Blog Post

How to Maintain Wood Cabinets & Granite Countertops

  • By Admin
  • 28 Aug, 2017
North Carolina Remodeling — Kitchen with Granite Countertops in Matthews, NC
Wood cabinets and granite countertops are beautiful installations that improve the look and functionality of your kitchen. However, dirty, stained or otherwise damaged wood and granite do not complement your décor—or your kitchen routines.

Whether you're installing new cabinets and countertops or updating the existing ones, find out how to properly maintain them for years of beauty.

About Wood Cabinets

While many kitchens feature manufactured materials like particleboard and plywood, you can't beat the natural beauty of wood. Common woods for cabinets include birch, ash, cherry, pine, maple, white oak and red oak. Wood cabinets can be stained and finished to let the natural graining show through or painted with an oil-based paint.

General Cleaning for Wood Cabinets

The frequency of cleaning your cabinets depends on how busy your kitchen is—wipe downs can occur on a daily or weekly basis.

When you do clean them, you should use an oil-based wood cleaner or a do-it-yourself model made out of cleansing oil, water and dish soap. You can also mix vinegar with water. Spray the cabinets with your cleaner, and wipe them down with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse away the cleaner with a separate cloth, and dry them with a third.

Deep Cleaning Wood Cabinets

If you have built-up grease and grime, you may have to deep clean or spot clean your cabinets. For this kind of deep cleaning, you should make a paste. You can make one out of baking soda and vegetable oil or vinegar and salt.

Wipe the paste onto the grimy spots and gently rub with a soft toothbrush or cloth—rub in the direction of the grain. Rinse away with a soft cloth, and dry the spot with a new cloth.

Maintaining Wood Cabinets

Regular maintenance will keep you wood cabinets looking fresh. Once a month, mix vegetable oil with vinegar and apply it to the surface. Rub it in with a soft cloth. To maintain drawers, use liners made out of cork, felt or rubber to keep items from scratching the interiors.

About Granite Countertops

Granite is an igneous rock with grains and crystals that provide unique patterning. The stone is quarried and cut into blocks. Builders use granite slabs or tiles for countertops not only because it's beautiful but because it provides a durable, low-maintenance surface. While most countertops feature a glossy finish, they can also be honed or leathered.

General Cleaning for Granite Countertops

As with your wooden cabinets, how often you clean your granite countertops depends on the frequency of use. However, you can expect to wipe them down after every use.

Wiping down the surface of your countertops with a dry microfiber cloth may be sufficient. However, after spills or a lot of usages, you could use a soft cloth dampened with a stone cleaner. It's also possible to use mild dish soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals as they can scratch or pit the surface.

Deep Cleaning Granite Countertops

Granite is fairly nonporous, so staining rarely occurs. However, if you have an oily stain or grime, you could use a paste made out of baking soda, dish soap, and water. Rub the paste over the stain, cover with plastic wrap and leave it overnight. Rinse it away using a soft cloth and dry with a new cloth.

Maintaining Granite Countertops

Granite should be resealed about every six months. To test if your countertop needs re-sealing, splash water onto the surface. If it doesn't bead up, the granite needs to be resealed. Use a soft cloth dampened with an impregnator sealer and wipe it onto the surface. Let it dry naturally.

Keep your wood and stone surfaces looking beautiful with proper care. Contact Carolina Quality Flooring & Cabinets to have these beautiful materials installed in your kitchen.
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Whether you're planning on selling your house soon or down the road, the following five remodel jobs can increase your home's value.
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Because the decision is so weighty, it may be tempting to go with the tried-and-true method - stock cabinets with shaker-style doors. That certainly provides a neutral backdrop to your kitchen décor and tasks. However, the following five cabinetry trends bear merit for upgrading both décor and storage options in the kitchen.
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