Tag Archives: granite care

Smart Ways to Protect the Beauty of Your Granite—The Right Way

After investing in granite countertops, you want to maintain the elegant look for as long as possible, right? And it’s possible with these tricks:

Clean the countertops regularly

Routine cleaning is the first and most efficient way to keep your granite surfaces looking their best. Cleaning the surfaces daily with a microfiber cloth and a small amount of warm water mixed with mild dish soap is bound to remove oils, crumbs, and spills from the surfaces. This practice not only keeps the surface shiny but also prevents grime buildup, which dulls the surface over time.

When it comes to cleaning, you shouldn’t use just any cleaning product. You should be ultra-cautious of the products that you choose.

For a great experience, go with neutral, pH-balanced cleansers designed specifically for stone surfaces. This calls for you to avoid harsh cleaning products such as vinegar, bleach, or ammonia that can remove the protective sealer, leaving the stone susceptible to stains.

At the same time, abrasive cleaning pads may scrape the surface, so avoid them. To be on the safe side, use gentle cleansers and delicate towels to help your granite preserve its desirable glossy look.

In addition to everyday care, you should make it a habit to thoroughly clean your surfaces once a week. Specialty granite cleaners remove residues that conventional washing missed, keeping the countertop radiant. With persistent good habits, as a homeowner, you can keep your granite surfaces looking as good as new for a long time. And this is what you want, right?

Protect your surfaces from physical damage.

Although granite is one of the hardest natural stones, it is not indestructible. If you don’t handle it properly, you are bound to damage it. Thankfully, simple steps can prevent chipping, cracking, and scratching.

One thing you should never do is drag heavy items across the countertop, and you shouldn’t use sharp equipment directly on the stone. To be on the safe side, use placemats, coasters, and other protective pads to protect your surfaces.

When placing appliances or other heavy items on surfaces, make sure they are supported over a wide area rather than concentrated in one spot. This distributes weight and prevents cracks.

Even though granite can withstand high temperatures, it is always wise to use heat mats underneath hot cookware in the kitchen. This is because prolonged exposure to excessive heat can discolor or even damage the surfaces with structural stress.

Regularly monitoring the countertop for chips, minor cracks, and uneven spots allows you to identify problems before they escalate. Thankfully, small problems are far easier and less expensive to repair if addressed immediately.

Keep the surfaces sealed.

Granite is naturally porous. This means liquids tend to seep into the stone when it is not properly sealed. Due to its importance, applying and maintaining a sealant is one of the most important things you can do to keep your countertops in top shape. A good sealer forms a protective barrier against moisture, oils, and stains.

To test the seal’s strength, simply place a few water droplets on the countertop surface. If the droplets bead up, the seal is intact and you don’t have to reseal your countertops. If water begins to soak in within 30 minutes, it is time to reseal.

Most granite countertops require resealing once a year, though heavily used areas may require more frequent applications.

Applying sealant is simple. Clean and dry the countertop, then apply the sealant evenly using a soft cloth or sponge, allow it to soak in, and wipe off any excess.

You can use penetrating sealants in kitchens because they resist oils and acids.

Remember that regular resealing helps keep the stone well-protected over time.

Protect the surfaces from stains and etching.

Granite is durable; however, it is not completely stain-resistant. The best way to avoid stains is to clean up accidents right away, especially liquids like wine, coffee, fruit juice, and oil.

If you don’t remove these compounds, they might penetrate the countertop pores and leave lasting stains. Instead of wiping spills across the surface, use a soft cloth to prevent the liquid from spreading further.

Protective best practices have a significant impact on your surfaces. When making meals, always use cutting boards and trivets that will keep hot cookware safe and from your surfaces.

Although granite is heat-resistant, abrupt temperature changes can stress the stone. Sharp knives or heavy pots can also cause scratches or chips if placed directly on the surface.

If stains do appear on your surfaces, one way to fix them is using baking soda paste or handmade poultices. If these don’t work, plan for professional stain removal. The beauty is that specialists have access to specialized techniques and solutions for restoring stone without causing damage.

Protect the surfaces from environmental factors.

Did you know environmental factors inside your home can affect your granite countertops? Temperature and humidity changes can cause the stone to expand and compress. In some cases, this can cause tension and even cracking.

Thankfully, maintaining consistent indoor temperatures with climate control or a dehumidifier is easy and can help reduce this danger.

Sunlight is another consideration. Prolonged direct exposure of your countertops to sunlight can result in discoloration or fading over time. And you don’t want this.

One thing you can do is to install UV window coverings or shutters that protect your counters while allowing natural light to enter the space.

Moisture management is equally important. Unsealed granite absorbs water, resulting in discoloration and possibly structural damage.

To protect your surfaces, make it a habit to place coasters under glasses and swiftly repair plumbing leaks, which will help to keep excess moisture from harming the stone.

Seasonal adaptations, such as enhancing ventilation in humid summers or monitoring quick temperature changes in winter, enable the granite to endure a variety of circumstances throughout the year.

Have the surfaces attended to by a professional

While most countertop care can be done at home, professional services are essential to ensure long-term quality. Regular inspections by a competent specialist can help detect issues that can be problematic.

At least once a year, plan for a thorough examination, especially if you heavily use your counters.

Professional cleaning services go beyond home remedies, removing debris that conventional products miss. Expert restoration services can safely and successfully restore granite kitchen countertops Durham that have sustained major damage or stains.

When hiring professionals, ensure you hire experienced ones who know what they are doing. You don’t want to hire people who will cause more problems, do you?

Fixing Common Marble Countertop Problems

People install marble countertops to add timeless appeal to their property. Marble has received high appreciation for its durability, gorgeous appearance, and ease of care. Unfortunately, like any other countertops, they get damaged.

Have you seen any scratches, cracks, or chips on your marble surfaces? Then you need to fix them. To help you out, here is how to go about it:

Fixing cracks, fissures, and holes

Cracks, fissures, and/or holes in marble countertops can occur for a variety of reasons. Exposure to severe temperatures, as well as dropping heavy objects on marble surfaces, can cause cracking or chipping. Inconsistencies in the marble itself can also occasionally cause fissures to form, which can eventually lead to cracks.

Cracks or chips can worsen over time, so you should have them repaired as soon as you see them.

You should note that if left untreated, the damage to the countertop may worsen to the point that you have to replace the entire piece. In extreme circumstances, marble fractures can be dangerous since a portion of the counter can break and injure someone.

For hair-like cracks, simply apply a small amount of epoxy sealer and smooth it with a putty knife. Then, using a clean, moist cloth, wipe any excess epoxy sealant from the marble.

When your marble worktop has a deep chip, it is slightly more difficult to repair the marble since you must design a filler that resembles the original marble pattern.

It’s generally difficult to handle this as a DIY project, so you need to be proficient in stonework to engage a professional marble repair specialist to restore deep chips so that the finished product matches the rest of your marble countertop.

Getting rid of stains and visible burns

Marble is also stainable, so if you have marble countertops, be cautious not to spill acidic or oily meals, as they can discolor the marble over time. If you do spill, wipe it up soon.

Unlike granite counters, marble can scorch when exposed to high temperatures—so keep hot pots and pans away from marble surfaces to avoid damage.

If any discoloration or burn marks appear, expert marble repair will be required to return the countertop to its original state.

To remove stains from the surface of your marble worktop, use tin oxide polishing powder. With minimal effort, the stains should disappear.

Removing scratches and normal wear and tear

Despite its versatility and durability, marble remains a somewhat soft stone that can be scraped and damaged by sharp items.

Over time, with frequent use (as in busy kitchens), you may notice evidence of wear and tear, such as light scratches and scuff marks. If these marks do not disappear after washing or buffing with a soft cloth, the surface likely needs to be repaired.

To cure scratches on marble surfaces, use a tin oxide substance, often known as grade polishing powder. Tin oxide is extremely effective at repairing scratches and stains on marble surfaces.

Simply apply the tin oxide powder to your scratched marble surface and use a piece of lint-free fabric to gently massage the powder in a circular motion until the scratch or stain disappears.

Getting rid of dullness from your surfaces

Marble finishes lose their lustre over time due to routine wear. You may notice that areas of your countertop that you frequently use appear duller than the rest of the surface.

When this occurs, the best approach to restore the countertop’s beauty and consistency is to have specialists perform the repairs.

Fixing broken pieces

Sometimes, marble bits break off your countertop. If this is the situation in your home, the best option is to use marble adhesive. Apply the adhesive around the hole where the piece(s) of marble has broken off and the detached piece(s).

Next, reposition the marble pieces and press down hard until they remain in place alone. Then, allow them to dry completely for 24 hours.

Once the marble adhesive has dried, use a moist cloth or sponge to remove any excess adhesive. The job is done.

How do you protect your marble from damage?

Prevention is always better than cure, so instead of spending time fixing your marble, you can protect it from damage. How do you go about it?

Treat it like wood

A good approach is to treat your marble like a high-quality wood finish. Use coasters and cutting boards to avoid drying wet dishes or glasses directly on the marble surface.

The only way to avoid marble etching and staining is to avoid contact with the chemicals and cleansers that cause these issues.

Unfortunately, accidents, spills, and catastrophes are unavoidable in every kitchen.

If you spill something, clean it up promptly. Do not let it sit on the stone.

If you discover any markings after washing the countertop, the marble has likely been stained or etched.

Seal your marble

Marble is a soft and porous stone; therefore, you should keep it protected to prevent scratches and stains.

You should drop several drops of water on the countertop to test the surface. Return to the spot in five to ten minutes. If the drips remain, the surface is still well sealed; if the drops have dissolved, it is time to reseal.

When your marble requires resealing, you can do it yourself (DIY). You only need to ensure that you use premium silicone sealer.

Besides sealing the surfaces by yourself, it’s also wise to have your marble countertops professionally sealed every 3-5 years, depending on how much wear and tear they have.

If you see a lot of stains and etches, it’s time to contact the professionals.

Clean the surfaces regularly.

You should regularly clean your surfaces. When doing it, avoid using acidic or abrasive cleansers, which might cause surface damage. Instead, use pH-neutral cleaners, such as gentle dish soap or cleaners made specifically for marble.

The beauty is that you don’t need any special skills to clean your marble kitchen countertops Raleigh. You also don’t need to hire a professional to help you out. You can easily clean your home by yourself.

4 Things That Will Destroy Your Granite Countertops

Did you know that your granite countertops can be destroyed even by the most mundane things? Here are some of the things that can wreak havoc:

Raw meat

As much as it appears harmless, raw meat can be highly harmful to your countertops. The harm comes when the fluids from the meat seep into the granite layers.

Here bacteria and other microbes grow and not only give your countertops an ugly look, but also easily give you food poisoning.

The situation is even worse when you decide to chop the meat on your countertops. As much as granite appears tough, it’s not immune to knife damage. This means that when you decide to chop the meat directly on the surfaces, you are bound to damage your precious countertops.

Don’t make it a habit to place your raw meat directly on the countertops to protect your surfaces. When you accidentally do it, move with haste to clean and disinfect the surfaces.

As you use disinfectants, be cautious, as you can easily cause more harm than good. As a rule of thumb, don’t use vinegar or bleach solutions as they have been shown to discolor the countertops. In other cases, they have been shown to cause extensive wear and tear.

To protect your surfaces, don’t cut directly on them. Instead, always have a chopping board on hand.

Hot pans

The other thing that will destroy your countertops is a hot pan. As much as granite appears tough, it’s not fireproof.

You might get away with placing hot pans on your countertops a couple of times, but when you repeatedly do it, you stand, causing significant damage to the surfaces.

It’s normal to have accidental slips and place the hot pans on your surfaces, but to stay on the safe side, don’t place hot pans or any other hot item on your surfaces. The right way to go about it is always to have trivets or hot pads on your surfaces.

If you don’t have these, always let the pans and hot pots cool completely before you place them on the countertops.

Food

Yes, you read that right. Food can be harmful to your countertops. A classic example is a red wine. As much as it makes you feel relaxed and happy, red wine is acidic and can be extremely harmful to the countertops when you let them sit for a long time.

The acids in the wine etch the countertop surfaces, degrading the seal and exposing the vulnerable stone underneath. This not only gives your countertops an ugly look but also makes your countertops develop stains that are hard to remove.

To protect your countertops and keep them in perfect shape, ensure that you wipe all the spills as soon as they happen. As mentioned above, don’t use harsh liquids such as vinegar and others as they might cause more problems than were originally there.

Children

You must have visited a friend and found them bathing their child in the kitchen sink. While this looks fun, don’t try it in your kitchen.

This is because doing it puts too much pressure on the countertop sink, putting it at risk of getting damaged.

As much as the sink in your kitchen appears tough, it’s not designed to handle too much weight. This means that placing the baby in the sink increases the chances of it getting damaged.

Regardless of how happy you want to make the baby, don’t bathe them in the sink—use your regular bathing area for this.

The same way you shouldn’t use the kitchen sink for bathing your child is the same way you shouldn’t sit or stand on your countertops.

Most homeowners are guilty of this. They will sit on their countertops while waiting for the food to cook. Others will stand on the surfaces as they reach the top shelf or replace the bulbs.

To protect your granite kitchen countertops Durham, don’t sit or stand on them. Have a chair to sit on while in the kitchen. It’s also wise to have a ladder to step on when looking to replace the bulb or reach the top shelf.

Can You Use Clorox Wipes On Granite?

Like other homeowners, you have Clorox wipes in your home, and when you are looking to disinfect your surfaces, they must be the first things you reach out to. But not so fast. Can you use Clorox wipes on granite?

Clorox wipes contain citric acid that can wear down the sealant on your granite countertops, exposing them to stains, spills, and other forms of damage. Due to this, you shouldn’t use Clorox wipes on granite.

How should you disinfect granite countertops?

Most people will tell you to use disinfectants specifically designed for granite counters, but the truth is that finding a product that is a perfect fit for your stone is a bit tricky.

So how should you disinfect the surfaces?

The best way to go about it is to use 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray the alcohol on the surfaces and let it sit there for 3-5 minutes to ensure the surfaces are thoroughly disinfected.

You should then wipe the surfaces dry using a microfiber cloth to eliminate as many germs from the countertops as possible. For best results, work in sections.

It can be tempting to dilute the alcohol so that you have less concentration, but don’t do this as the alcohol’s effectiveness at killing the germs significantly drops when you dilute the alcohol below 50%.

If you have scoured the stores and can’t find 70% isopropyl alcohol, use soap with antibacterial properties. Head to your local store and buy a bacterial hand washing soap.

You should then mix the soap with warm water and wipe the granite surfaces using a microfiber cloth.

How often should you disinfect your countertops?

Countertop experts recommend you disinfect your countertops once a week, but you can do it more frequently if many people are coming into contact with your surfaces. The beauty is you don’t need to hire a professional to help with the disinfecting—you can easily do it on your own.

Tips to keep granite surfaces in top shape

Other than disinfecting granite, you need to take good care of it to keep it in top shape. Some of the things you should do include:

Clean the countertops

It goes without saying that cleaning granite countertops is a must if you want to keep them looking great for decades. The cool thing is you don’t need to be fancy when cleaning the countertops.

Begin with filling your clean sink with warm water and a mild soap, then thoroughly wet a clean dishcloth before proceeding to wipe the surfaces of any spills and cramps present.

Once you are done, dry and buff the granite surfaces thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or soft terry towel to avoid streaking.

When cleaning, don’t use acidic cleaners such as lemon, lime, vinegar, or anything with ammonia or bleach as it will dull or even weaken the granite seal. Remember, the harsher, the cleaner you are using, the quicker it is to break the sealant, so avoid using harsh chemicals at all costs.

Seal the countertops

Granite is porous, meaning that it quickly absorbs spills and collects stains easily. To protect the countertops from staining easily, seal them regularly. Like cleaning, you don’t need to hire a professional to help you with it.

Begin with spraying the cleaner onto a clean countertop surface, then wipe the spray up with a clean microfiber cloth. Wait for at least 20 minutes, then apply a second layer.

For peace of mind you have thoroughly sealed your countertops, apply the sealing product at least 3 times.

While all granite surfaces require sealing, how you do it varies depending on the type of stone you have. Some surfaces are treated with resins, so you don’t need to keep sealing them. Others require sealing every 6 months to a year. It’s up to you to research and find out the type of countertop you have and how to seal it properly.

Remove stains

You need to get rid of the stains on your surfaces to keep your countertops looking great. You can remove the stains at home by yourself using baking soda or water, but if the stains are tough, you may have to hire granite contractors Raleigh that use commercial stain removal products.

6 Ways To Ensure Your Kitchen Countertops Last Long

When you install kitchen countertops, you want them to last for as long as possible. This calls for you to take good care of them. The cool thing is that there are plenty of ways of going about it:

Ensure proper installation

Everything begins here. There is no way your countertops will last for a long time if they aren’t properly installed.

Many people try to cut costs, by going for the cheapest contractor they can afford. Don’t do this.

While you will save a few coins here and there, you will end up spending too much money on repairs as cheap contractors often don’t have the right skills to install the countertops properly.

In some cases, they improperly install the countertops such that you have to remove all the countertops and install new ones. This is extremely expensive!

To avoid this, don’t be cheap. Hire an experienced contractor. While the professional will be a little bit expensive, the extra cost will be worth it as he/she will install countertops that will last for decades.

To protect yourself in the event of an accident during countertop installation, work with an insured contractor. Take a closer look at the insurance certificate and confirm that it even covers countertop damage.

Stone countertops

The most popular stone countertops are granite and quartz. Regardless of the type of countertop you have, you should take good care of it for it to last for long.

The first thing you should do is to seal the countertops. During installation, ensure the contractor seals the surfaces with a high-quality sealing agent. The frequency of sealing depends on the quality, color, and use of the countertops.

When it comes to lighter colors, seal them every 1-3 years. Seal darker colors 3-5 years.

In addition to sealing the countertops, you also should avoid sitting or standing on them. This is to prevent the countertops from cracking after placing too much weight on them.

Slate countertops

Slate countertops are known for their brittleness. They also stain from cooking oil spills and are easily damaged by abrasive cleaners. To prevent them from cracking, avoid placing too much weight on them. You also should always protect the surfaces when cooking to prevent stains.

When cleaning the surfaces, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner when necessary.

Laminate countertops

These are susceptible to water damage. To keep them in top shape, be cautious that you don’t let water seep into the seam. This is because they tend to swell up and buckle.

When it comes to cleaning, use mild dish detergent and microfiber cloths. Only use baking soda for tough stains.

Solid surface

Stay away from abrasive cleaners, especially if you have a shiny finish instead of matte. For the tough spots, use mild soap, baking soda, and microfiber cloths. After removing the stains, rinse the surfaces with a clean cloth.

All countertop materials

Regardless of the countertop material you have in your kitchen, there are some basic practices you should do to keep the material in top shape. Some of the things you should do include:

Protect the surfaces from scratching or etching by cleaning the countertops using damp microfiber cleaning cloths and mild dish detergent. To lift tough stains, use baking soda paste.

Since countertops are susceptible to damage from acidic juices, oil spills, and harsh abrasive cleansers, clean the spills as soon as they happen to prevent the damage and stains.

Protect the surfaces from heat damage by ensuring that you don’t place hot pans directly on the countertop surfaces. The hot surfaces tend to disfigure the countertops and even crack others.

To allow air-flow underneath the countertops, set pans and even low cookers on trivets.

You also should protect the surfaces from knife damage. This calls for you to avoid slicing or chopping the food directly on the countertops. When cutting, always use cutting boards.

Use common sense when handling your countertops. Don’t do anything that would damage the surfaces. For example, don’t use abrasive cleaning materials on granite countertops as they will lose their shine.

If you aren’t sure about how to keep the surfaces in top shape, ask granite companies Durham or any other professionals to help you out.

Kitchen Countertops: 6 Kitchen Renovation Tips To Remember

If your kitchen is old or you want a different look, you need to consider these tips for the project to be a success:

Begin with the countertops

Kitchen countertops have the most significant impact on the design of the kitchen. They also cost a lot, especially if the kitchen is large. For you to avoid wasting money and create a look you love, begin your project by thinking about the type of countertops you will install.

Visit the local stores and find out what is in stock. For you to be content with your project, you need to be happy with the countertops first; therefore, ensure that you choose the right ones. Countertops vary in material, quality, size, among many other things. Choose the ones that fit your project.

Aim for quality

Kitchen renovations are costly, and you can’t be doing them after every few months. To do them once and properly, go for the best quality materials possible. In addition to the high-quality cabinets and appliances lasting for longer, they also have a high resale value.

You don’t have to buy new materials. If you don’t have deep pockets, consider going for used materials. They might be used, but still in good condition and of high quality. Some of the best materials are those bought from a business selling reused building materials.

If you are unlucky in these stores, try your luck online. Find individual sellers selling high-end items at affordable prices.

Pay attention to the layout of the kitchen

The kitchen needs to be practical and functional. How you lay it out depends on your priorities and needs. Think about the look you want to create and the people that will be using it. If it’s more than one person, incorporate more than one workstation.

If you have a large kitchen, add a kitchen island or get a wheeled cart that you can move around and put away when you aren’t using it.

If you aren’t sure of what will work with your household, make use of the classic work triangle; arrange the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular pattern.

Have a realistic budget

Most large renovation projects end up taking more time and money than you anticipated; therefore, it’s wise to have extra cash on the side in the event the project goes over. A good rule of thumb is to have 10-20% more money for unplanned expenses.

The last thing you want is going to the bank to get another loan in the mid of the project. Even worse is ending up with a half-finished kitchen because you ran out of cash.

When coming up with a budget, remember to factor in the hidden costs. These include labor, materials, taxes, shipping, and delivery costs. These add up fast; therefore, it’s paramount that you put them into consideration when coming up with an approximation of the amount of money you need for the project.

Make use of all areas

You don’t want to spend a lot of money giving your kitchen a makeover and be left with unutilized areas. Make use of all areas in the kitchen. Use the toe-kick storage beneath the cabinet doors to store items that you don’t use daily. These include linens, serveware, and step ladder.

Using all the spaces gives you the satisfaction that you spent your money wisely. At the same time, it keeps your kitchen counters clutter-free.

Work with the right contractor

Not every countertop contractor you come across is right for your project. You can buy premium materials then end up with ugly countertops after hiring the wrong contractor. Many people end up with the wrong contractor as they are in a hurry to hire

To find the right professional, take your time. Approach several granite contractors Durham and ask for their current license and insurance. Also, ask about their past customers. Don’t just get the names of the customers. Call them and ask about their experience with the contractor.

If the professional checks out in every area, go ahead and draft a contract detailing the starting date, completion date, and any other details of the project.