How To Remove Burn Marks From Countertops

Burn marks on countertops can be an unsightly eyesore, but they don't have to be permanent. With a little elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies, you can remove burn marks from your countertops and restore them to their former glory.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Countertop

The first step is to determine the type of countertop you have. This will help you choose the best cleaning method.

Laminate countertops are made of a thin layer of plastic laminate bonded to a particleboard or MDF core. Solid surface countertops are made of a solid, non-porous material, such as Corian, Silestone, or quartz. Natural stone countertops are made of natural materials, such as granite, marble, or soapstone.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

Once you know the type of countertop you have, you can gather the necessary supplies.

For laminate countertops, you will need:

A soft cloth
A mild dish soap
A baking soda paste (optional)

For solid surface countertops, you will need:

A soft cloth
A non-abrasive cleaner
A soft-bristled brush (optional)

For natural stone countertops, you will need:

A soft cloth
A pH-neutral cleaner
A soft-bristled brush (optional)

Step 3: Clean the Countertop

Before you can remove the burn mark, you need to clean the countertop. This will help remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the cleaning process.

To clean a laminate countertop, simply wipe it down with a soft cloth dampened with a mild dish soap solution. Rinse the countertop with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

To clean a solid surface countertop, apply a non-abrasive cleaner to the countertop and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Rinse the countertop with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

To clean a natural stone countertop, apply a pH-neutral cleaner to the countertop and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Rinse the countertop with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Step 4: Remove the Burn Mark

Once the countertop is clean, you can start removing the burn mark.

For laminate countertops, you can try the following methods:

Baking soda paste: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the burn mark and let it sit for several hours. Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth and rinse the countertop with clean water.
Nail polish remover: Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to a cotton ball and rub it over the burn mark. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this could damage the countertop.

For solid surface countertops, you can try the following methods:

Non-abrasive cleaner: Apply a non-abrasive cleaner to the burn mark and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the countertop with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Magic eraser: Dampen a Magic eraser and rub it over the burn mark. Rinse the countertop with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

For natural stone countertops, you can try the following methods:

pH-neutral cleaner: Apply a pH-neutral cleaner to the burn mark and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the countertop with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Poultice: Make a poultice of baking soda and water. Apply the poultice to the burn mark and let it sit for several hours. Wipe away the poultice with a damp cloth and rinse the countertop with clean water.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Countertop

Once you have removed the burn mark, rinse the countertop with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

If the burn mark is still visible, you can repeat the cleaning and removal process until the mark is completely gone.

Tips

Always test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous area of the countertop first to make sure it does not damage the surface.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on any type of countertop, as these can damage the surface.
If you have a particularly stubborn burn mark, you may need to consult with a professional cleaner.