We hear from so many of our clients that they are afraid of making the investment to update their home while their kids are still young because they are afraid that the rigors of a busy life will quickly destroy everything that they spent so much hard-earned money on. So, we wanted to share some of our favorite tips and tricks for maintaining a gorgeous home that you can actually live in without fear.
One of the biggest investments that people are most afraid of is a kitchen update because they've heard horror stories of expensive countertops being ruined due to spilled juice and other life experiences. However, with proper maintenance and cleaning there is no reason why you shouldn't have the kitchen and counters of your dreams, no matter the material!
Countertop Material: Marble, Quartzite, & Granite
Marble is undoubtedly the most scary countertop material because it's soft nature is definitely prone to staining and etching. Quartzite and granite are more naturally durable but they do both still require very similar care and cleaning to marble. However, just because you're afraid of the stains that doesn't mean that you have to pass on your preferred material.
If you make certain that the stone is properly sealed when it is in installed and maintain the sealant (it is recommended that you get your marble countertops resealed about 3-4 times per year and granite once a year) then it can stand up to life. In case of spills all you have to do is promptly blot the spill (don't wipe!), rinse it down with a mild soap and water mixture, and wipe it up with a dry cloth.
We know that sometimes it's just not possible to catch the spill immediately and stains do happen. In that case a paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains) or hydrogen peroxide (for water-based stains) is a life saver. Cover the stain with the paste and then tape some plastic wrap over it and let it sit overnight up to a couple days and then rinse it off. No more stain!
Countertop Material: Quartz
Quartz is a one of our favorite materials for countertops because it is non-porous and therefore naturally scratch and stain resistant. It's also a maintenance dream. Just take a warm, wet washcloth and some light soap to it and you are good to go!
Bonus! Due to the recent rise in popularity of this material you can now find some incredible faux marbles & other unique designs so that you can get the look you want paired with that wonderfully easy to maintain material!
Countertop Material: Wood
Wood is naturally prone to staining (that's how we get all of those gorgeous colors for our furniture!) but if you make sure that you seal it on a monthly basis with mineral oil and clean up spills immediately with mild soap and water your wooden countertops will look gorgeous for years to come!
Countertop Material: Concrete
Concrete countertops are newly in vogue and we love the look of them. They are also unbelievably easy to maintain. They only need to be sealed when installed and spill cans be quickly remedied by a cotton ball soaked in bleach that is applied to the stain with pressure (a heavy glass works!) for 5-10 minutes and it looks good as new!
Do you have any countertop maintenance horror stories? Are there any tips or tricks that we've missed? Comment below and share your experiences!
Stay Foxy!
Xoxo
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