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.

5 Habits to Keep a Consistently Clean Bedroom

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Because bedrooms are our personal spaces, they often become quite messy and unorganized. However creating habits can keep a bedroom tidy. Here are 5 habits to do just that!

 

1. Make Your Bed

Every room looks cleaner when the bed is made, even if the floor is messy. The best way to do it is to make your bed every single day as soon as you wake up. Not only will this help your room look and be cleaner but it will also be rewarding every night when you crawl into your nicely made bed.

 

2. Put Away Clothes You Didn’t Wear

Often bedrooms will become messy because when we are picking out an outfit, we don’t put away or rehang the clothes we chose not to wear. If you don’t do this, you will have a mess of both clean and dirty clothes on your floor that will create chaos. Simply putting away the article of clothing as soon as you decide against it will save you lots of time.

 

3. Use Your Laundry Baskets

If the laundry bin is out of reach and hard to access, then you will be more likely to simply throw your dirty clothes on the floor after a long day. Put the laundry basket somewhere easy to access and close to where you usually get undressed. This will encourage you to put your clothes in the bin as soon as you change.

 

4. Take Dishes Down

Although it’s unconventional many of us do enjoy food and beverages in the bedroom. It’s easy to cast the dishes aside and forget about them because they aren’t in the kitchen. However these items will make a room look very dirty and unorganized. As soon as your finished eating or drinking, immediately take your dish to the kitchen.

 

5. Keep Work Out

Another way bedrooms tend to get messy is because of work papers, books, etc. Not only does this make the room messy but it also brings the stress of daily life into a place of rest. If possible, store papers and books in your office or kitchen. If not, organize your papers either into your briefcase or closed drawers. So long as it’s out of sight and out of mind.

 

How To Stage Your Home So It’s Ready To Go On The Market, But Not Stay There For Long

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Part 2 – Simplify

  • Sweat the small stuff. As homeowners we all get comfortable enough in our space to let the little things slide. Things like a shoddy screen door, cracked base boards, or un-retouched holes in the walls can be easy to ignore if you are around them on a daily basis. However, these details will make a big statement to someone who has never seen your house before, and the message will be “Neglect!” Time to make that nit-picky list and get to work on the small stuff.
  • Sweat the big stuff. Clutter is a sure way to make your house seem small and unwelcoming. It also makes it very difficult for a potential buyer to envision what their stuff might look like in the space. Make it easy for them by getting rid of everything you can. When it comes to selling a home less is DEFINITELY more. Do this in as many spaces as possible. Don’t skip the pantry, closets, or garage. How does one do this with limited space? In an ideal scenario rent a portable storage unit, known as a pod. You’re going to move anyway so why not start the packing process right away? If this isn’t an option, still start packing and neatly stack boxes in the garage.
  • Create simple unity. Paint over any area in the home that features odd or bold colors. People aren’t very good at seeing something other than the way it is. So if they see a purple wall they won’t able to envision it in beige.
  • Take you out of the equation. By this we mean pack away any personalized items that are expressive of your life and interests. For example, a wall-collage of family photos or a collection of magnets on the fridge. Make it so they can envision their own family in the house.

Next read Part 3 – Final Touches

How To Stage Your Home So It’s Ready To Go On The Market, But Not Stay There For Long

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Part 1 – First Impressions

Ready to sell but not exactly ready? Grab a cup of coffee and read this three part guide to staging your home. Check of everything on this to-do list and watch your home go off the market fast!

  • First impressions are everything. Before concerning yourself with the interior ensure the exterior is appealing. Otherwise, people might not even bother to see what’s inside. The trick to a quick exterior improvement is to do things that have the most impact. No one wants to reinvent the front yard, but a few changes will do the trick. Try planting fresh flowers if the season allows for it. Spruce up the grass with a couple of pieces of sod. Add new mulch or a sprinkling of new rocks to worn areas. If you have the funds consider doing any necessary work to the garage door. It frequently accounts for much of the outside visual space seen be a potential buyer.
  • Make a statement when people make an entrance. Beautifying the front door area of your home is a smart and easy fix. Yes, curb appeal will get them out of the car, but you want to build a sense of anticipation when they are waiting for you to open the door. Set out a new welcome mat, hang a wreath, and sweep away dust and cobwebs. If there’s space, add a chair or two, as well as potted plants and flowers. If the door itself has seen better days repaint it or replace it. Don’t forget clean up any glass as well. Nothing says ho-hum like old, dingy glass in a door or entry-way window.
  • Go crazy with cleaning or hire a maid service. There is a big difference between the quick cleanup job we do on the weekends and an actual deep cleaning of the entire home. Pay attention to things like grout, baseboards, doors, etc. Get out the strong cleaning supplies and put in some solid Cinderella time.
  • Create visual space by removing unnecessary furniture. If you can’t store it, try reconfiguring the layout. Experiment and move things around until you find an arrangement that consumes the least usable space.

Next read Part 2 – Simplify

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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