From the Floors Up

How to Clean Three Different Types of Countertops

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, yet it also can be home to a lot of messes. In fact, we are continually preparing and eating food on our countertops. Countertops can easily be a focal point in many kitchens. Because of their showcase quality, it is essential to help keep them clean for hygienic and longevity purposes. However, not all countertops are alike. Some cleaning materials used for one countertop may ruin your beautiful countertop. To help, here is what you need to know about cleaning some of the most common countertop selections:

Granite

Granite is one of the most common, prestigious countertop options. To clean granite countertops, start by mixing dish soap with warm water. Soak a rag in the solution and wipe away any residue or debris from your countertop surface. You can also dilute a solvent like an isopropyl in water to disinfect your countertops. Put into a spray bottle and spray counter after it has been dried. Use a paper towel to wipe countertops dry.

Marble

Another great natural stone is marble. This porous rock can be cleaned very similarly to granite. Use dish soap with warm water to remove residue and debris. However, be very cognitive of using any acid-base cleaner on marble. This soft rock can easily be etched. You should also be cognitive of staining. Both granite and marble countertops should be sealed annually to prevent damage.

Stainless Steel

Use a microfiber cleaning cloth and warm water to wipe down your countertops. Many manufacturers make specific products for stainless steel counters. Once you apply the approved cleaners, make sure to wipe your countertops dry. Stainless steel can easily show water spots and cleaner residue if not dried thoroughly. You can even use lemon juice to help clean these as well. They will not rust or corrode at all.

Cleaning your countertops is just another way to take pride in your beautiful kitchens. Make sure if you have a porous countertop that you have it resealed as recommended. Every countertop has different benefits and cons. Cleaning each one can have its set of rules to follow. Make sure you do the right method of cleaning to get the most longevity out of your counters.

Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops

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When designing your bath or kitchen, your countertop can have a significant influence on the design. Plus, there are several excellent options available on the market to choose from, each with their own sets of pros and cons. Marble countertops are always a jaw-dropping feature when incorporated in the design. These timeless staples have stunning features and veining, which allow every countertop to have its own characteristics. If you are considering this beautiful countertop solution, you should consider all the strengths and weaknesses it has to offer. Today, we will explore marble countertops and find out if it is right for you.

Pro: Aesthetically Unique and Beautiful

When it comes to a unique and gorgeous countertop option, you can never go wrong with marble. Marble offers an exquisite and classy feature in every room. Plus, it can be debated to have more character than its countertop rival: granite.

Con: Price

If you are looking for the most inexpensive route, marble will not be your optimum choice. Since marble is a natural element that is created into a slab for each countertop, it can be pricier than some other options on the market.

Pro: Natural Product

Marble is made from calcium carbonate. This countertop is a natural product mined from the earth. If you are looking for an all-natural product and one that is ecofriendly, perhaps marble is the best route to go!

Con: Maintenance

Being calcium carbonate, this product can have chemical reactions to acidic products like drinks, foods, and cleaning products. These acids can make a countertop etch and lose its natural gloss finish. To prevent this, each marble countertop must be treated once or twice a year with a sealant to protect them.

Pro: Durability

Marble countertops are a very durable option as well. This countertop choice can take a significant beating before breaking. However, you should still treat your countertops with respect. Be cognitive when cutting or placing hot containers direct to the countertop. While this may not damage them, you should always be cognitive of the possibility.

Marble is a great countertop option for any home. There are many applications in which marble is ideal. If you are looking to capture the beautiful nature with many added benefits, marble may be the right choice for you. Just remember to keep up on your maintenance and continue to take care of your product.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soapstone Countertops

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Soapstone is a naturally mined stone often used as a countertop solution. This quarried stone comes in a variety of color, hardness, and purity. It is typically dark in nature and adds warmth to the atmosphere where it is installed. Lower talc soapstone is used for countertops. It is an extremely dense and nonporous natural stone. It is nearly impossible for stains to penetrate this countertop. But if you are a little unfamiliar with soapstone countertops and want to learn more, you came to the right place. Keep reading to see all of the FAQ’s we receive about soapstone countertops.

Do I Need to Seal My Soapstone Countertops?

Unlike granite and marble, this natural stone is nonporous. It is not recommended to seal soapstone. However, it is recommended to oil your soapstone-this can allow the aging process to look more natural throughout the entire countertop.

Can Soapstone Scratch?

Yes, soapstone can scratch. Avoid cutting directly on your countertops and use a cutting board. Typically, you can add mineral oil to hide scratches. If the scratch is deep, you can sand your soapstone to remove it. Then reapply your mineral oil to have consistent aging throughout the stone.

Is Soapstone a Good Countertop?

Yes! Soapstone has many benefits that other natural stones simply do not have. It is nonporous, which means it will not stain and needs less maintenance. Unlike marble, it is also not prone to etching with acidic cleaners or foods. Soapstone is extremely dense, making it difficult to chip or break. Though it can scratch, it can be repaired. Also, the density of the stone makes it anti-microbial, and bacteria will not reside on your countertop.

How Do I Clean My Soapstone Countertops?

Soapstone is very simple to clean because it is nonporous. Simply use soap and warm water to clean. You can use a sponge or a dishrag to wipe down your surface. The antibacterial factors will prevent foods from creating unwanted bacteria on your countertop. You can never apply to much mineral oil as well. If you want to add mineral oil, simply apply with a rag evenly over the counter.

Soapstone is a low-maintenance and high-performance countertop that looks terrific in any home. While it may not have the variety and color of granite or marble, this stone comes with many added benefits. If you have more questions about soapstone countertops, let us know in the comment section. For more insight on other countertop solutions and maintenance, make sure to subscribe.

How to Maintain and Clean Your Countertops

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If you are anything like us, once you invest in your countertops, you want to get the most out of them. Your countertops’ longevity is directly correlated with your maintenance and upkeep. Since not all countertops are created equal, no “one” remedy handles everything, but knowing how to clean each type of countertop will help you get the most out of your investment. To help, we explored different countertops and various remedies to help you keep them clean and lasting as long as possible. Let’s take a look!

Laminate

Laminate is a great, affordable countertop solution used in many homes today. The surface is nonporous which makes it easy to clean. It will not need to be sealed or refinished like some countertops. A simple way to clean laminate is with a homogenous blend of water and vinegar. You can use this to get the shine to come back. To remove dirt, simply wipe with a rag to remove debris.

Granite

Granite is a durable, gorgeous countertop option. If you have granite, cleaning it is essential. Try to avoid glass cleaners regularly because this can dull the shine in the counter. You should consider having your countertop sealed annually. Depending on the countertops’ use, you may need to have frequent sealings. Granite is a natural element, and it can be stained. Try to remove spills immediately to prevent penetration into the countertop.

Quartz

Like granite, quartz countertops are very durable; however, they are more flexible. This is an added benefit making the surfaces hard to chip or crack. Because quartz is non-porous, you do not have to seal them. Quartz is a very low-maintenance countertop solution, and it should be noted that direct sunlight can cause discoloring. If you have the opportunity to block UV rays with blinds or shades, remember to do so.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are coming back into the market for their natural aesthetic appeal. Butcher block is typically oiled. To clean, remove dirt from your countertops. Pick a food-safe oil but avoid walnut and culinary oils because these can oxidize and build of the surface. If you have a coating on your surface, this should be sanded off before application. Apply a mineral oil and allow it to absorb. You can then add a conditioner as well to prevent cracking to the wood.

All countertops have pros and cons, but you should be able to decide which is best for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider the maintenance requirements to sustain your countertops for longer. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe.

Planning a Kitchen Remodel for Resale

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The kitchen can be one of the most significant selling points of a home to prospective buyers. Your home’s resale value can be determined by several factors of your home, one of them including the kitchen. The kitchen’s functionality, aesthetic appeal, and appliances can all contribute to the value. It is essential to properly invest in your kitchen if you are planning on reselling your home. Certain buyers will want particular features in their future kitchen, but there are general guidelines that will help make your kitchen appealing to all prospective buyers. Let’s take a look! 

1. Appliances. Keep in mind that homeowners typically prefer stainless steel appliances for their home. If you are looking to potentially sell your home, you should consider buying stainless steel appliances to keep buyers happy. Also, you will need to take in consideration the age of each appliance that may need to be replaced. Some appliances will last longer than others. Make sure to only replace items if they need to be replaced then you can use the leftover money on other kitchen features.

2. Counter Space & Countertops. Food gurus love a lot of kitchen counter space. Plus, it will not devalue your house if you have a lot of counter space available. The type of countertop your home has can really hold together your whole kitchen’s design. Granite countertops tend to be homeowners’ favorite because of their beauty and durability. Granite allows you to place hot pans on top of it without having to worry about potentially burning it. If you are worried about the cost, consider getting grade 2 granite. Buyers are not necessarily looking for the most expensive countertops, but a nice-looking countertop can complete the overall look.

3. Storage. The kitchen could be absolutely gorgeous, but if there is nowhere to put anything, it is almost useless to buyers. The number of cabinets and drawers available for storage purposes can be a major selling feature. Homeowners do not want to worry about where they will put all of their kitchen supplies. If your home does not have enough storage currently, try adding in some more cabinets.

4. Flooring. There are some significant factors to keep in mind when you are choosing your kitchen flooring. If your kitchen is opened to other rooms in your house, consider the style and if it flows with the rest of your home. Keep in mind that your flooring can determine the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Flooring can either be a real eye-sore or a statement piece. Lastly, you should consider how easy it is to clean your flooring. Maintenance can definitely be a priority for some homeowners.

Try remodeling your kitchen with classic trends rather than making it super trendy. Focus on designing with trends that tend to stay in style for a long time. We hope you found these four tips helpful. Thanks for reading! 

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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