How to Clean Concrete and Granite Countertops

There are many different types of countertops and there are also different ways to clean them. Cleaning your countertops well is a must because stains, moisture and dirt contribute to the wear and tear of countertops.  

Before we discuss the specific way to clean the concrete and granite countertops, there are general cleaning tips that work both on concrete and granite. Invest on pot holders and protect your counters from excessive heat. Excessive heat from pots and pans causes thermal shock, damaging the countertops, eventually causing you more money to repair, or even buy a new countertop. Prevent cracks; avoid putting excessive weight on your countertops. Do not step or stand on it, use ladders or step stool. Wipe spills immediately. Both concrete and granite countertops are sensitive to acidic food. Foods like vinegar, salad dressings and Kool-aid are acidic and natural dyes that could etch the countertops. Use a cutting board when cutting to prevent your countertops form scratches. Countertops regardless of the finish really encounter the normal wear and tear that is why to reseal from time to time to preserve the color and quality of the countertops.  

Now let’s go to the specific way of cleaning the two types of countertops Red Deer, the concrete and granite countertops. These two types of countertops are the most common type and the most convenient. Concrete is a mixture but in countertops, it is treated as a stone. It is made of cement, water, sand and finely crushed stones. After the mixing it is dried and turned into a solid surface that could be used as a countertop. Concretes are sealed and are made to be heat, acid and scratch resistant. For daily cleaning, a dish detergent mixture is enough. Never use distilled vinegar or other strong agents to clean the concrete. In removing stains, like form strong acids you don’t have a choice but to buff or grind the etched part of the countertop. You need professional help to do this. Stains from coffee and mustard can be easily remove with chlorine and bleach but do not leave it for more that 10 minutes because it might damage the sealant. 

Granite slabs differ in color and formation that is why if you have this type of countertop; you truly have a one of kind design. For daily cleaning a dishwashing mixture and soft microfiber cloth is needed to wipe it clean. Same with concrete to prevent the dulling of the finish do not use harsh cleaners like vinegar. You can use commercial poultice to remove stains from wine or beet juice. Avoid cutting directly on your granite countertops, to prevent scratches. Always follow or consult the installer’s manual and instructions.  

When stains cannot be cleaned or and damages cannot be fixed anymore, then it is the time that you seek professional help. By this, you will be able to prevent further damage or even replacement of your countertop. Professionals are well equipped to manage this job for your convenience. Hence, if you need to hire one, then go.  

Leave it to the Electricians

Do-It-Yourself projects are the new trend, given the accessibility of information in the internet. DIY projects save you money and ate the same time you learn how to do things on your own without the help of professionals. However, a sometimes DIY project is not perfect and it worsens the problem. That is why; we still resort to professional help. This is true in electrical problems; they need to be resolved by professionals. As much as we want to DIY some repairs or extensions, the DIY switches gave you mild electrical shocks or the lights started to flicker. Hence, it is time to call the professional electrician for a fix! 

Electricians are needed for the permits and inspections. Part of maintaining a safety electrical system at home is the annual inspection and permit. During renewal or applications of electrical permit, most electrical systems fail due to poorly done systems or it does not just pass the standard system. When this frustrating time comes, the only solution is to hire a professional electrician to do the work for you.  

Let’s admit it, while electrical work may be challenging it is not always fun. It is sometimes complicated and confusing and most of the time dangerous. Why give yourself the hassle of running12/2 cable in basements when you can play with your kids, see a movie or rest while someone knowledgeable enough is working on the electrical system, right? There are a lot of enjoyable things waiting for you out there.  

Electrical circuits are troubles, your fuse blew and the house is in black out due to overloading. These are just few of the emergencies at home that require immediate action. These are also the situations where DIY knowledge is highly discouraged because it is very dangerous. That is why you’ll need ?24 hour electrician St. Albert that could attend to you anytime, especially during emergencies because they know many things about electrical systems compared to us. Little knowledge is indeed dangerous because even if you know the basics, the complicated parts can hurt you. That is why, safety first is a must. 

Hiring professional electricians is indeed expensive but actually, in the long run they really help you save more expenses. If you take for granted the mild electrical shocks or the overloading in your electrical system, this will cost you more than repair and maintenance because this could fire up your whole property or even cost your life. Thus, it is really recommended to hire a professional electrician that could take care of the electrical systems of your entire home. Professional electricians will not just fix your problems, they actually prevent problem from happening.  

Although DIY is a good idea but it is not an assurance of a successful project. Sometimes, we need to have a break and let others do the job for you. We may love to explore and new things, especially in electrical systems but there are just technicalities, technique and skills that we only find in our professional electricians.