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caring for countertops

Benefits of Quartz Counters

Quartz countertops are a relatively newer entry into a field dominated by materials like granite. Many people appreciate the quality, beauty, and uniqueness of quartz countertops.

However, you may have questions about whether they offer any real advantages over natural stone surfaces. That’s why we’re providing this overview of quartz countertops and some reasons you might want to consider them for your Maryland home.

What Are Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are not made of 100% quartz. Around 6-8% of the material consists of a cement-based or polymeric binder. The rest of the granite quartz counter consists of crushed up quartzite, a hard mineral that gives granite its durability. Granite is typically made up of 20-40% quartzite whereas quartz products are typically 92-94%.

The process for making the manufactured stone used to create quartz countertops originated with the Breton company in Italy. They trademarked their process and licensed it out to other companies around the world. While each manufacturer puts its spin on quartz countertop creation, it all ties back to the original Breton patent.

What Are the Benefits of Quartz Countertops?

The popularity of quartz countertops has risen over the past 50 years, especially in the past few decades. Let’s look at some of the reasons why more people are deciding to incorporate quartz countertops into their kitchen and bathroom redesigns.

Quartz Countertops are Very Durable

Since quartz countertops are made primarily of hard materials, they can be ideal for high-traffic areas like your kitchen. It is scratch-resistant, heat resistant, and stain resistant but you do want to be more careful with high heat such as hot pots, pans, or slow cookers.

It’s more resistant to chips, stains, and scratches than natural materials like marble. Your granite quartz countertops can last for years to come. The material also doesn’t require the more intensive maintenance of natural stone like repairing chips and cracks.

Quartz Countertops are Not Porous

The way that quartz countertops get engineered results in a nonporous surface. That means that there are no cracks or other imperfections that let in liquids. That means you won’t have to worry about staining if you accidentally spill a drink on the surface. The lack of cracks or holes makes it harder for viruses, bacteria, or other germs to settle in. That makes granite countertops easier to clean and a more hygienic choice.

Quartz Countertops Have More Variety

Because quartz countertops are man-made, manufacturers have the flexibility to add in more colors and patterns that suit your tastes. That’s one significant advantage over natural stone, which might come in a more limited color palate. You can have quartz countertops designed to match your home interior in the finish that you desire.

Quartz Counters Can Be Made Uniform

When you go with natural stone, you’re limited to the selection provided by mother nature. With quartz counters, you have the option of making sure the material in your kitchen matches those in your bathroom. That allows you to have symmetry throughout your home that can add to its appeal.

Quartz Countertops Can Be a Good Long-Term Investment

If you’re looking for a material that’s low-maintenance and durable, then you might want to go with quartz counters. Unless you change your mind about your home décor, you should not have to perform costly repairs or replace your countertops for years to come. They keep their original value and can enhance your home’s appeal if you decide to sell in the future.

Learn More About Quartz Countertops

If you’re considering granite countertops for your home, GranitePro can guide you in making the perfect selection and complete the counter installation. Our other services include:

Find out more about our countertop services in Eldersburg, Maryland by calling GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online.

Tips for Caring for Granite Countertops

One of the benefits of having granite counters is that they are easy to care for once they are installed. Besides cleaning the surface regularly, granite countertops do not require too much upkeep.

However, like most other counter materials, not every cleaning solution is good for granite counters. It is important to understand how to take proper care of your counters to ensure they last for many years.

Caring for countertops takes some time, but the results are worth it. Take some time to learn about some tips on how to take care of your granite countertops.

Ways to Care for Your Granite Countertops

Granite is a natural material, meaning that over time, it can be worn down and eventually take damage. Experts have several different ways to ensure a long lifespan for granite countertops. One of the most important things you can do for your granite countertop is to ensure that it has a sealed surface.

Sealing The Granite Countertop

Sealing your countertop can improve the lifespan of your countertops. Most granite countertops do not require a sealant to be applied, but it does not hurt to apply one when you first get them. Some countertops are already sealed. Newer homes with granite countertops installed are already sealed and do not require more. If you do have to seal your countertops, it is important to get long-lasting sealant. This way, you do not have to reapply every so often.

Regularly Maintain the Surface

You should clean your counters every day. This will take care of any messes you have left behind and will protect it from damage. The best way to clean your counters is to use pH neutral solutions. Acidic cleaners can wear down your sealant and eventually exposed the granite underneath. One of the most convenient ways to clean the surface is with a soft cloth and dish soap.

Avoid Putting Hot Items Directly on the Surface

While granite stones are strong and durable, placing hot items like cooking pots and pans can cause damage to your sealant and stone. Extreme or constant temperature changes to your counter can cause damage to the stone.

Granite Countertop Repairs

When caring for granite countertops, it is important to be on the lookout for any damage that the stone has taken. Issues like stains can be fixed with a quick google search and ingredients that you can by at your local hardware stores. Other damage issues like cracks and chips may take more time and effort.

If you find a chip in your countertop, the best way to repair it is to fill the area with clear acrylic that is almost invisible. An alternative is to fill the area with epoxy that matches your counter color. In the event of a crack, your next steps will depend on the severity of the crack. Most hairline cracks will not get worse over time so getting work done on them is not a priority. In the event of a severe crack that causes a separation in your piece, you will need a countertop expert to come in and make that repair.

Reach Out to GranitePro Today

At GranitePro, we understand that you want your home to be in the best shape possible. Caring for granite countertops is essential for them to last. We offer a number of services to ensure that you can get the countertops you have been wanting. Some of the services we offer include:

Stay ahead and be proactive in taking care of your counters. Call 410.875.7579 to speak to one of our experts about granite countertops. We are more than happy to help you today.

How to Clean Granite Countertops

As a homeowner, you take pride in your kitchen’s functionality, warmth, and personality. And whether you enjoy entertaining in your outdoor kitchen in warm weather or indoor all year round, your countertops matter.

Granite countertops, in particular, offer a sleek, luxurious style that adds value to any sized kitchen. To maintain its beauty, be sure to depend on cleaning techniques that enhance the material without causing damage. Learn how to clean granite countertops using these simple steps and you’ll likely get the most out of your investment.

Granite Adds Extravagance and Value to Your Home

Granite contains oxygen and silica which are chemical elements found in the earth’s crust. Because silicate is rock-forming, granite countertops are tough and meant to last a lifetime when properly maintained.

What’s more, they increase your home’s value. Therefore, knowing how to clean granite countertops is certainly worthwhile.

How to Clean Granite Countertops Correctly

There are a number of ways that you can clean your granite countertops. One of the most effective is with a towel and some soapy water. Apply these steps daily or weekly, as needed.

  • Squirt a little bit of mild dishwashing liquid in your sink, and then add about a pint of warm water.
  • Use a soft microfiber cloth or soft non-abrasive sponge and dip it into the sudsy water.
  • Wring out the excess water.
  • Clean your granite countertops, wiping in a circular motion.
  • Dry with another clean soft microfiber cloth or paper towel.

Granite countertops are easy to maintain and require very little maintenance. This means there is rarely a need for expensive cleaners to wipe down the mess. Regular tasks like cleaning the counter is just one of the ways that a granite countertop can be more efficient in the long run.

Granite Countertops Maintenance Tips – Do’s and Don’ts

Here are some “DO’s and DON’Ts”  to keep your granite countertops looking lovely as the first day of installation:

  • DON’T use abrasive cleaning products as these will scratch the surface of your granite countertops
  • DO use a mat or trivet as a surface barrier
  • DON’T stand, sit or kneel on your granite countertops
  • DO immediately wipe up spills
  • DON’T put hot dishes, pots, and pans directly on any seams as the heat can cause the joint to separate.
  • DO add a silicone-based sealer to your granite countertops once every 3 years for added protection (Sealants repel water, oil, and dirt)

GranitePro’s Countertops Complement Your Kitchen’s Style

Your kitchen’s granite surfaces should last a lifetime if you know how to clean granite countertops. If your granite shows extreme wear, is full of discoloration and difficult to remove stains, you may want to upgrade.

Or you might just want a new look to match your new kitchen cabinets. At GranitePro, we have a variety of major brand granite, quartz, and other countertops to meet your kitchen’s decor including:

  • Countertops in a variety of colors
  • Complete indoor and outdoor kitchens
  • Commercial and residential tabletops
  • Kitchen backsplashes
  • Kitchen cabinets

For complete customer satisfaction, we complete jobs the right way including:

Our skilled team at GranitePro works with millwork companies to get you the best price on all materials. We service residents in the southernmost PA including Howard, Frederick, and Carroll counties. We offer other services including:

Now that you know how to clean granite countertops, call us at 410.875.7579 for a free in-home estimate on your new kitchen. Make the kitchen you’ve always dreamt of a reality today. Upgrade your home and protect your countertops today.

How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops

Your granite countertops were beautiful when you first had them installed. They’ve added elegance to your kitchen and value to your home. However, oil stains and discoloration may have slowly diminished the joy you once had of the sparkling granite. Thankfully, you can do something about it.

Depending on how deep-set the stain, you may need to set aside a weekend to bring back the luster of your granite countertop. If so, the results will be worth it. It’s easy to learn how to remove stains from granite countertops in just a few steps.

Handling Oil Stains That Just Happened

When an oil stain appears, it’s best to take care of it immediately. Say, for example, if you mistakenly place a pan that dripped oil on your granite countertop. Try these steps. You will need:

  • Two soft, microfiber cloths or a few soft paper towels
  • Mild soap
  • Warm water
  • Plastic cleaning gloves (optional)

Clean the stain this way if it just occurred:

  • Put on your cleaning gloves, if desired.
  • Use one of the microfiber cloths or paper towels to blot the stain. It’s important not to rub as this will cause the oil to smear instead of being absorbed in the paper towel or cloth.
  • Add the mild soap to a basin with about a pint of warm water and swish it around to make it sudsy.
  • Wring out the excess water.
  • Wipe down the granite countertop

How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops That Have Absorbed Into the Granite

This technique showing you how to remove stains from granite countertops takes a couple of days for the mixture to set. You could also hire a professional kitchen countertop installer to do it for you, though. Supplies you’ll need:

  • Baking soda
  • Plastic wrap – enough to cover the granite countertop
  • Warm water
  • Masking tape (the low-contact kind)
  • Spatula
  • Plenty of soft paper towels, soft microfiber soft cloths or soft sponges (non-abrasive)

The amount of baking soda you require will differ when you use these how to remove stains from granite countertops steps. That’s because it depends on the size of your granite countertop. Start with five boxes. You can use any extra baking soda later to clean, so it won’t go to waste.

  • Start by mixing one box of baking soda with some warm water to make a paste.
  • Use the spatula to apply the paste to the granite countertop and make it about the thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  • When finished, rinse off the spatula, and then apply plastic wrap over the granite countertop.
  • Tape it down gently.
  • After 48 hours, remove the plastic wrap, and then use the spatula to scrape off the dried mixture.
  • Wet a microfiber cloth with plain warm water, wring out the excess water and then wipe off the granite countertop. Let the surface air dry.

Taking care of your counters is important to ensuring they last as long as possible. Making sure they are clean and stain free is just one of the steps you can take.

GranitePro is Your Dependable Source for Kitchen Countertops and More

With proper care, granite countertops should last forever. In addition to countertop care tips, GranitePro offers a number of services including:

If you’d like more information about how to remove stains from granite countertops, contact GranitePro today. Our selection of countertops includes well-known, trusted brands. We offer free in-home estimates and limited warranties on our products and services. We can help you get the look you have been dreaming of. Call 410.875.7579 now, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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