Wednesday, October 19th, 2016
Do you believe that countertops are the anchors or foundations of your kitchen design? This is why it is best to have one that is shiny, beautiful and clean all the time. When it comes to countertop cleanup, though, there is no one method that works for every type. This is why you need to find out which cleaning technique is suitable for your kitchen counter.
The cleaning technique that you would use to make the countertop shine depends mainly on what material it is made of. Here are some tips on what to do if your kitchen countertop is made of –
Solid Material
Solid surfaces are available in semigloss, gloss, and matte finishes. Such countertops ask for extra care. Depending on the material quality, this often costs more compared to other countertops.
For glossy, solid surfaces, you can begin cleaning by using soapy water and any ammonia-based cleaning solution. Veer away from cleaning solutions that can scratch the surface.
If you want to achieve extra shine, then be sure to clean gently using a sponge. Just do this once every month to maintain the new glossy look.
You need to increase cleaning frequency with semigloss surfaces. This time, use any abrasive cleanser and a sponge. Repeat the cleanup to achieve a higher gloss. If you’re still not satisfied with the glossy that you did using the cleanser, then it’s time to have the countertop refinished or replaced.
Ceramic Tile
Kitchens and baths have the most popular designs for tile countertops. Keeping these clean won’t just make them look like they’re brand new but would also keep them hygienic. Microorganisms can get into the grout, a porous material.
Get rid of dirt and bacteria by wiping these countertops after each use. Use your everyday tile cleaner. Begin with the grout by using your everyday tile cleaner. Begin with the grout by using a grout cleaner.
Deep stains should be treated with the same cleaner but, this time, let it sit for 10 minutes. Find a scrub brush or toothbrush to brush the dirt away.
Deep cleaning should be done twice to three times every year.
Natural Stone
These are your granite, slate or soapstone countertop. These are not easily stained nor become breeding grounds for bacteria. Soapstone countertops do not require annual sealing unlike other natural stones. Use mineral oil by applying them on the surface. This can even help deepen the color over time.
For granite, limestone or marble, refrain from using dish soap. This tends to make these surfaces appear dull. Stay away, too, from homemade concoctions and other gentle cleaners because these won’t have any lasting effects on the surface. There are commercially available cleaners that can even restore the original shine of dull granite.
Wood
This is also known as the butcher-block style countertop. This is best used in kitchens where food preparation is heavily done. Wood is heat resistant but it is susceptible to dirt and liquids.
The best cleaning method for wood is to wash it right after using.
Making the wood appear shiny begins by using some fresh lemon. Just wipe down the countertop using a non-toxic cleaner and sponge. As soon as it’s dry, sand the surface using 120-grit sandpaper. You can then sand again with 180-grit sandpaper till the wood is finally smooth. Use food-grade mineral oil on the counters then rub using a cotton rag. Soak the wood for about 20 minutes before wiping it clean.
Achieving a shine even on old kitchen countertops can be a simple task if you know what cleaner suits which material. Use proper techniques and cleaning solutions for your counter material. When you do so, you care for it and you don’t expose it to more damage.
Tags: caring for countertops, countertop care, countertop choices, kitchen countertop, kitchen countertop materials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, natural stone, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Saturday, February 20th, 2016
Granite is the most common igneous rock that you have probably heard of. It is so-named because of its granular texture, with visible yet small crystals. Granite has been used for centuries for different purposes but most specially in building materials. When used with limestone, it was the perfect material for the pyramids in Egypt.
Granite is durable and abundant, thus, it is the preferred material for both interior and exterior applications. The granite dimension stone has been used in building bridges, buildings, monuments, paving and other exterior projects.
Indoors, granite slabs can be polished to become usable countertops and tiles. These are eventually used on flooring, kitchen countertops, and stair treads.
Granite is a prestigious material as it evokes an aura of elegance and timelessness.
The Granite Countertop
One of the most common uses of granite in the country is on kitchen countertops. It can be made of a solid granite slab that has been custom-shaped and edge-finished.
There has been an insatiable demand for granite countertops in the past years that a huge number of contractors now train themselves to have them installed. They also spend more money to add the equipment used in cutting and shaping this stone.
Many local dealers can now install this great material into your kitchen. An increase on the price of the countertop itself can give you the leeway to ask for a discount on the installation price. ‘Want to have a pink countertop instead of the usual black or gray color of granite? You can now have it installed in pink!
The Granite Work Station
Apart from solid granite slab countertops, this material can also be used as a durable work station. Granite tiles can be used to create an elevated counter, backsplash or a sink. More often than not, smooth, finished granite is used for the work station.
Rough cut granite is the least expensive type and it can offer a rugged appearance. Finishing granite blocks can get really pricey but it provides a smoother, more refined appearance.
The Granite Flooring
Granite tiles can be used as flooring material or wall panels. Granite flooring or walls have an elegant and a shiny appearance. Stones used for this kind of tiles is referred to as the gabbro (at least this is the proper term used by geologists). In the decorative stone industry, though, it is still simply referred to as granite.
Granite pavers or paving stones can be an interesting deviation from the usually boring driveway or patio. Since it is a natural stone, it can provide a unique look while giving the best artisans a way to express their creativity.
Back in the day, granite was used to pave the streets. The biggest construction projects use this stone either as a structural element or as a decorative facing.
The Granite Furniture
What a lovely idea it was to finally use this sturdy material together with other raw materials to create furniture. This piece of rock has a lot to offer in terms of durability and timeless beauty. Its usual black color makes it an elegant selection for stylish coffee tables, strong dining tables, and other such beautiful pieces.
You are definitely interested in granite since you have read thus far. Visit our shop and find out which furniture pieces will suit your preference. Are you redesigning your dining area? Then it would be a waste if you did not invest on our square table with a granite Lazy Susan. Imagine inviting your friends over and them noticing your chic dining table. You would surely be proud to tell them of the resilience of granite which is a significant part of your dining set.
Tags: bathroom flooring, bathroom interiors, granite, granite in interior design, granite raw material, kitchen backsplash, kitchen countertop materials, Lazy Susan, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Bathroom Design, Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
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