Posted on

Thanksgiving Hosting Tips on Stone Countertops

marble-thanksgiving-dinner

Your stone countertops serve as the centerpiece of your kitchen, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their durability and functionality. Whether you’ve spent years enjoying their elegant presence or have recently installed them, taking proper care of your granite or marble countertops is important to maintaining their charm and longevity. As you gear up for the Thanksgiving celebration, these tips will help you protect the investment you’ve made in your kitchen while ensuring your countertops continue to shine.

Preserving Your Granite or Marble Countertops During Thanksgiving Celebrations

Utilize Cutting Boards for Food Preparation: While granite countertops are exceptionally durable, it’s important to protect their seal and maintain the integrity of your kitchen knives. Avoid any risk of cross-contamination by using cutting boards for food preparation, preventing raw turkey juices from seeping into crevices. Quick note: Salmonella is a Thanksgiving guest you definitely want to avoid.

marble-thanksgiving-dinner-cutting

Address Spills Promptly: To proactively prevent potential etching or staining of the seal on your stone countertops, act swiftly to clean up spills. This is especially necessary when dealing with acidic substances like tomatoes, wine, vinegar, soft drinks, or citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges.

Disinfect Post-Poultry Handling: Even with prudent cutting board practices, it’s common to encounter spills or drops of raw turkey juice or brine on your countertop. Clean these areas promptly before continuing food preparation. However, avoid using harsh cleaners on your stone countertops. Instead, opt for a diy mixture of equal parts of 91% isopropyl alcohol and water or a microfiber cloth with soapy hot water. Spray, let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, thoroughly rinse with water, and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Provide Coasters for Drinks: Elevate your Thanksgiving gathering with the thoughtful gesture of setting out coasters for beverages. Not only does this add a touch of elegance for your guests, but it also shields your granite countertops from potential staining.

Aftercare and Gratitude

In the aftermath of your Thanksgiving feast, continue to prioritize the well-being of your granite or marble countertops. Immediately address any spills, preventing potential stains and maintaining the pristine appearance of your kitchen. Furthermore, ensure that all leftovers are properly stored in containers that are air-tight & shallow to help facilitate rapid cooling for safe refrigeration.

As you savor the company of friends, family, and guests, take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the day. Express gratitude for the wonderful moments shared around your table, all while admiring the enduring sparkle of your granite countertops. These countertops not only enhance the beauty of your kitchen but also serve as a symbol of the warmth and togetherness experienced during the Thanksgiving festivities.

Posted on

Don’t Replace: RESTORE! A Comprehensive Guide to Stone Restoration

stone countertop restoration Marble before and after pictures NYC

In our modern and fast-paced world, it’s all too common to think about replacing items that have lost their shine or usefulness. Whether it’s the latest gadget or a worn-out car, the trend is often towards the new and away from the old. But when it comes to natural stone surfaces, this doesn’t have to be the case. Stone restoration is not only possible but it’s a choice that can add years of life to your natural stone countertops, floors, and more.

What Is Stone Restoration?

Stone restoration is a specialized process that involves cleaning, polishing, and repairing natural stone surfaces. This includes everything from marble countertops to granite floors, and even limestone exterior facades. The aim of restoration is to bring the stone back to its original splendor, correcting any wear and tear, scratches, and dullness.

The Benefits of Restoration Over Replacement

1. Cost-Effectiveness

With today’s surging costs, replacing natural stone can be prohibitively expensive. Stone restoration, on the other hand, is often just a fraction of the cost. By choosing to restore instead of replace, you’re making a wise financial decision that can save you significant amounts of money.

2. Sustainability

Restoration is an eco-friendly choice. By preserving and reusing existing stone, you reduce the demand for new materials. This means fewer resources are used, and less energy is consumed in the mining, cutting, and transporting of new stone. It’s a win for your wallet and the planet!

3. Preserving Character

Many natural stones have unique patterns and characteristics that give them their distinct beauty. Replacing these surfaces with new stone might mean losing those unique traits. Restoration ensures that the charm and individuality of the stone are preserved.

4. Extended Life

Through proper restoration, stone surfaces can be made to look like new, with years or even decades added to their life. Skilled restorers can fix cracks, polish away scratches, and even treat the stone with sealants to protect against future damage.

How Does the Process Work?

The process of stone restoration involves several stages, tailored to the specific type of stone and its current condition:

Cleaning: Removing dirt, grime, and stains.

Grinding: Using special equipment to grind away scratches and uneven surfaces.

Polishing: Bringing the shine back to the stone.

Sealing: Applying a protective sealant to guard against stains and moisture.

It’s best to consult a professional with experience in stone restoration as the process requires specialized tools and knowledge.

In a world where replacing things has become the norm, stone restoration stands out as a sensible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative. Whether you have a marble countertop that’s seen better days, a granite floor that’s lost its luster, or any other natural stone surface, consider the possibility of restoration.

Your stone might just need a little TLC to shine once again, and with the help of skilled professionals, you can ensure that it continues to add beauty and function to your space for many more years to come. Don’t replace: RESTORE!

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Stone Restoration Company

Natural stone restoration is a delicate and complex process, one that demands a specific skill set, precision, and understanding. While some minor cleaning and maintenance can be done by homeowners, the restoration process itself is best left to professionals. Here’s why:

1. Expertise and Experience

Professional stone restoration companies have the experience and knowledge required to properly assess and treat various types of stone. They understand the different characteristics of stones like marble, granite, limestone, and more, and they know the best methods to restore them to their original glory.

2. Access to Specialized Tools

Restoration requires specialized tools and equipment that are usually beyond what a typical homeowner might have. From grinding to polishing and sealing, professionals have access to the right tools to do the job correctly and efficiently.

3. Customized Solutions

Not all stone is the same, and neither are the wear and damage that they may have endured. A professional restoration company can provide a customized solution that addresses the specific needs of your stone, ensuring that the restoration process is tailored to bring out the best in your particular surface.

4. Long-lasting Results

Hiring a professional ensures that the job is done right the first time, leading to results that not only look great but last longer. They can also provide guidance on proper maintenance and care, so you can enjoy the rejuvenated appearance of your stone for years to come.

5. Safety Considerations

Stone restoration can involve chemicals, heavy equipment, and techniques that, if not handled properly, could pose risks. Professionals are trained to handle these safely, protecting both the stone and the surrounding area.

6. Warranty and Peace of Mind

Many professional stone restoration companies offer warranties on their work, giving you peace of mind knowing that the job is backed by a guarantee of quality. This assurance is something you won’t find if you attempt to restore the stone on your own.

Choose Professionals for Quality and Assurance

Whether it’s a treasured marble countertop, an elegant limestone foyer, or a grand granite staircase, your natural stone deserves the best care possible. By hiring a professional stone restoration company for your marble or granite, you are investing in quality workmanship that respects the integrity of the material and ensures that it continues to enhance your space for years to come.

Remember, when it comes to stone restoration, professionals do more than just a job; they provide artistry, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence that you won’t find elsewhere. Don’t just restore; restore with the assurance and excellence that only professionals can provide.

Posted on

Struggling with Soap Scum? How to Restore the Shine to Your Natural Stone Surfaces

Clean natural stone surface shower NYC

Natural stone surfaces, including marble, granite, slate, or limestone, add a touch of elegance to any home. However, maintaining these surfaces can be a challenge, especially in high-traffic or high-moisture areas like bathrooms where soap scum tends to build up. Since these surfaces are porous and delicate, they require special care when cleaning to prevent damage.

Preparation

Before starting with either of the two cleaning methods outlined below, it’s important to wipe down the surface with a soft cloth dampened with warm water to remove any loose debris. Also, always test any new cleaners on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t discolor or damage the stone.

Method 1 – Use pH-Neutral Cleaners

The first and foremost rule when cleaning natural stone surfaces is to use pH-neutral cleaners. Acidic or basic solutions can etch the surface of the stone, causing potential damage. Marble, for instance, is highly sensitive to acids. Cleaners containing vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic ingredients, often recommended for soap scum removal, can harm natural stone surfaces. Instead, opt for a cleaner specifically designed for natural stone surfaces. These specialized cleaners are pH-neutral and won’t damage the stone. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results.

Cleaning stone surface shower wall NYC
Cleaning stone tile surface of a shower wall in NYC.

Steps to follow

  1. Apply the Cleaner: Begin by applying your chosen pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaner to the soap scum-covered area.
  2. Gentle Scrubbing: Use a non-abrasive sponge or a soft cloth to gently scrub the surface. It’s important to avoid scrubbing pads or rough cloths as they can scratch and damage the stone surface.
  3. Rinse: After scrubbing, rinse the soap scum and cleaner residue away thoroughly. This can be done using warm water from a spray bottle or a showerhead, depending on the location of the stone surface.
  4. Dry the Surface: To avoid water stains or more serious damage, it’s crucial to dry the stone surface thoroughly after rinsing. Prolonged exposure to water isn’t ideal for natural stone surfaces. Use a soft towel to dry the area completely.
  5. Repeat if Necessary: If soap scum remains, repeat the steps above until your surface is completely free of soap scum.

These steps, which emphasize the use of pH-neutral cleaners, ensure a safe and efficient cleaning process. By following them, you can help maintain the beauty and durability of your natural stone surfaces.

Method 2 – Using Steam to Loosen Soap Residue

Using steam to clean soap scum from natural stone surfaces is another effective method, particularly for those sensitive to cleaning products or who want to reduce their environmental impact. Steam can loosen soap scum, including on surfaces like marble, but it’s important to use it correctly to avoid damaging the stone.

Hand steam cleaning stone surface bathroom wall NYC.
Steam cleaning stone surface bathroom wall in NYC.

Steps to follow

  1. Select a Steam Cleaner: Choose a steam cleaner that’s suitable for your natural stone surfaces. Some steam cleaners may offer settings specifically for different types of surfaces.
  2. Heat the Steam Cleaner: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to heat up your steam cleaner to the required temperature.
  3. Apply Steam: Direct the steam towards the soap scum on your stone surface. The heat from the steam will work to loosen and dissolve the soap scum, particularly if it’s thick or stubborn.
  4. Scrub Gently: After steaming, use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the area. The loosened soap scum should be easier to remove.
  5. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the area with warm water, then thoroughly dry the surface to avoid water stains or potential damage. Natural stone surfaces should not be left wet for prolonged periods.
  6. Repeat if Necessary: Repeat these steps as needed until all the soap scum is removed.

Remember, while steam cleaning is effective in removing soap scum, it requires practice and patience to perfect the process. Be sure to take your time and ensure all steps are followed correctly to avoid damage and maintain the beauty of your natural stone surfaces.

Prevention

To prevent future soap scum buildup and staining, consider sealing your natural stone surfaces. Sealers fill the pores of the stone, creating a protective barrier. Ensure to choose a sealer specifically designed for natural stone. Regular maintenance, including wiping down your natural stone surfaces after each use, can significantly reduce soap scum buildup. Regular cleaning also allows you to address soap scum while it is still soft and easy to remove.

By implementing the two DIY methods outlined above, you can maintain your natural stone surfaces in a soap scum-free state, preserving their natural beauty for years to come. However, you may occasionally encounter stubborn scum, persistent stains, or find yourself lacking the necessary time for a thorough cleaning. In such situations, a more expert approach may be warranted. If this resonates with your situation, you may want to consider the benefits of hiring a professional stone cleaning service.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Stone Cleaning Service

While DIY cleaning can be effective, there are numerous benefits to hiring a professional stone cleaning service like Statewide Stone Care NYC.

  1. Expertise and Experience: Professionals have the experience and knowledge to tackle any kind of stain or soap scum on your natural stone surfaces. They understand the intricacies of various stone types and can tailor the cleaning process accordingly to avoid damage.
  2. Access to Professional-Grade Cleaners and Equipment: Professional cleaning services have access to high-quality, commercial-grade cleaners and advanced equipment that aren’t readily available to the average consumer. This can result in a deeper, more thorough clean.
  3. Time and Energy Saving: Cleaning natural stone surfaces can be time-consuming, especially if they’ve been neglected for a while. Hiring a professional service can save you significant time and effort, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
  4. Guaranteed Results: Professional cleaning services often offer guarantees or warranties on their work, providing you with peace of mind that the job will be done right.

While it does come with a cost, hiring a professional stone cleaning service for marble or granite can be a valuable investment in the long-term care and maintenance of your natural stone surfaces.

Posted on

Stone Countertop Care for Cooking Enthusiasts

happy father daughter, preparing dough for cookie cutters on stone surface countertop.

For cooking and baking enthusiasts, the kitchen is more than just a functional space—it’s where their creativity flourishes, and culinary masterpieces come to life. When it comes to creating the perfect cooking environment, natural stone countertops shine as a top choice. They bring beauty and elegance to your kitchen and offer numerous benefits that can elevate your cooking and baking experience. In this guide, we will focus on two essential aspects: heat and impact resistance. These surfaces provide a durable and reliable workspace that can withstand the demands of your busy kitchen. Beyond their practical advantages, they also enhance the style and aesthetic of your kitchen, adding a touch of sophistication. Prepare to explore the many benefits of these countertops in creating a stunning kitchen space!

Heat Resistance: Keeping Cool in the Kitchen

When it comes to heat resistance, natural stone countertops shine as the heroes of the kitchen! Boasting exceptional heat resistance, they are the perfect companion for all your culinary adventures. From sizzling pans to piping-hot dishes, they can handle the heat with ease. Certain types of natural stone, such as granite and quartz, are particularly renowned for their ability to withstand high temperatures without any damage or discoloration. Even though these surfaces can handle direct contact with high temperatures, like steaming pots or hot baking sheets, it is always recommended to use trivets or hot pads as a precautionary measure. These protective accessories will help safeguard your countertop from potential damage, discoloration, or thermal shock, ensuring its long-term durability and maintaining its pristine appearance.

Impact Resistance: Standing Strong Against Everyday Use

Cooking and baking demand a worktop that is both durable and reliable. That’s where natural stone truly shines! Designed to withstand the impacts and demands of a busy kitchen, these slabs won’t show signs of wear or damage. In particular, granite and quartz excel in their ability to resist impacts, making them excellent choices for those seeking long-lasting solutions. Renowned for their strength and durability,  they can handle the force of everyday cooking without worrying about scratches, cuts, or damage. With natural stone, you can confidently pursue your passion for cooking and baking, knowing that your surface will stand strong and support you throughout your kitchen endeavors.

Stylish Kitchen: Aesthetics and Beyond

In addition to their functional benefits, they offer a touch of style and sophistication to any kitchen. With a wide variety of patterns, colors, and textures available, they offer endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of marble, the bold and dramatic veining of granite, or the sleek and modern look of quartz, there is an option to suit every taste and kitchen style. By incorporating stone into your kitchen, you can create a focal point that enhances the overall ambiance and adds a touch of luxury. So, let your creativity flourish and explore the endless possibilities of incorporating stone slabs into your dream kitchen.

Practical Tips: Maintenance and Care

While natural stone countertops offer impressive heat and impact resistance, proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve their beauty and performance. Here are some helpful tips to ensure they remain in top condition:

  1. General Maintenance. Wiping down your countertops regularly with a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone is key. This helps prevent the buildup of dirt and stains, keeping them looking their best.
  2. Cleaning Products. The use of appropriate cleaning products is important. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can potentially damage your countertops. Opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleaners that are specifically designed for these surfaces.
  3. Sealing. Professionally sealing your countertops is an important step in their maintenance. Sealing enhances stain resistance and helps prolong their lifespan. It’s recommended to consult with a natural stone cleaning professional to determine the appropriate sealing frequency for your specific type of slab.
  4. Cutting Boards. When it comes to handling sharp objects, it’s always wise to use cutting boards or mats as a protective barrier. This prevents potential scratches or damage to the surface of your countertops and helps maintain their pristine condition.
  5. Professional Care. Consider Statewide Stone Care professional cleaning services as an option for optimal care. These experts specialize in natural stone care and can provide deep cleaning, resealing, and restoration services as needed. They have the knowledge, expertise, equipment and products to handle your countertops with care, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.

By following these practical tips for maintenance and care, you can ensure that they remain in top-notch condition, and continue to be a reliable and long-lasting companion in your culinary pursuits.

Final Thoughts on Natural Stone Countertops

By considering these key points, natural stone countertops are not only beautiful additions to your kitchen but also offer impressive heat and impact resistance. They can handle the demands of your busy kitchen while maintaining their durability and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your cooking space.

Stone countertops for your stylish kitchen is a decision that brings numerous benefits. Not only do they offer practical advantages, but they also elevate the overall ambiance and look of your culinary space. With a wide range of patterns, colors, and textures available, you have the opportunity to personalize your surfaces to perfectly match your style and design preferences.

So, let your imagination run wild and envision your dream kitchen adorned with the timeless beauty of natural stone countertops. Enjoy the durability, heat resistance, and impact resistance they offer, and make a choice that will truly enhance the heart of your home.

Posted on

How Often Should You Seal Your Countertops?

how-often-seal-countertops-blog

Having natural stone countertops in your kitchen or bath can be a beautiful way to add value and luxury to your home. But stone surfaces are also porous, which means that moisture can seep into the stone, eventually causing staining and discoloration over time from everyday use. If that happens, the problem typically has to be fixed by refinishing the surface. Applying a sealant periodically can prevent this issue and extend the life of your stone. Stone sealers add a barrier of protection so moisture can’t seep into the stone underneath, thereby preventing staining. The question is: how often should you seal your countertops?

The answer is different for everyone because a number of factors are involved. Granite and marble sealing, for example, should happen at a different rate than limestone or travertine. Let’s take a closer look at these factors so that you can determine when it’s time to reseal your granite, marble, or other stone and tile counters for optimal protection.

Factors to Consider When Sealing Your Countertops

Let’s start by looking at the individual factors that can increase or decrease the rate of wear-and-tear on various natural stone surfaces.

Type of stone. The type of stone you have affects the frequency with which you need to seal it. Harder stones like granite and slate are denser and less porous than softer stones such as limestone and marble. Therefore, granite surfaces generally require sealing less often than their softer counterparts.

Color/shade of the stone. As a rule of thumb, lighter-colored stone surfaces tend to be more porous and require resealing more often–even among countertops of the same type of stone. Plan on resealing a lighter-colored granite countertop more frequently than a dark granite slab, for example.

Amount of use. How often you use your countertops can also affect how quickly sealant wears off. High-use areas such as kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and bar tops may require more frequent sealing than surfaces used only occasionally.

Type of sealant. Some sealants are designed to last longer than others; however, they can be more expensive. If you’re using a lower-grade sealant, you may need to reapply it more often.

Frequency of cleaning. If you tend to leave spills and water droplets standing on the countertop, this can wear down the sealant more quickly. You can make the sealer last longer by cleaning spills as they happen and by cleaning your granite, marble or travertine countertops regularly with gentle dish soap and water, then drying the excess water quickly so it doesn’t stand on the surface.

Environment. Outdoor kitchens with stone countertops must be resealed more often than countertops indoors, for example, due to the wear-and-tear of the elements, the freeze-thaw cycles of wintertime, etc.

How to Tell When It’s Time to Reseal Your Stone Countertops (The Water Test)

Many home and business owners assume “more is better” when it comes to resealing, but that’s not always the case. Over-sealing with multiple layers can actually leave your stone surfaces with an unattractive “hazed” look that is difficult to remove.

The best way to tell when your countertops need to be resealed is the “water test.” Here’s how it works: simply pour a tablespoon of water onto your stone countertop and wait about 30 minutes. If the water beads up on the surface, you’re good–the sealant is still there and doing its job. If, however, the water is absorbed into the stone and darkens it, then you know it’s time to seal your stone.

How Often Each Type of Stone Countertop Should be Sealed

Remember, there’s no hard and fast rule for how often you should re-seal your stone countertops. All different factors need to be considered, including how much use the countertops get, whether the countertops are indoors or outdoors, etc. That said, the following are some general recommended ranges for how often to have a sealant reapplied. Plan on more frequent resealing for high-use or outdoor surfaces, and less frequent for low-use, indoor surfaces, and so on.

Marble

Marble is one of the most popular stone surfaces, but it’s also higher maintenance due to its porosity and light color. For regular use, plan to schedule marble resealing every 3-6 months.

Granite

Granite is one of the densest and least porous of the natural stones used for countertops. You can plan to seal your granite countertops about once every 1-2 years.

Slate

Like granite, slate is a dense and fairly non-porous stone. For best results plan on resealing every 1-2 years depending on usage.

Limestone

Limestone tends to be light, soft, and very porous, similar to marble. Plan on resealing at least once a year, or every six months with heavy use.

Travertine

Travertine countertops tend to be dense, durable, and low-maintenance. Resealing every 1-2 years usually works for these countertops.

Are Your Countertops Ready to Be Sealed?

Many stone sealing products are available for do-it-yourselfers, but for the best finish and an even, long-lasting seal, it’s best to have the sealant applied by a trained stone care professional. At Statewide Stone Care, our technicians are highly trained in sealing all types of natural stone, including granite and marble sealing, slate, limestone, and others. We can also do a free evaluation of your stone countertops to give more specific advice on how often you should schedule re-sealing based on the type of stone and the amount of use. For a free estimate, contact us today.