The Best Way to Clean a Granite Countertop-Inexpensively

Figuring out the best way to clean a granite countertop that you have sunk a great deal of money into can keep one up nights! Well, put your mind at rest. We know exactly what you need to do to keep that investment in peak condition--without costing you an arm and a leg! So read on to learn the best way to clean a granite countertop.

Despite the seemingly hundreds of products claiming to be the best way to clean a granite countertop, the truly best (and cheapest!) way is right in your home! Just grab that bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and you are halfway to the cleanest, shiniest, and, yes, best way to clean a granite countertop.

Many cleaning supply retailers may claim the best way to clean a granite countertop employs the use of harsh chemicals. Not so! To clean any kind of stone product, it is smart to use a product with a neutral pH. Cleaners that contain acidic ingredients, including vinegar, can cause scratching and even deep etches.

Alcohol, on the other hand, with a pH of around 7.0, is one of two ingredients needed for the best way to clean a granite countertop. The other? Good, old-fashioned liquid dishwashing detergent.

When you add a few drops of say, Dawn dishwashing detergent to a quarter-cup of alcohol, then fill the rest of a quart-size spray bottle with water, you have got yourself the best way to clean a granite countertop for only a few, measly cents. Compare that to the $5 or $6 you will pay for those expensive (and potentially damaging) products that you have mistakenly thought to be the best way to clean a granite countertop.

Other things to keep in mind for the best way to clean a granite countertop include maintenance and prevention. Maintain your beautiful stone by blotting spills immediately and then deep cleaning weekly with your homemade alcohol/dish soap solution.

Prevent damaging your stone by avoiding placing anything acidic directly on it, which includes tomatoes, oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruit. The juices of these food products are particularly damaging.

Now that you know the best way to clean a granite countertop, relax! So do not let it keep you up nights any longer. You are empowered! You have got the best way to clean a granite countertop under control now. So for heaven's sake--get some sleep!
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Paving and stepping stones

Radon tests can put granite countertop fears to rest

In the center of Michelle Mastin's house in Victor, two points grab a visitor's attention — the expansive view of Cobblestone Creek golf course outside and the expanse of shiny, black granite countertops inside.

Mastin, a homemaker, said she spends about an hour each day polishing the 100 square feet of stone, which were installed before she and her husband bought the house earlier this year. But recently, her concern for the counters' lustrous appearance has been joined by a concern over the safety of the material.

On a recent sunny morning, Mastin welcomed Steven A. Nardozzi, president of EnviroTech Environmental Services, who brought James Gleason and equipment to test for radon.

Newspaper articles across the country this summer alerted many homeowners to the possibility that these popular counter surfaces could be emitting radon, a radioactive gas that leaches from the ground. Scientists have been researching the question for several years, but some in the building industry suggest the recent flurry of media attention on a minute amount of radon — particularly when compared with background levels from other sources — has been prompted by competitors of the stone countertop industry.

In any case, Mastin wanted to be sure. A newlywed, she hopes to start a family soon. In the meantime, she has her and her husband's health to think about, not to mention that of their two dogs. Elevated levels of radon may increase a person's chance of developing lung cancer.

Nardozzi has been getting quite a few calls lately, adding to the work he normally does this time of year — testing for asbestos and hidden mold as people start battening down for the cold weather. Since the latest studies hit the national news in late July, Nardozzi estimated he had been out on 35 tests for countertop-emitted radon. Of those, about a quarter yielded positive results.

"A lot of people have just got them put in," Nardozzi said of the popular granite counters. "Odds of them wanting to get it ripped out are not good."

In Mastin's house, Nardozzi and Gleason:

Installed an electrical device that monitors air in the kitchen and transmits the data back to his Victor office;

Covered a radon detection canister with a plastic bowl and taped the bowl tightly to the countertop to get a surface reading; and

Scanned the kitchen area with an infrared camera to get a read on the air movements.

When the air quality test came back a week later, it revealed essentially negative results. There was a tiny amount of radon detected in the air, but it was a fraction of the amount that the federal Environmental Protection Agency recommends as the lowest level for taking remedial action.

Mastin was relieved: "If it did come back positive, we were going to rip out the granite."

The expense of removing and replacing all of that countertop would have been many times the $275 that Nardozzi charges for testing.

"I think it worked out really well," Mastin said of her investment in testing. "They were very informative and very professional."

Once considered a key component for those who had the money to create trophy kitchens, granite has grown in popularity and accessibility since new processing techniques helped lower its price, said Mark Makowski, owner of Solid Surfaces in Brighton. Smaller homes are now using granite in their kitchens, though in smaller amounts than in the Mastins' house.

"More and more people are using it instead of maybe changing their cabinets" to update their kitchens, he said. "The biggest fascination is because it is part of the earth — nature that you can really put into your home, and people are really crazy about that right now."

One study by researcher L.L. Chyi of the University of Akron in Ohio suggested that different types of granite emit different levels of radon — but nearly all of those with detectable radon emit a tiny fraction of the level the EPA suggests for action. And with active use of a house, which means people letting in fresh air when they go in and out, and with regular resealing of the countertops, the levels can be further reduced.

Ventilation is usually the method suggested for remediation of high radon levels in basements, where the gas is most commonly found.

Makowski believes much has been made about such a small issue, but because he has so much of it in his workplace, he's monitoring the situation.

"I've got 500 slabs sitting out here and it's all inside. We did a test here and it didn't even show anything," Makowski said. "But we'll do it again in the winter and I'll see what we end up with there."

In the meantime, the waiting area for his business has a television monitor looping a DVD produced by the American Marble Institute, saying granite countertops are safe.

Sales have diminished a little, Makowski said, but he's not that concerned because he also sells alternatives to granite.

"If I have a customer who's really concerned about that, I'll sell them something else," he said.

More often, though, people want granite. "Sometimes it's tough to sell people off of granite."

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Granite or Marble Countertops and How to Avoid being Rip-Off

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to remodel. Consumers invest a lot of time and effort in research before choosing a product and hiring a company to do the job. Ralph Mark Maupin, of National Real Estate Network, has done the research; he has put together a great report containing links to many consumer reports on the internet with great information. Mark said, "I really need to do some serious updating to my home and the research took hours to complete. I thought it would be nice to provide the results of my time and effort to others who need a start in making the same decisions."  

Ralph Mark Maupin, college instructor with over 25 years experience in the real estate and property management business knows what being ripped off by contractors is all about. "I've been ripped off by contractors in more ways than I thought were possible," said Mark Maupin of National Real Estate Network. "When I hire a contractor to do a job, I have my own contract that they must sign. But, when you're dealing with big companies, for example, kitchen and bathroom remodeling contractors, they have their own contracts that you must sign. Sometimes these contracts are very difficult to read and understand," Mark explained.

Ralph Mark Maupin runs a real estate investing club where they have monthly meetings. The National Real Estate Network is a group that meets to network with and learn from others. Mark encourages vendors who service real estate investors to also attend the meetings and set up vendor tables where they can market themselves to the people who need their services. Mark said, "I'm looking forward to having a representative from Rock Tops Granite attend my meeting on November 20, to show their product. I have several members of my group who are interested in remodeling the kitchens and bathrooms in high-end homes where lower-grade material would not be acceptable. These homes are in neighborhoods where Formica or other low-cost countertops are not generally found."  

Ralph Mark Maupin finally decided to go with Rock Tops Granite for his kitchen and bathroom countertops. He visited their showroom in Macomb County, Michigan and took a tour. He learned about the newest technology for fabricating the granite countertops. Mark was also able to observe the rigid background checks performed on their installers and employees as well as their quality control policies. Ralph Mark recommends everyone do thorough research before choosing the company they use for extensive remodeling projects. "You can learn a lot by visiting the 15,000 sq. ft. showroom of Rock Tops, even if you don't choose to hire them for your project," said Mark.

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White thasso marble floor

Granite Countertop Maintenance

Why People Choose Granite

Granite is a popular choice among homeowners building a new home or remodeling kitchens because it offers a beautiful and unique stone look. Little crystals found within the granite catch the light and change the countertop's appearance, and no two slabs of granite are exactly alike. Other advantages to installing granite counters include:

Affordable

Color runs all the way through

Hundreds of color choices

Easy to clean

Durable and hard to scratch

Burn resistant

Granite Countertop Maintenance Tips

Daily granite countertop care is as easy as cleaning with a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap or mild dishwashing liquid. If needed, you can use a synthetic scrubbing pad to clean your granite counter. With the proper maintenance, granite countertops stay new-looking for a long time. Here are easy steps to follow:

Wipe up spills immediately

Use mild soap and water

Rinse

Use soft cloth to dry

Removing Stains

Unfortunately, a lived-in kitchen will eventually experience a stain or two even on your granite counter. How to remove the stain will depend on what caused the stain. Use the suggestions found on the following chart:

How to Treat Stains on Granite Countertops
Stain	Treatment	How to Use
Most Stains	1 cup flour, 1-2 T mild dishwashing soap, create a thick paste by mixing with water	Apply to stain, cover overnight with plastic wrap, in the morning scrape mixture from stain with wooden utensil and rinse.
Oil based stains	1 cup flour, 1-2 T mild hydrogen peroxide, form a thick paste by mixing with water	Apply to stain, cover overnight with plastic wrap, in the morning scrape mixture from stain with wooden utensil and rinse.
Organic stains	Combine 12 percent hydrogen peroxide with 2-3 drops of ammonia	This should help to remove stains like coffee and tea.
Ink on dark granite	Lacquer thinner or acetone	Apply to stain.
Ink on light granite	Hydrogen peroxide	Apply to stain.
Wine	Make a mixture of molding plaster and bleach until it becomes a paste	Apply to stain for 30 minutes, remove and rinse.

Resealing Granite Countertops

Before you reseal your granite countertops, check with the manufacturer or installer to be sure it is necessary. Most granite counters do need to be re-sealed on an annual basis, but not all of them require this.

However, for those that do require sealing to retain the color and clarity of the granite counter top, it is necessary to reseal the counter every six months to two years. Check with your installer to find what they recommend. How much you use your kitchen will play a part in how often it needs to be re-sealed. When you do re-seal, be sure to choose a non-toxic sealer, since counters are used for food preparation.

Two Types of Sealers

Two types of sealers can be found on the market. A penetrating sealer penetrates into the stone. The second, a topical sealer, does not penetrate but instead coats the top of the counter's surface.

Penetrating sealers – Protecting the structure of natural stone, a penetrating sealer absorbs into the granite for three or four minutes. When almost dry, add a little more sealer to the counter and rub with a soft, dry rag. Apply to a section at a time. Wait two hours and apply a second coat. When shopping for your sealer, look for one that says it is an oil repellent impregnator, which will help stop oil from seeping into the stone.

Topical sealers – These sealers form a film designed to protect the countertop's surface, usually made from some form of natural wax, acrylic, and other plastic compounds. Topical sealers come in two types:

Strippable

Just like it sounds, topical sealers are made to be stripped or removed from the stone countertop with little work. As with any project, read the label and talk with the manufacturer before using any product.

Permanent

Once you apply a permanent sealer, it becomes difficult to remove. Comprised of solvent-based or water-based polymers, most often these are not recommended for granite.

Water Spill Test

Once you've sealed your counter, test it to be sure that it is adequately sealed. As a test, spill a little water on your countertop and leave it set. After 30 minutes, wipe it up. If the water leaves your counter darkened, the granite is not sufficiently sealed.

Warnings and Cautions

Because granite is so durable, it's easy to think you can use anything on it. However, this is not true if you really want to keep your counters in good condition. Avoid products with ingredients that include lemon, vinegar or other acids. In fact, it's a good idea to use coasters to protect your counter under glasses containing acidic drinks like alcohol or citrus juices.

And as a final note on granite countertop maintenance, let me remind you that even though you can use harsher chemicals to clean your counter, doing so may dull or even etch the counter's finish. Stick with milder solutions and retain that natural beauty you fell in love with in the first place. Once you've applied a topical sealer, your maintenance really shifts to maintenance of the sealer.

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Granite Countertop Installation

Moreover, you can't simply take your own measurements, give it to the supplier, and expect them to arrive at your home, bringing the perfectly fitting slab. Don't trust a supplier who takes your word for the measurements you hand to him!

What is needed from you is an approximation of the dimensions of the countertop template. This is for the purpose of giving you an estimated cost of the granite countertop. However, the contractors would still have to go to your place to take their own measurements after you have chosen the particular piece you want at the showroom.

Once the measurements have been taken, you are again invited to the showroom for a final look at the piece you ordered, and some contractors would require 50% of the payment at this point. When the installation has been completed, that's when you pay the remaining balance.

Since you can't cut costs on the installation itself, focus instead on the preliminary activities you need to do before the installation of the granite countertop. You can prep the area by demolishing sections you can manage. For instance, the removal of the sink, the range tops, and the old countertop can be tackled while you're waiting for the workers to arrive.

Before the installation, you need to strengthen the existing template by adding metal rods and plywood on top of the existing cabinetry. This is extremely important because the template would have to be able to support the weight of the granite slab. The contractor will also be able to inform you at this point if there are any specialized tools needed for an easy installation.

To ensure that the granite Kitchen Countertop would last a long time, they should be carefully leveled. The bottom of the stone can have high and low areas and a small error in the installation process can result in areas where grime, bacteria, and liquid can find its way inside.

The granite slab should be cut to its exact measurements with a diamond saw. Contractors also devote attention to the positioning of the faucets, the sink, and the outlets and how to seamlessly integrate the new countertop with existing built-in appliances.

The seams must be perfectly sealed and the edges smoothened for a flawless finish. You may want to have trim inlays installed as well, but don't make any last-minute decisions. You should purchase them from the store at the same time you're shopping for the granite countertop. A penetrating sealer is then applied and the surface polished for a glossy and super-smooth finish.

Professional contractors may cost dollars to hire, but they'll at least save you from the hassle of committing costly errors in such a large project.

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Granite countertops $3 per squarefoot

Prices of granite countertops are dependent on the color they are.And also other details such as  edge selection, finish, and backsplash sizes and so on.It is reported that the recent market has launched that granite countertops $3 per squarefoot are on hot sale.Most of the local will give you a square-foot price be careful a square feet general price does not include all the actors, like the edge details, the top of the closed form installation, increase backsplashes, add luster and so on.Granite countertops undoubtedly are a beautiful and stylish method to provide one’s kitchen area or bath a makeover. acquiring only a tiny patience and planning, a amazing looking space is not as well much away.Once the granite is selected, it is time to locate an set up crew. just one need to retain in views these inquiries and spend thing to consider in the direction of solutions granted to possess the ability to force field this investment.These rectangular tiles worth near to $30 to $50 every rectangular foot--less compared to worth of the dependable granite slab--but usually it is best to set up them yourself.
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Granite countertop inspectors

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Granite slab

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The maintenance of natural stone countertops

When you see the neat cabinet soon, "beyond recognition" when, still have the desire to cook it? On the proper use and maintenance of the cabinet, the cabinet can be extended at least five years of life. Here are some cupboard cleaning and maintenance of little common sense, for all to learn.
First, the maintenance of natural stone countertopsNatural stone is characterized by large surface pores, so use the process in case of any stains or moisture, it should be dealt with immediately, so as to avoid dirt into stone countertops. Usually only use clean water or mild cleaning solvent colorless neutral, if you choose too acid or too alkaline products, may cause damage table. Regular maintenance with maintenance wax, to maintain natural stone Granite countertops has become a necessary condition for the appearance of texture.
Second, the stainless steel table maintenance
Easy to clean and durable metal material, usually a soft cloth to dry clean can be, but should be noted that a soft cloth to clean, and have to wipe down the stainless steel wire wool to avoid scratches. If you use water or cleaning agents have to immediately dry with a soft cloth to avoid unnecessary water mark. Activation of the appropriate agent to use professional 3M stainless steel products and maintenance, to better ensure long-gloss stainless steel countertops and homogeneous appearance.
Third, wood or wood veneer door maintenance
Any natural material, not suitable for extreme environments. So, too dry or too wet environment itself will cause harm to the wooden door. General wood door surface will be treated to enhance product life, generally the best leather cleaner is moist cloth, then dry the leather cloth to dry. Cleaning agents must be used in the case, must also choose a mild cleaning product, then wipe with water after drying. To prevent chapped, in the maintenance of a choice of Pledge and other maintenance and cleaning wax wipe. But also should avoid the use of nitrate-containing synthetic resin or synthetic products, or kitchen utensils will cause damage.
Fourth, paint door maintenance
Door in the paint to clean, just wipe gently with a clean damp cloth, followed immediately with a soft, clean cloth to avoid leaving water marks, resulting in unsightly situation. If you must use a cleaning agent, it is best to use original or professional cleaning products, and colleagues to avoid using artificial synthetic resin containing nitrate or cleaning agent, then scrubbed again with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth.
Fifth, metal maintenance
Ideal cleaning technique is to dry all metal surfaces of water, as water evaporation on the surface of the metal after the formation of scale.
Remember: Gently wipe, do not vigorously rubbing.
Soft leather with a wet sponge and dry, radiant make your product.
1 before using the cleaner, be sure the product is not striking at the trial, and then applied to the entire product.
(2) thoroughly with water.
3 Use cleaning agent, immediately wipe the surface clean. Do not allow detergent left on the surface of the product or penetration.
4 Use a soft, wet sponge or cloth to wipe the surface. Do not use abrasive materials to clean the surface of the product.
Sixth, ceramics and maintenance
Glazed ceramic products use a mild abrasive cleaners. Strong abrasive cleaners will scratch the surface or the surface of the bleak. After each use, wipe with a soft cloth products.
Seven man-made stone countertops and maintenance
Usually you can just wipe with water, if you can match any stain remaining neutral or weak base, weak acid cleaning solvents to clean. Cause permanent damage if the appearance can be polished again by leaving the surface often as good as fresh. Regular use of proper maintenance of normal fluid maintenance, but also effectively extend the life and appearance of the table.
Eight, the U.S. anti-door maintenance
In general, among the various types of door, the United States is the most resistant door can be easy to clean maintenance. In general circumstances, simply wipe with a damp cloth. If in special circumstances to clean dirt, you can with a kitchen detergent or a mild cleaning product, and then wipe the stain with a damp cloth and detergent, and finally immediately with a soft cloth to dry. In the choice of cleaning products should be avoided with nitrate or synthetic resin ingredients, kitchen utensils to avoid damage.
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Stone conservation of the three taboos

Granite countertop colors associated with granite

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Polished granite

Granite Tile Countertops

Granite countertop care scheme

Granite countertop beautiful shape, can make household value-added. Most people think that granite as hard as nails, it is. Although granite is hard, no holes in the natural stone material, but also need to care to keep the beauty and value.
Step one: regular cleaning mesa avoid dirt accumulation. Don't take any of the items with gravel in mesa, if found mesa have gravel to cleaned timely.
Step 2: use natural oil-base cleaner. In addition, use synthetic pads. Do not use abrasives too stone products
Step 3: timely liquidation splatting objects. Light color more than brunet granite granite dyeing. Foods such as coffee, red wine or tomato dyeing quickly.
Step 4: according to the manufacturer's instructions regular seal granite. This helps prevent splatting content pollution granite countertop.
Step 5: if granite countertop used in manufacturing process with epoxy resin, avoid the hot countertopware on mesa surface. Although granite not be affected, but epoxy will be damaged, to repair is very easy.
Step 6: do not use amino products such as gum rosin or detergent, etc. Avoid to use petroleum-derived herbicides or acid base cleaner, oven and detergent to stay away from granite countertop.
Tip: each granite samples has distinctive color and tone. If part of the granite countertop should change, change part may along with the original don't match. Must pay special attention to seal granite countertops, prevent besmirch pollution surface.