important, however, that the correct methods for cleaning and maintaining the boards are used, as incorrect cleaning or maintenance can ultimately damage the boards.
Cleaning correctly
The first and most important step in order to properly maintain melamine boards is cleaning them correctly. When it comes to cleaning the boards, it is recommended that you give the board a preliminary wipe down using a circular cleaning motion, in order to remove any excess dust. You can either do this with a soft, dry cloth or with a cloth that has been dipped in methylated spirits. Once you have removed the dust you can then clean the board with a damp cloth and water or a mild detergent/dishwashing soap that has been diluted with water. You can put your water/detergent mixture into a spray bottle so that it is easy to evenly apply to the board. Once it has been applied you can use the cloth to clean it.
Once you have cleaned the boards, it is important to thoroughly dry it off so as to prevent any excess moisture from remaining on the board which could result in mildew or mould.
Know which cleaning products to avoid
It is extremely important to use the correct cleaning products when it comes to maintaining melamine boards, as certain commercial cleaning products can cause damage if used to clean boards. Cleaning products containing organic solvents such as ammonia, bleach, acetone, turpentine, etc. should be avoided; as well as abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and abrasive papers.
Protect your boards
Melamine boards, especially ones which are located in busy rooms such as kitchens, are at risk of being damaged. It is important to be aware of the damage that melamine boards can sustain if exposed to steam, cooking oil vapor, water and sunlight. Being aware of the boards, especially when handling sharp kitchen utensils, and avoiding leaving water to puddle on them for long periods of time, can help prevent them from sustaining damage. Installing an extractor fan in your kitchen or bathroom can also help remove some of the cooking vapour and steam that may potentially cause damage to the boards.
It is important to keep these points in mind when cleaning and maintaining melamine boards, so as to ensure that they last longer and remain in good condition.
Visit the KSA website for more information about melamine board maintenance https://www.ksa.co.za/downloads/KSA-Care-and-Maintenance-Document.pdf