Tips For Cleaning Your Granite Countertop

                              

Many homeowners don’t realize that cleaning a granite countertop properly is crucial to keep it germ-free and safe. According to a survey, 33% of homeowners use common all-purpose cleaner on their countertop while 28% use disinfecting wipes. Surprisingly, 19% use a glass cleaner for their natural stone.

To keep your granite in tip-top shape, follow these tips:

• Household cleaners, such as glass cleaners, could affect the sealant and put granite surfaces at risk of getting stained. If you are using general cleaners, you might start to notice the difference in the look and feel of natural stone.

• Experts recommend cleaning natural stone surfaces with a cleaner that’s formulated to wipe away stains without jeopardizing the protective seal.

• If you’ve spilled something on the counter, remove it as soon as possible. Use a soft sponge, a nylon brush, or other non-abrasive material. Spray the surface with a granite cleaner then wipe it with a clean cloth.

• Natural stone like granite can be very porous. It is important to seal your natural stone countertop with a sealer that helps repel spills on the surface, allowing time to wipe everything before penetrating your granite counter.

How do you keep your kitchen countertop clean? Let us know in the comments below!

8 Common Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

When done right, transforming your old bathroom from dingy to dazzling can add value to your home. It’s an exciting home improvement project to work on and sounds all too easy. However, you don’t want to find yourself drowning in unanticipated problems and unexpected costs. So when you are planning a remodel, avoid these common pitfalls.

Mistake #1 - Thinking bigger is better

You’ve read that right. Bigger isn't always better. It doesn’t matter whether you have a large bathroom or trying to squeeze in an extra space for the growing needs of your family. What’s important is that the design matches your lifestyle.

Mistake #2 - Ignoring measurements

In a remodeling project, you might be too preoccupied with the design and other fun stuff. Before you create your blueprint, consider functionality. Measure the distances accurately and plan it carefully so that you can open the bathroom door without blocking anything or the cabinet doors won’t bang against other surfaces.

Mistake #3 - You have a thing for curbed-shower

Not only does a curbless shower adhere to universal design principles but it can enhance the appeal of your bath and make it look cleaner and bigger. This is fairly easy to accomplish so make sure to mention this to your contractor before construction.

Mistake #4 - No view out

It’s no fun spending in a dark, damp bathroom. If you are relocating your bath, choose a room with small windows. If not possible, install an operable skylight to allow natural light and fresh air to get in.

Mistake #5 - Budgeting too little or over-paying for your new bathroom

The average bathroom remodel costs around $16,000, according to Remodeling Magazine. If you encountered water damage and molds in your old bathroom, you might be spending more as you’re likely to replace old pipes, countertop, and fixtures to reduce problems later on.

While it’s important that you are working within you budget and shopping the best deal on fixtures and materials, it is critical not to save to the point of compromising the quality. Getting way too low or too extravagant can cause you more trouble later. For example, cheap cabinets will have doors that don’t fit properly. This is also true when you choose substandard materials that can lead to water damage,

You should not also skimp on paying for reliable contractors. Remember, cheaper is not always better. Be sure to work with skilled, licensed, and insured contractors.

Mistake #6 – Not matching hardware and fixtures

If you are going to choose a faucet in nickel, the other components (towel bar and rings) should have the same material. Compare finishes before purchasing. If possible, get hardware and fixtures at the same place.

Mistake #7 – Mismatched finishes on sink, toilet, shower, and tub

Your sink, toilet, and tub should have matching finishes. Before you buy anything, compare samples of materials.

Mistake #8 - Doing it yourself

Doing it all could create costly mistakes if you failed to rewire the room correctly or botch the plumbing. It is recommended that you hire a professional to take over your bathroom remodel.

Ready to give your bathroom a bold new look? Call Milan Stoneworks at 503.232.6206 for all your remodeling needs.