How Do I Polish A Granite Countertop
If youre looking to restore the shine in your granite countertops, polishing them is the answer. To do this, youll need a polishing cream or powder specially equipped to polish your granite countertops. Here are the basic steps:
- Clean countertops
- Apply granite polish
- Use a cloth to buff the countertops with the polish of your choice
- Wipe clean
While it may take a bit of time, polishing your counters is a simple process that can help maintain your countertops appearance and durability.
How To Remove Mold And Mildew
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Mold and mildew can be a real problem for homeowners, especially if theyre not dealt with quickly.
Mold is notorious for growing in damp areas, such as bathrooms or basements that don’t have proper ventilation. Mildew grows where there is too much moisture present, such as on wet surfaces like windowsills or carpets.
In this article, we will discuss how to remove mold and mildew from your home.
Three: Cut Caulk Line
After youve created some space between the countertop and the cabinet with your pry bar, use a putty knife to cut through the caulk line. The gaps between the countertop and cabinet were all filled with caulk upon installation. Slice horizontally along the caulk line, positioning the blade away from you.
Read Also: Mold On Grout
How Do You Remove Water Stains From Granite
Removing water stains from granite typically involves the use of a poultice. This is a solution that can be created by a mixture of baking soda and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Mix these ingredients in a bowl until it forms a thick paste. Once this happens, apply the solution to the stain. After you do this, cover the area with a piece of plastic wrap that has small holes poked in it. Wait for at least 24 hours and then remove the plastic wrap and poultice. This should be removed with a damp soft cloth, as you do not want to use any abrasive tools that might scratch your countertop.
If you have a light water stain that is caused by condensation, you can often remove it using a mixture of mild dish soap, warm water and a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Make sure to only add a small amount of rubbing alcohol, as too much may damage your granite.
| Step 1 |
| Remove with a damp soft cloth |
Why Granite Countertops Smell
Granite countertops are a porous material. If youve ever heard the Spongebob Squarepants theme song, then you know porous means it has tiny little holes in the material that can collect dirt, water, and bacteria. Just like wet sponges eventually start to smell after a while, granite countertops will do the same, though it will be a longer process. And, unlike the sponge, you cant just throw a countertop away and get a new one.
Read Also: How To Clean Mold Bathroom Ceiling
Three: Fixing The Problem
Once youve found the source of the problem and determined the solution that you think would work best for you, then its time to get on to solving the problem. In order to prevent the smell from coming back, there are some steps you should consider taking that will take your temporary solution used in step two and turn it into a long-term step three solution.
Fair warning: if you switch to using a safer cleaner and have ensured that the source of the odor is your countertop and not a water leak, then prepare yourself for forking over some money. Although the price varies depending on where you live, you can typically expect to pay $8 to $10 per square foot.
How To Clean A Headstone: The Ultimate Guide
This Ultimate Guide on how to clean a headstone will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to keep it looking its best.
Our easy-to-follow instructions cover:
- How to clean granite headstones
- How to clean marble headstones
- How to clean bronze headstones
With bi-annual cleaning, your loved ones headstones will continue to be a shining tribute. Lets get started
Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Ceiling In Bathroom
S For Cleaning Granite Headstones
You should clean a granite headstone as needed. How often it needs to be cleaned will depend on weather conditions and whether there are trees overhead.
The steps for general cleaning are as follows:
STEP 1: Remove Excess Debris
Before you begin to actually clean the granite headstone, remove excess debris on or around the headstone.
STEP 2: Wash the Granite Headstone with Soapy Water
Squirt a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bucket filled with 2 litres of water .
Do not use any ammonia, vinegar, or lemon cleaners, as their acidic formulas will eat away at the granites surface! Soak a clean rag or cloth in the soapy water, allowing the cleaning fluid to permeate it.
Wring the rag or cloth a few times to remove excess water. Then wipe the granite headstone thoroughly.
You may have to repeat this process a few times, depending on how dirty the granite headstone is.
STEP 3: Wash the Granite Headstone with Clean Water
To prevent a soapy build-up on the granite headstone over the course of several cleaning sessions, you must wash it with clean water after you have removed the scum.
After you have emptied the bucket of the soapy water, pour 2 litres of clean water into it .
Wash the granite headstone several times with another clean rag or cloth. Do not re-use the cloth that you used with the soapy water.
STEP 4: Dry the Granite Headstone
When you finish washing the granite headstone, use a clean white cloth to dry the headstone immediately.
How To Remove Mold From Quartz Countertops
Fortunately, there are a few different methods that you can use to remove mold from your quartz countertop. The approaches chosen or used will depend on the severity of the mold growth and the materials you have at home or at hand.
Some of the most common methods for removing mold from quartz countertops include:
Also Check: How Do You Remove Mold From Leather
Should I Replace Or Refinish My Granite Countertop
A slab may be irreparable in some cases, and simply knowing how to apply granite sealer wont be enough. A stone is considered irreparable when its covered in these rough spots, chips, or scratches that have significantly diminished the quality. So, what do we do then? Replace it.
Granite is a highly popular countertop choice as it is incredibly strong withstanding heat and everyday use for long-term durability. But after years of wear and tear, it can start to show its age. Between the 10 and 15 year mark and after a few repairs, its likely time to simply replace your stone. While this does come at a price, its worth it as attempting to put multiple bandaids on the dings and scratches can add up over the years.
Not sure if you should just re-seal or fully replace your countertops? If youve already tried refilling the rough spots and chips and there are still uneven areas and gaps left, its time to replace your stone. This is important to do to avoid a buildup of bacteria and mold something we absolutely want to avoid, especially in our kitchen!
Cleaning Granite Bathroom Countertops
When cleaning granite bathroom countertops, you may encounter a different set of challenges than what you would when cleaning kitchen countertops. However, the cleaning process is often very similar.
Your granite bathroom countertops face everything from water droplets to the buildup of residue from toothpaste, soap, hairspray, makeup products, and others, that can discolor the surface over time. When cleaning the countertops in the bathroom, you may also have to deal with mold and mildew. Now, you dont have to get too stressed about cleaning them properly. The cleaning process is actually pretty straightforward. You just need the right tools and a bit of extra care and attention.
The simplest cleaning solution for granite is just warm water and soap. To start cleaning, apply the liquid on the granite counter and then use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the surface. It is strongly recommended to avoid using any rough materials to wipe the surface, such as a rough sponge.
For cleaning tough grime or hard-to-reach corners and edges, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub out the dirt. When you are done, remember to dry the whole surface with a dry, clean cloth.
Recommended Reading: How To Remove Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
Seal The Granite Regularly
A protective sealer keeps water and bacteria from penetrating into the granite. If your granite’s seal is allowed to wear away, it will allow staining, water penetration, and worsening mold problems. Stone cannot be over-sealed, so make sure to apply sealant frequently to protect your granite shower tiles and keep them looking new. A good seal will also make the granite easier to keep clean.
Silicone From Granite Countertops
Silicone is a polymer made up of silicon and oxygen atoms bonded together in chains. It can be found in rubber products such as tires, gaskets, caulking, sealants, adhesives, and coatings.
Silicone sealants are also commonly used in kitchen countertops sealers. These sealers help to lay the slabs themselves as an adhesive layer. They also protect against stains and spills.
But what happens when these sealers dry out or crack over time? Thats when the silicone breaks down into smaller pieces. If this occurs, removing the silicone from the granite becomes challenging.
They also tend to leave behind residue when removed. It makes it even harder to remove the silicone. And, if you have a problem with silicone getting stuck onto your countertops, you need to find a method that works well for you.
Read Also: Mould On Bathroom Ceiling
Mold On Quartz Countertops
It is less likely for mold, mildew, and any type of bacteria to grow on quartz countertops than on other types of countertops, such as granite or marble. This is mainly because quartz countertops are non-porous, so there are no tiny crevices or pores for mold spores to attach to and grow.
However, quartz countertops are not completely immune to mold growth. If there is a lot of moisture in the air, or if the countertop is frequently wet, mold can still grow on quartz. In addition, if there is food or dirt on the countertop, mold can grow on that as well.
The good news is that mold growth on quartz countertops is usually not as severe as on other surfaces. This is because the non-porous nature of quartz prevents the mold from penetrating deeply into the surface. As a result, mold growth is usually limited to the countertops surface.
Due to this, it is relatively easy to remove mold from your quartz if you have the right supplies. In most cases, you will not need any special cleaners or chemicals.
How Do I Prevent Mold From Growing
Places that are often damp can be hard to keep completely free of mold. If mold & mildew keep reappearing in your shower or bathroom:
- Open the window or use the fan before, during and after showering.
- Squeegee the shower walls after using.
- Leave the shower curtain or door open when not in use.
- Leave the bathroom door open too.
- Monitor your grout lines and caulk for wear & tear.
- Make cleaning mold part of your cleaning routine.
Cleaning mold & mildew on natural stone is safe with this product.It’s made for natural stone! Plus, it works.
If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, the mold problem will probably come back.
To Prevent Mold From Growing – Control Moisture!
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What Are Mold And Mildew
The two types of mold and mildew work together to grow rapidly and cause health problems by releasing toxic spores into the air which can affect anyone who breathes them.
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This combination can lead to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, headaches, and difficulty breathing among other things. It’s important to take the issue seriously and eliminate it right away before it spreads any further.
If not, it can cause structural damage to the building and lead to costly repairs.
Why Is My Granite Countertop Rough
Did you take a look at your kitchen and reflect, there are rough spots on my granite countertop? This can be due to a multitude of factors. From years of wear to a lower-quality stone that was prone to or already had chips and cracks, there are a few things to consider when looking at a rough countertop.
One of the main reasons may be that you need to improve maintenance methods and re-seal your surface. With an extra clean and a professionals help in resealing your countertops, you can get rid of those rough patches once and for all.
Also Check: Remove Mold From Leather With Vinegar
Remove Oil Stains Quickly
If you can keep oil off of the surface of your granite, you can prevent it from sinking past the protective barrier of the granite surface. To reiterate, removing oil stains from granite countertops as quickly as possible is the first line of defense. But be sure to absorb the oil by using a paper towel or sponge to blot instead of wiping it.
Knowing how to get oil stains out of granite countertops correctly, will save you a lot of time and possibly money.
Best Way To Clean Granite Countertops So They Can Sparkle
Since their rise to prominence in the late 1990s, granite countertops are now the material of choice in most modern kitchens. Whether youre a chef or you enjoy preparing your meals, a granite countertop can significantly improve how you operate and get things done in your kitchen. Read on to discover the magical benefits of this kitchen finish and our top tips on how to clean your granite countertops.
Also Check: Killing Mold In Basement
Water Spots And Rings
Since theres no way to know for sure how stubborn your stain really is, we will start with simple tips and techniques and move on to more complex solutions.
Scrubbing with water and detergent
This simple fix is the first you should try. Use a bristled brush to scrub the stain with gentle detergent and water.
That is to say: if it gets the job done, great!
Scrubbing with a special paste
Make a paste of baking soda and water, or talc with a diluted solution of ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Use a soft brush to scrub the stain with the paste and then rinse it thoroughly.
If youre getting results from this procedure, repeat it until youre satisfied with the progress.
Scraping superficial deposits
If you notice that the water rings are sitting on the surface, you can resort to more abrasive techniques to try and remove them. For instance, you can scrub softly with a Brillo pad and scrape with a razor blade.
If all else fails, you should also try the poultice application.
S For Cleaning Bronze Headstones
Here are the 5 steps for cleaning bronze grave markers:
Step 1: Remove Debris
First, sweep away any leaves or other debris surrounding or covering the bronze headstone.
Step 2: Gently Scrub the Bronze Grave Marker
Next, wet the bronze gravemarker with clean water and scrub gently using a soft bristle brush. For the harder to reach areasfor example, around the letteringuse a wet toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies.
Rinse the brushes frequently while you clean in order to ensure that you completely remove the debris.
Do not use any abrasive materials during cleaningsuch as sandpaper or steel woolas this can scratch the surface of the bronze headstone.
Step 3: Wash the Bronze Headstone
Using non-ionic soapsuch as Ivorycreate a simple soap and water mixture and repeat the scrubbing process in the previous step.
This will help get rid of any stubborn stains or grease.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Bronze Headstone
Rinse the bronze gravemarker thoroughly with clean water and then dry it completely with a dry, clean cloth.
Repeat the process for any stubborn stains that might need additional attention.
Then allow the bronze headstone to air dry.
Step 5: Add a Protective Coating to the Bronze Grave Marker
Once the bronze headstone is completely dry, add a thin layer of quality paste wax to provide another layer of protection.
Allow the wax to dry and then buff the surface with a clean, dry cloth.
Read Also: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling With Vinegar
Using Mild Dish Soap And White Vinegar
This method is very similar to the previous one, but instead of using only white vinegar, you will also be adding mild dish soap.
The dish soap will help remove loose mold or mildew residue while the white vinegar disinfects or kills the mold spores. If you do not have white vinegar, you can use rubbing alcohol in its place, as it is also a powerful mold killer.
To remove mold from your quartz countertop using this method, here are the things you need and the steps to follow
Things Needed:
- Microfiber Cloth Or Lint-free towel
Procedure:
Step 1: Make A Soapy Solution
- Put 3-5 drops of dish soap into a bowl of water.
- Mix the solution and make it foamy.
Step 2: Dampen Your Microfiber Cloth
- Next, dampen your microfiber cloth with the mild dish soap solution and wring it out so that it is not dripping wet.
Step 3: Rub The Moldy Area
- Gently rub the moldy area of your quartz countertop with the microfiber cloth.
- Be as gentle as possible and wipe all the loose mold from your countertop.
Step 4: Rinse The Area With Water
- After using the soap to thoroughly clean the quartz countertop surface, use a water-damp cloth to wipe away all excess soap residue.
- Follow up by using a dry clean cloth to dry the quartz countertop surface.
Step 5: Disinfect The Quartz Countertop
- With the help of the spray bottle, generously spray the moldy area of your quartz countertop with white vinegar .
- Make sure to cover the entire affected area.
Step 6: Wait For The Disinfectant To Work
