09

Jul

How Granite Countertops Increase Home Value

If you own a home and you know that you will eventually sell the property, you should consider renovating carefully. While a home renovation is appealing, not all upgrades can improve the value of your home as much.

One room that a lot of homeowners normally improve and renovate is their kitchen. Granite countertops are among the first areas in your kitchen where you can consider upgrades. These granite countertops are now more popular, but a lot of homeowners are wondering if the value-added can justify the expense of an upgrade.

If you are investing in kitchen renovation, one way to revamp your room is to use granite for a clean and high-end look. They are very durable and contemporary in any kitchen. Read on to know more reasons why granite increases the value of your home.

The Appeal is Timeless

Granite retained its popularity and appeal for a lot of reasons, which include strength, beauty, and durability. The veining, marbling, and colors occur naturally, and no two swabs are the same. If your concern is about adding home value and making it more appealing to future buyers, go for granite with neutral or earth tones such as black, white, or brown. Granite is very popular that a lot of home buyers consider it a necessity.

Aesthetically Appealing

Granite countertops are known for having rich colors and they have distinctive veining, which adds unique character and unparalleled appeal to the décor of your kitchen. Each slab has its own shade and flecks, as well as streaks that allow you to see impressive visual effects and personalized designs as well. These subtle variations and contrasts make granite look so stylish and luxurious.

High Return on Investment

Real estate experts will tell you that kitchens are going to sell homes. When you update your kitchen, homebuyers will appreciate it even more. However, a kitchen upgrade does not have to cost a fortune.  A minor to moderate kitchen renovation can cost between $20,000 to $25,000, which offers a return on investment between 90% to 100%. This might include upgrading your granite countertops, which the majority of buyers see as a desirable material.

They are Practical and Durable

Granite is strong and hard, which means it can retain the gorgeous look and feel even after many years of use. When you seal it properly, it is scratch-resistant and stain-free, which takes the normal wear and tear very well. In addition, granite is not a heat conductor and it can withstand 900 degrees Fahrenheit without getting damaged. Granite surfaces do not get marred by scraping, cutting, or other kitchen activities and have little requirements for maintenance. All you have to do is to keep your countertops looking good and clean by wiping the surface using a dampened cloth with warm water and mild detergent when the day ends.

They are easy to clean and durable, resistant to heat and scratch, suitable for preparing food, and great for kitchen countertops.

Environmentally Friendly

Unlike a lot of countertop materials sold in the market today that are harmfully manufactured, granite is a product that is naturally quarried from the earth without chemical damage. You can polish or hone granite before installation, but there is no need for a manufacturing process. If you properly maintain it, granite countertops can last a long time, which reduces landfill waste. You should clean it regularly to maintain your granite countertop, and it is a lot easier than other countertop materials.

You can talk to granite installers Rockville if you want to increase your home value with the best outcome.

29

Jun

How to Choose the Right Granite Slab for Your Kitchen

While kitchen remodels might feel overwhelming, there are so many options these days you can choose from, including the colors of granite you choose. All of them look beautiful because granite is natural, and each slab varies in color and pattern. Therefore, which color do you choose? In this article, you will learn a couple of principles to remember before choosing the color for your countertop.

Granite is among the most popular material for countertops. Aside from its durability, it is available in many styles and colors, which makes it easy to pair with any kind of appliance and cabinetry.

Once you contact the countertop replacement services, at least you already have an idea of what you want. Read on to know more.

Match it with the Cabinets

There are two main ways that you can pair cabinets and granite: matching the color with cabinets or you can pair the marbling and veining. The first way to match granite counters is to opt for granite with the same color as the cabinets but the veining is darker. For instance, white cabinets are gorgeous looking and have grey veins, brown, and black. If you are interested in granite with color contrast, you should choose the one with veins that will match your cabinetry. The same one pairs beautifully with espresso cabinets. It might also be helpful to check out popular things of granite countertops and cabinetry.

Consider Your Kitchen Size

Do you have a small or large kitchen? The kitchen size is an important factor when it comes to picking the perfect slab, and the pattern. If you have a small kitchen, you should opt for light-color granite because it gives your kitchen a spacious look. When there is little natural lighting, your kitchen is going to look smaller. You can correct this effect when you use light-colored granite. Dark granites that veins running through will work for this purpose as well. As for the large kitchens, you can safely experiment with dark colors. In addition, choose the patterns based on your kitchen size. The three main patterns are speckled, solid, and marbled. Solid granite is an excellent choice for kitchens that are smaller. Busy patterns make a small kitchen seem cramped. If you have a large kitchen, marbled and speckled forms are great. Two colors of granite also go well with larger kitchens.

Contrast Makes the Kitchen Look More Pleasing

If you check photos of designer kitchens or watch several home makeover TV shows, you will notice that the majority of them feature some contrast between dark and light. For instance, in case the kitchen cabinets are dark then you want light kitchen countertops. If there are light and dark elements in a room, they will add visual balance: Dark colors serve as anchors and lighter ones take off some weight and make your room feel more open and spacious. Therefore, when you consider using a contrasting color to cabinets for your countertops, it will be good.

Choose a Unique Granite Pattern

Aside from choosing a color, you can also choose a granite pattern. Solid granite does not have a lot of variation in the pattern, and it is a great choice for smaller kitchens where a busy pattern makes the area look cramped. Marbled granite comes with a smooth transition between color and texture. Speckled granite is a great option with a lot of variation in texture and color and it would be excellent if you want to make a statement.

These are the best ways to choose granite countertops Rockville for your kitchen.

 

16

Jun

Mistakes to Avoid When You Have a Quartz Kitchen Countertop

The majority of homeowners still see kitchen remodeling as one of the most important home renovation aspects. Based on statistics, one in every household does a kitchen remodel yearly.

The most important surface in your home is the countertop, and it is the main feature that homeowners want to replace. They contact countertop replacement services to have their quartz countertop installed. However, there are mistakes that some people make when it comes to their countertop. If you are planning to get quartz countertops, you should know what not to do in order to properly maintain it. Find out what you must not do so that it will last for a long time.

Relying Too Much on Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaners loaded with chemicals do not mix well with quartz countertops. It is important to stay away from alkaline and acidic cleaners because they can weaken the bonds between quartz and resin and can damage the surface layer over time. While it hampers the sealant’s efficacy too, the countertop can become prone to easily getting stained.

You Do Not Wipe Spills Right Away

If you allow any type of spill to sit on your countertop, specifically an acidic solution like vinegar or wine, for a long time on your countertop, it is going to penetrate the stone. This will result in staining. Quartz is normally marketed to be stain-resistant. It is crucial to remember that the engineered stone is not stain-proof.

The best way for you to prevent stains is to make sure they do not happen at first. However, if you spill something, make sure that you clean up the mess right away. You can take a dish cloth together with warm soapy water in order to clean up spills.

Using Pads that are Too Abrasive

Some homeowners like to use abrasive cleaning pads that can starch and dull quartz countertops. You need to avoid hard-bristled brushes, metal scourers, and scrubbing pads. You should use a gentle approach, ideally a soft rug for cleaning and clean cotton cloth for drying. This way, the quartz surface will remain beautiful and shiny for a long time.

You Place Hot Items on the Countertop Directly

Even if quartz countertops have heat-resistant properties, you should not assume that it is immune to heat. If the temperature is over 300 degrees F, it can damage your countertop.

You should not place hot pans or pots on the countertop because extreme heat can be damaging to the resin of your countertop’s surface, which results in discoloration. Discoloration, because heat damage is irreversible, and you would have to replace the entire slab of stone to remove the damage.

You Cut Food Directly on the Countertop

Most of the quartz slabs are NSF-approved. They can be used for food preparation. However, with the right force, using your knife directly on the countertop’s surface to cut and chop ingredients can cause scratches. The small scratches and nicks will gradually dull the surface and erode the beauty of your countertop.

Placing Your Sizzling Hot Utensils on the Countertop

Yes, quartz countertops are resistant to heat by nature. However, placing sizzling hot utensils on the countertop all the time will cause discoloration on the countertop. At the same time, it becomes more prone to cracks. Before placing your sizzling hot utensils on the countertop, you should put a tray or cloth where you can place your utensils so that they do not directly go on the quartz surface.

You can contact the quartz countertop installer Rockville for your kitchen countertop replacement.

07

Jun

Benefits of Sealing Granite Countertops

The beauty and durability of granite countertops are well-known, but that does not indicate that they do not need any TLC and proper maintenance. Even if granite is resistant to moisture, it is porous as well. Therefore, spilled liquids, especially the ones with colors, can get damaged by dirt.

As a homeowner, you should regularly clean and maintain your granite while you mop up spills while they happen while protecting the surface. It is also wise to use the services of cleaning and polishing experts.

Normally, customers are advised to “seal” countertops. When you have thoroughly cleaned your granite countertop, contact a professional to seal it. This will make it effective against oil-based and water stains.

Read on to learn more.

Prevents Stains

Granite is known to be porous. Sealing it is going to make the liquid bead on the surface, which prevents it from staining. This is important for granite with a lighter color since it is more prone to stains.

In addition, you should practice wiping up spills while they happen. In the bathrooms, you should not leave containers of cosmetic containers and beauty aids on the granite countertops. That is because they could leave chemical residue that can cause stains.

In case you see stains, you can attempt to deal with them on your own. You can create a water and baking soda for some of the oil stains, and then a baking soda paste and hydrogen peroxide for water stains. You can leave the paste there overnight, sealed in plastic, and then you can wipe it off when you wake up.

Cleans and Disinfects Your Granite Right Away

Similar to other natural stones found in homes, like limestone and marble, granite has tiny open spaces in it because of its porousness. Stones that are highly porous can attract bacteria because of the small openings. This is something that you do not want granite countertops to experience.

When you properly seal granite countertops, they become hygienic, which makes it easier to disinfect them. The sealing can penetrate deeply into the stone to create a protective layer against bacteria, dust, and dirt.

Once those pores are sealed, dirt, moisture, and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface of your countertops even further.

Reduces Etching Threat

The etching of the granite countertop will happen when you spill acidic food on it, such as lemon juice. Vinegar, juices, coffee, wine, soda, and cleaners also cause etching. If you are using the cutting boards and other food protections on the preparation surfaces, that goes a long way to prevent any etching. However, accidents happen, and sealing your granite is going to shield it against spillages.

Prevents Your Countertop from Getting Dull

Granite countertops are luxurious and they rarely show any signs of wearing. Sometimes, people have an impression that their granite lost its shine and has become dull. In case that happens, you just might have to polish it. With a lot of polishes out there, it is hard to find out which is the best polish to use for countertops.

After polishing your granite countertops, the shine should return. If you want to maintain the shine for a long time, you would want to add granite sealer. Protecting your granite countertop properly with the right sealer and polish keeps your granite countertop looking new for a long time.

These are the top reasons why you need to seal your granite countertop. You can call granite companies Rockville so they can do it for you. This is something you want to be done professionally because granite is an investment and you want to make the most out of it.

 

30

May

Why Granite Countertops are Better for Outdoor Kitchens

Among a lot of common modern-day design themes, the outdoor kitchen has become popular over the years. There are a couple of important features to consider if you are making this type of home upgrade, and one of them is which countertop is best for an outdoor space. Granite countertops are ideal for an outdoor space because of their material and durability.

Aside from that, there are other reasons to explore why you should choose granite for your outdoor countertop. In this article, you will discover what those reasons are and you will not mind paying a bit because of the benefits and quality you will get.

Read on to find out more now.

The Design is Beautiful

Granite is very unique and it offers various specks, patterns, and swirls that are different in each slab. That means each slab you have is unlike anyone else’s. There are endless possibilities in terms of individual design and style from the granite, and they can be made in any size or shape. Therefore, no matter the layout or size of an outdoor kitchen, granite makes it happen.

Heat, Moisture, and Stain Resistant

Granite is resistant to heat, stains, and changes in moisture levels, which makes it suitable for an outdoor space. Since it is a porous stone, it is recommended that you have your granite countertop periodically sealed to make sure it can resist stains from the regular kitchen spills. Therefore, it is in your best interest to wipe them up right away as they occur to retain the beauty of a countertop over the years and prevents discoloration.

In addition, this natural stone stands up well against any heat so it is not necessary to worry about the damage produced by hot pots and pans. However, you should still use hot pads and trivets to protect the sealant.

Compatible with the Outdoors

Granite has excellent durability, and it can withstand different natural elements, from snow and rain to heat and sleet. Aside from it being strong and sturdy, granite is heat resistant as well, which means it is not phased by exposure to hot summer all day. The truth is, that granite can actually benefit from sunlight. Once it shines on countertops, the beauty and depth of each piece are instantly revealed.

Another reason why granite is appropriate for an outdoor kitchen is that countertops can be built around ovens, stoves, pizza ovens, and other appliances that are hot. When granite is sealed regularly, granite can also repel rainwater.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Granite does not give you a host of harmful bacteria and it remains sanitary, so it is safe to prepare and cook food on granite countertops. Cleaning a granite countertop is always easy even if you just use soap and water. You do not have to use a special cleaner.

Maintaining the quality of granite countertops is simple and it only needs the application of a sealer once every year. This sealer protects your countertops from spillage or rain, which can happen at some point in your kitchen outdoors.

Resistant to Germ and Bacteria

Cooking can get messy, whether you are outside or inside. Some of them are harmless, and others can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, Listeria, and e.coli. Specific materials like laminate or tile can harbor these by providing the right growing conditions. In these instances, it is important to disinfect your kitchen countertop regularly so it is safe for food prep.

You can contact granite installers Potomac to have them work on your outdoor and install the granite countertop you love.

17

May

Benefits of a Quartz Countertop

It is a lot of fun choosing the countertop of your newly remodeled bathroom or kitchen. However, you should also take it seriously because it is a serious investment. It is also a huge commitment that can last at least 25 years if you choose the quartz countertops of another solid option. That is why it is imperative to know the benefits of quartz countertops.

Quartz is among the popular choices of the countertops of today because it is a high-quality material that is luxurious and easy to maintain. Unlike other surfaces, the quartz slab is engineered. This opens a new world of chances and possibilities. Find out more about why you should choose quartz countertops.

Good Variety

Since manufacturers are controlling the process, these countertops come in different colors and designs. A lot of people find it hard to distinguish top-quality countertops from marble, granite, and other natural stone. If you want a contemporary look, you can include recycled glass and flecks of metal.

It is also easier than you think to keep the quartz countertops in top shape.

Non-Porous

 Classic quartz countertops are made from about 90% quartz, and this is beneficial to you.

Quartz is non-porous so it is resistant to stain. That means as long as you wipe away liquid soon, after every spill, you should not be concerned. Over time, other countertops will absorb wine, oils, juice, and other substances that will be difficult to remove. This is because pores allow the substance below the surface where it cannot be wiped away.

Another good thing about the non-porous nature of a quartz countertop is it does not require sealing. In order to help prevent stains, it should be periodically sealed. This consumes a lot of time and if you leave it like that, the material can be harmed. Quartz material does not need sealing, so it requires less work to have it.

Durability

When you have a quartz countertop, you are getting an extremely strong and tough material that stands up to many decades of use by your family. It is scratch-resistant and does not chip away. Since it is waterproof, it is also stain and water-damage-resistant. The truth is, this is among the biggest reasons why people choose quartz for their kitchen countertop. They are not totally indestructible and you still need to use cutting boards, quickly wipe up spills and use trivets to protect dishes and hot pans. Since quartz countertops are durable, manufacturers issue a lot of warranties against damage and defects in manufacturing.

Stylish

One of the main benefits that you will get from having a quartz countertop is the stylish options available. Quartz comes in a wide range of patterns and colors. It can mimic the look of granite, marble, or concrete, and it can be in colors that cannot be obtained in other materials like bright green.

Every quartz countertop is made to order. That means if you have odd curves, angles, want a unique edge, or other unique aspects, quartz can be shaped to what you want. You can also choose the finish, with a lot of colors that come in polished and leather textures. This will allow you to customize the quartz look of your countertop to match your home.

Fewer Imperfections

Quartz countertops are made with a lot of precision, using controlled material quantities, quality control, and care. This minimizes the occurrence of pits, fissures, and other imperfections that normally show up.

You can contact quartz countertop installer Potomac to have the best result for your kitchen remodeling project.

08

May

Common Mistakes When Choosing Granite Countertops

Granite kitchen countertops are among the best materials that can be used in the bathroom and kitchen reservations if you want a pristine and durable finish. While the beautiful and unique surface offers a lot of durabilities to withstand resist chips and heat, spills, and a lot more, there are a couple of mistakes that cause some damage to the stone.

Caring for your granite countertops and staying away from the common mistakes that cause damage maintains the surface’s longevity. While you know that life happens, knowing that can be damaging to your granite countertop is important in preventing you from paying for granite contractors again too soon.

You should not worry, because the common mistakes you need to avoid are mentioned here.

Wrong Thickness

There are 3 standards of marble thicknesses when choosing counters. You can choose between ¾ inch, 1.75 inches, and 1.5 inches.

You should avoid using the last options because problems can emerge from attaching two granite slabs. When the glue starts to deteriorate, it can cause gaps in the seam together with the horizontal edge or it can cause future damage to the surface, especially from everyday use.

Choosing Color Over Quality

Another common mistake is that first-time granite shoppers choose the color over the stone quality. Sure, it is important to match the surface’s color to the existing features of the kitchen, but you need to be careful to not sacrifice it because of aesthetics. White is among the most popular options for most stone countertops. However, white needs more caution and care because it easily stains compared to others. Dark colors such as brown and black hide spills and stains, there it reduces the maintenance needs and stain-removal treatments. One incident is that if you drink a glass of red wine, it could ruin your white surface if you accidentally spill it. Stains are difficult to remove without professional stain removal or sanding.

Seam Placement is Incorrect

Between granite’s natural colors, patterns, and great installer, seams should not be noticeable. Therefore, you can guarantee to have a seam on your countertop, so you must try planning for it. The more action a seam directly gets, the faster it is going to wear out.

You should try positioning the seam inconspicuously away from the faucet. If possible, it should not be right next to the sink. However, if you have no choice, position it perpendicularly and not parallel to the side edge of the sink. By doing this, you are providing extra support to the sink and preventing unnecessary joint stains.

Does Not Match the Cabinet Styles

You must always choose an edge for the granite countertop that will complement your cabinet style or vanity. For instance, flat or beveled edges will look best in a room that has modern cabinets. If you have traditional-style cabinets, you should choose a bullnose edge. The edges have to be round, especially if it is on the bottom if you have small children who can bump their heads on the granite’s edge.

Poor Edging Choices

When you are choosing an edge profile, indecisiveness comes naturally. You want to choose an edge that matches your current kitchen, but you also want a slab edge that is versatile. It should be able to match the future style changes and upgrades. However, you must choose the correct profile upon installation because you cannot change it without removing the stone and then sending them back to the manufacturer. That is why you must finalize your installation.

You must contact granite countertops dealer Potomac to help you achieve your dream kitchen countertop.

 

23

Apr

How to Choose the Right Quartz Countertops

There are many factors involved when it comes to choosing the right quartz kitchen countertops, it is important that you know what they are. You have to consider the slab thickness, color, edge profile, and others, but the most important factor is the slab quality. If you choose one with poor quality, it becomes a fatal mistake that might end up costing more to fix compared to what you spent at first.

A quartz slab can last a long time, but you must never pick a cheap one. You will not be happy staring at your new countertop, and you will wish that you spent more for a good quality one that you will look at every day for many years.

Read more about it now.

Visual Appearance

Part of having a stone countertop is the look it gets from visitors, who might look at them twice. More importantly, how it looks to you, the homeowner. You are the one who can wake up every morning to look at the countertop while drinking your morning coffee or eating breakfast.

Quartz countertops come in several colors. Each one brings a different type of mood or attitude. From the classic pearl white one to the tantalizing and intricate. Remember that there are more colors you can choose from. Quartz slabs also have different designs and patterns. This can be a chemical that your countertop has to be unique or it can stop working with the other parts of the room.

Normally, designers and suppliers will have color palettes you can choose from. Visualize other parts of the space so you can see what works best. You are looking only at the color that might not like.

Neutral Colors are Perfect

Neutral color slabs have attractive and enduring qualities, with a presence that is traditional and classic. Quartz can have a consistent and single color or it features the looks of white marble and other soft, natural patterns. When you choose a quartz countertop, that is designed to last a long time, you should stick to the grays, beige, off-whites, and bright whites. Even if quartz countertops include red, blue, and black, you should remember that the trendy colors can also coexist with traditional hues if they are just small spurts.

Edging

Edging is helpful when it comes to determining the counter style or vanity and how it affects pricing. Standard edges of quartz are straight edges and waterfall edges. These edges are applicable to quartz with a thickness of 1 1/4 inch. The more intricate edging options can include gee, beveled, pencil, bullnose, and laminated edging profiles that add another quartz layer to achieve a more dramatic look.

Overall Motif and Appliances

You should read the room. There is not one item, pattern, color, or finish that is perfect. You can only achieve perfection by combining all the little details and putting them together cohesively.

The countertop value, and how it goes with the space. In other cases, this could be the centerpiece. Sometimes, it can just be a supporting role. One of the best practices is to digitally or physically have a cut out of the room and then superimpose countertop cutouts with different patterns and colors. This is helpful when it comes to visualizing what works and what will not in a more realistic situation instead of relying mainly on imagination.

You should never hesitate to ask for help and take a picture of the countertop when you shop for them.

There are so many to choose from and quartz countertop contractors Rockville can help you.

15

Apr

Tips for Choosing Granite Countertops

When you remodel your home or choose fixtures for a new build, the color you choose is important especially if you are choosing countertops. However, you should not worry about the stone stuff because there are easy tips you can follow if you plan to pay for granite countertops.

When you choose a lighter color or speckled granite is a great option for darker spaces that have very little light. However, a darker color like obsidian and sable granite with streaks would be a great choice for the kitchen that overflows with natural light or if you are busy. Lighting is an important consideration since the darker granite should have sufficient lighting and can make spaces appear smaller compared to what they really are.

Read on to know more.

Listen to Your Gut

Most of the time, the granite slab stands out the most and it will most likely be their first choice. If you have chosen a slab that you think can match your flooring, cabinets, and other designs, you must take note. Most of the time, you are looking at so many granite slabs that have different tones and patterns, which can be daunting and decision-making becomes difficult. Instead, you need to consider what made you think that you should choose that one.

Choose the Peg You Like

Most of the time designers choose an element as the basis for the kitchen color scheme. When you are choosing granite, there are 2 choices you can make. Choose the granite primary color that will best match the kitchen’s dominant color, which is normally the cabinets or you can choose a more subtle approach like finding matching streaks or veins. For instance, if you have white cabinets, you must choose granite with white veins or a background.

Take Samples

If you have available samples, you should take a few of them home so you can see what it looks like in your kitchen. If not, you can take pictures of the samples. Once you get home, you should test them by covering existing countertops with a neutral one such as a paper or white sheet, and then place the samples or photos on the counter. Doing this allows you to see if it looks the same under natural light and the other elements that are in your home. Make sure they are tested several times of the day, even if you choose a mid-tone gray with flecks of dark charcoal and white veins. How you see color depends on the temperature and level of lighting.

Choose an Area

Since each slab is unique, it is going to have valuable grains and color tones in the entire slab. If you are into veining or colors in one area, you can ask the granite countertop installers if you can have that section. Based on the size and shape of the countertop, sometimes your favorite part might not be appropriate for the countertop. For instance, if you want large and flowing patterns, it might work best for a sweeping kitchen island to show the beautiful design.

You Can Always Choose Two

If you cannot decide between two colors, you can always use both. It is also a good idea to choose a lighter color for the island and a darker tone for the cabinets, which creates a nice contrast. Your kitchen will have a pop of color that you might end up loving. Granite is the popular choice because it compliments any color, with neutrals, like taupe and soft cream.

You can contact granite contractor Potomac if you want the best for your home.

07

Apr

How to Keep Your Granite Kitchen Top Clean and Shiny

After you have invested in a granite countertop installation, you must understand how you should maintain its beauty for a long time. These tips are easy to follow, including cleaning ideas and polishing tricks for maintaining your granite countertop.

Granite Countertops are expensive, but maintenance is easy. However, should still know how to do it right. These tips will help you remember to practice regular routine maintenance to make sure that your countertops can keep their glossy shine for many years.

Since granite is expensive, and those who have it normally want their kitchens to look excellent, they always read about tips on how to do that. Keep in mind that you must read and follow the tips even if your countertop is new.

Make Sure it is Sealed Properly

Granite countertops are made using natural stone, so each slab is unique. Relatively, granite is non-porous, and a lot of manufacturers seal slabs before shipping it out, but you should still periodically reapply the sealant. Factory sealants will last for years, depending on the tear and water level present. In order to check if your countertop requires sealing, you must contact your manufacturer or do a bead test. You can put a few drops of water on the countertop, and see if it forms a bead. Your countertop must not be sealed. If the water gets absorbed into the stone or a watermark is left, you must seal your counters.

Retain the Shine

An excellent way to maintain the shininess of your countertop is by keeping it clean. As you wipe the surface with mild-warm water, dish soap, and a paper towel, you will see that it is perfect for cleaning effectively. You would have to use a granite cleaner that is specially made for that. Never use just any common household cleaning product on your granite countertop. Using products like that can damage the granite or cause it to become dull. You do not want this to happen.

Remove Water Spots and Stains

For granite stains – dark spots, rings, or oil stains – you must try using baking soda and a water poultice. After that, place the paste mixture on the stain. You need to cover the paste using plastic wrap and allow it to sit for 24 to 48 hours. Baking soda might absorb the counterstains.

In case that is not working, you need to try sprinkling cornstarch on the stain. You need to cover it using plastic and then wait for a couple of hours. The cornstarch could suck up the leftover stain.

Scrub it

Since granite countertops are sealed so they stay shiny and stain-resistant, you might want to avoid using anything that is too acidic or basic to clean your countertop. If you frequently use vinegar or the basic ones, it is going to make the granite dull and weaken the sealant as well. Instead, you need a little soap and water.

Add Shine to it

If you want to make your granite shiny, you need to pour cooking oil on a cleaning cloth and wipe it across the kitchen countertop. You need to gently buff it, and this makes the counter a little stain-resistant, giving it a glossy shine.

Even if you already know how to clean countertops, your granite should be periodically sealed. Normal wear and tear is going to wear off the sealant, which leaves the counter susceptible and dull to the stains. If you know how to clean the granite countertop, you can make the sealant last longer.

Granite countertop installers Rockville will build the best for you, all you need to