Care and Cleaning

All Allied high-pressure laminates will provide years of beauty and performance when used and cared for properly. This guide offers suggestions and recommendations on care and cleaning techniques to help your laminate surfaces stand the test of time.

**CAUTION** DO NOT use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleansers, scouring pads, sharp writing utensils or other sharp object on high-pressure laminate surfaces. They can be scratched.

General Care and Cleaning Instructions

Routine Surface Cleaning:  High-pressure laminates can be easily wiped clean with just a clean, damp cloth or sponge using a mild soap, non-bleach detergent or one of the general-purpose cleaners listed below. Water spots can be removed by using Dow Bathroom Cleaner®. Ammoniated and/or vinegar based glass cleaners are best for cleaning grease soiled surfaces. Polishes, waxes and sealers are not recommended as Allied laminates have their own luster. Application of these products can cause residue buildup.

Allied has tested a variety of general purpose cleaners and found them safe for cleaning all laminates, including: Lestoil® PineSol® Top Job® Dow Bathroom Cleaner® Fantastik® Formula 409® Joy® Crystal Simple Green® Ammoniated or vinegar-based glass cleaners

Allied has not tested all cleaners, and other products may be equally effective. If you use products not listed above, we recommend you review the recommendations and cautions, and test a small area before applying to the entire surface.

• We do NOT recommend the use of cleaners with bleach or anti-bacterial formulas, as they can damage the finish of the laminate surface.
• Abrasive cleaners/powders and metal or abrasive coated scouring pads should NOT be used on laminates as they can permanently dull and scratch the laminate and make it more susceptible to staining.
• Do NOT use excessive water or liquid cleaners, especially close to the edges where the laminate meets the edging. Liquid intrusion between the edging and laminate can cause the wood substrate to swell. This expansion is referred to as “sponging action” and will damage wood products of all kinds..
• Tables should never be placed on their sides and dragged. This can scrape, loosen or separate the edging. Minor scuff marks on the edging may be removed with the cleaners above, used sparingly.

Stain Removal Tips

FOOD STAINS:  Stains such as tea, food dyes, fruit drinks or coffee may become difficult to remove if not wiped off immediately. Using a liquid cleaner with a short bristle nylon brush is recommended for removing food stains, as well as water marks, rings and greasy fingerprints.

INK STAINS/PENCIL MARKS:  Inks from felt tipped pens, textile dyes and printed material (price labels, newspaper, magazines) can transfer to the laminate and become permanent. Remove any ink marks as quickly as possible. If necessary, use full-strength detergent or glass spray cleaner. Allow the cleaner to remain on the stain for several minutes, blot with a damp cloth, then rinse with clean water. If ink stains persist, a solvent such as denatured alcohol, fingernail polish remover (acetone), mineral spirits or paint thinner may be used. Several applications may be needed. Finish with a thorough cleaning and rinse.

• CAUTION:  Most solvents are extremely flammable. Keep away from flame or sparks. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Solvents can damage paint and wood finishes, and can attrack the glue that bonds the laminate and edging causing de-lamination. Use solvents sparingly and with exreme care.

CHEMICAL STAINS:  High-pressure laminates resist staining from alcohol, paint thinners and most cosmetics. However, some common household products can cause permanent damage, including; bleach, hair dye, rinses, drain cleaners and dishwasher detergent. Protect laminate surfaces from rust remover, metal polish, oven cleaner and toilet bowl cleaners. Spills from acids or caustic products will etch, discolor and permanently damage the laminate if allowed to remain on the surface. Wipe spills immediately and rinse thoroughly.

PAINT & ADHESIVE STAINS:  Varnish, lacquer and oil base paints can be removed using appropriate solvents or paint removers. See above cautions when using solvents. Water based paints are best removed with an ammoniated household detergent such as Lestoil®. Super Glue type adhesives (cyanoacrylates) can be removed with nail polish remover (acetone).

General Care

AVOID EXTREME HEAT:  Avoid applying extreme heat. Exposure above 150° may result in separation of the laminate from the wood substrate. Do not place hot pans or dishes directly on the laminate. Use a trivet or insulated pad beneath hot objects. Cigarette burns permanently damage laminate surfaces.

AVOID SCRATCHES, ABRASIONS AND CHIPS:  High-pressure laminates resist wear and abrasion, but accidental damage can occur in the course of normal use. Heavy ceramic or metal objects with rough surfaces can scratch the laminate surface. Never use knives or sharp implements directly on the laminate. Avoid dropping or striking the surface with hard objects, especially near the edges. Impacts can chip or crack the laminate surface.

With a little sensible care and routine cleaning, your Allied Table will look beautiful for many years to come.

**CAUTION** DO NOT use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleansers, scouring pads, sharp writing utensils or other sharp object on high-pressure laminate surfaces. They can be scratched.

General Care

Your Allied Dry Erase Table has a durable, high-gloss surface that will last for many years of daily use. To clean your writing surface and restore its original luster, simply wipe the entire surface with a soft cloth moistened with warm water or markerboard cleaner, and immediately wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.

Additional Tips

• Use only Dry Erase Markers on your markerboard table. Do not use permanent markers as they can permanently stain the surface.
• Do not allow dry erase marker ink to remain on the table for several days without erasing. We recommend that you clean your markerboard weekly to prevent marker color build up.
• Use a dry erase marker to color over areas that are hard to clean or develop ghosting. Then erase the problem area. The solvent in the dry erase ink will frequently clean the soiled area.
• If permanent marker is used on the markerboard table in error, simply marking over the permanent ink with dry erase ink will often allow the permanent ink to be removed.
• Use only erasers that are designed for markerboards. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work very well. Regular erasers do not work well. A clean soft cloth such as a white t-shirt can be used as an alternative. Only use microfiber cloth if it is rated for optical use. Some microfiber cloths can be abrasive and may dull the surface.
• Use only cleaning solutions that are specifically made to clean markerboard. Apply the cleaner to the eraser or a clean soft cloth, not directly to the markerboard.

Here is a list of some popular cleaning products:

• Expo Dry Erase Board Cleaner
• Quartet BoardGear Markerboard Cleaner
• Best Rite Green Erase Cleaner
• Staples Sustainable Earth Multi Whiteboard Cleaner
• Mar-Kleen Dry Erase Markerboard Cleaner
• LCS Whiteboard Cleaner

With a little sensible care and routine cleaning, your Allied Dry Erase surfaces will look beautiful for many years to come.