Tag Archives: cleaning granite

Creating Storage Solutions for Technology

Message Center in kitchen

Message Center in Kitchen Wayne, PA

Welcome to the age of technology!  Oh, you have been here for a while?  So you must also have charger wires everywhere for mobile devices and other clutter related to the wireless world?  Well we have come up with a few simple ideas to consider when designing and remodeling your kitchen.

Conceal outlets in cabinets:  the picture above and below shows two ways to hide those wires needed to charge devices.  We all put them in our kitchen in the same spot (usually on the counter) so we don’t forget where they are.  Imagine your new kitchen having that spot in a cabinet and hidden.

Create a “Drop Zone”:  “Drop Zone” is a modern day buzz word.  It literally means a spot to drop anything you walk with in your hands.  For most of us, this in the countertop or mud room bench or dining room table…wherever we  can land these items safely and be able to find quickly.  With smart design, this “Drop Zone” can be incorporated into your cabinetry.  It can be a life changing decision!

mud room drop zone

Mud Room Drop Zone

pantry drop zone

Use slim end of run pantry to create a mobile device charging station, message center and hanging storage.

Baskets and Cubbies:  sounds simple, but is it really?  If you plan for certain sized baskets and create cubbies that meet your daily life, it is simple.  Baskets in a cubby are easily accessible and hide the mail, extra plugs, ear buds, etc.  Cubbies work great for shoes, umbrellas and other bulky items.  Don’t forget hooks too!  You can hang school bags, jackets and even you purse.  Grab and go!

Tips and Tricks for Cleaning and Sealing Your Granite Countertops

Cleaning and Sealing your granite countertops:

You will be happy to hear just how easy it is to do an annual cleaning and sealing of your granite counter(s).

1. First clean your countertop thoroughly using a natural cleaner. Never clean with any product containing acid, lemon, or bleach. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will eventually etch and damage natural stone. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

2. Now apply the stone sealer. Stone sealers will need to be reapplied as soon as you notice water no longer stands (beads up) on the surface.

Simple and quick way to shine and seal your natural stone countertop

Simple and quick way to shine and seal your natural stone countertop

Tips:

-I use a sealer and cleaner on our slate tops, which eliminates one of the two steps. It is called “Cleaner/Re-Sealer” by StoneSpecific.

-Make sure you buy a spray cleaner and/or sealer conducive of your countertop material. For example; we have a honed slate material, so I buy a product with that description. Whereas someone with polished granite should look for a natural stone cleaner/sealer.