Your kitchen counters are where you create the meals for your family, so you want them to be as safe as possible. You want to be sure they are bacteria free in order to keep your family safe from illness. Unfortunately, choosing the right cleaner can be difficult and many homeowners make the mistake of choosing the wrong cleaners for their counter types. One thing to keep in mind is what is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops.

The Effect of Oven Cleaner on Granite Countertops

What is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops made of granite? Using such harsh substances can lead to color damage that may be irreversible. This applies to all types of granite countertops, including polished surfaces. In addition, avoid using bleach, ammonia, scouring pads or other abrasive cleansers.

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Granite counters need only mild soap and warm water to keep them clean. You can also purchase countertop cleaning kits at local home goods stores that can keep the counters clean and shining as long as you follow the manufacturer’s directions on the package.

If your granite countertops develop rings, dark spots or oil stains, you may be able to remove them with baking soda and water. Create a poultice that has the thickness of dough and then place the mixture on the stain. Cover the paste with plastic wrap and allow it to sit for between 24 and 48 hours. If the baking soda process does not work, sprinkle cornstarch on the stain and cover it with plastic for a few hours. Although you can use dish soap to clean your counters, do not use any that contain citrus scents or extracts.

The Effect of Oven Cleaner on Quartz Countertops

If you want to know what is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops made of quartz, it is important to understand how quartz counters are made. Quartz countertops are engineered stone counters made of over 90 percent quartz combined with polymers and pigment. The polymers in the resin is lighter than the quartz which could lead to damage to the surface of the counter top as well as discoloration.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops

One tip for keeping quartz countertops clean is to wipe up any spills quickly using a mild soap and hot water. If a spill dries on your counter, use a glass sponge, which are sponges designed for non-stick cooking pans, and the same mild soap mixed with warm water. You can use mild degreasing products to clean up grease splatters and spills. After an art project, if you find marker stains, you can use a substance like Goo Gone to remove the stain. You can also find cleansers designed for quartz countertops at hardware stores to remove stubborn stains.

Natural stone countertops are low-maintenance and never need abrasive cleaners to keep them shining. Always avoid oven cleaner, scouring pads or other abrasive cleansers on your natural stone counters. For more information, contact us today to learn more about natural stone options.

Everyone who’s anyone is into remodeling or renovation projects and it seems as though the popularity of it all gains a steady momentum every day. Homeowners and do-it-yourselfers are bent on changing something either to improve their home or complete a sideline fixer-upper for their own satisfaction, or for future resale value.

Popularity of Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen Projects

Kitchen projects seem to be the going thing of the moment along with bathrooms and open living room areas, but in realistic terms, how often should you update your kitchen? The answer usually depends on a number of factors. There are no rules that say, it’s time to update your kitchen, as most homeowners reasons for remodeling are different, but there are times when homeowners should think about making changes and modernizing or refreshing the design, décor and arrangement of their kitchens.

Time-frame

The average time-frame between remodeling a kitchen area, according to remodeling statistics, is around ten to fifteen years. In that period of time, a kitchen can lose its fashion sense. Cabinets, countertops, flooring and walls may be dated, environmentally toxic, or simply require repair or replacement. Further renovation may be necessary to improve upon the overall appearance of the kitchen’s design to accommodate new walls and spaces, larger appliances, an island, expanded flooring areas, additional cabinets and other furnishings and décor.

Improved Functioning

Most homeowners want to see improved functioning in their kitchens. They want a kitchen space to be fully organized and operational in terms of dealing with how much time has to be spent in the kitchen to complete a task as well as handle the amount of traffic that passes through a kitchen on any given day.

Placement and access are the keys and when a kitchen is designed or laid out well, it becomes fully functional and allows easy access to appliances, utensils, countertops, cabinetry and other areas.

Functioning is a big part of remodeling these days and when a specific layout gives quick and easy connection to everything in the space, there is more time to enjoy the area and the time spent there.

Is it Really Time to Remodel?

Another factor that many homeowners face is the innate feeling that they actually do need to take the time to upgrade or remodel their kitchens. When that nagging instinct tells you that it is time to do something to take the drudgery out of life in the kitchen, then you are probably on the right track.

Maybe you simply want a sense of freshness and a more modern look of openness to your kitchen, or you want an expanded kitchen space to prepare gourmet meals, or you have plans of putting your home on the market and want a distinct selling point. Whatever the reason, there is no set rule on when or how often you should remodel a kitchen. Budgeting should, of course, be part of the decision, but if the funds are there, put your thoughts into action.

Specialization

When a homeowner plans on taking on a kitchen remodeling project, he or she should think about working with remodeling specialists. Renovation can be overwhelming and with the help of specialists in the field, the project can go a whole lot smoother and efficiently.

If you need advice concerning kitchen remodeling, complete the online form and a specialist will get back to you with the information you need to initiate your project and develop the kitchen you’ve always wanted. We can point you in the right direction and offer the kind of help you need to make your new kitchen space a reality.

A kitchen remodel can make your entire home more enticing, especially if you are planning to sell your home in the near future. Not only does it make your home more attractive to buyers, a kitchen remodel improves your kitchen’s efficiency which can benefit you as well. However, a kitchen remodel can be extremely complex and there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to any kitchen renovation. These tips can help you avoid mistakes that could cause you to end up hating your kitchen remodel.

A Budget is Your Friend

The first thing to do during any remodeling project is to create a budget. If you plan to completely renovate your kitchen, the cost can be as much as 10 to 15 percent of your home’s value. Although this seems like a very high amount to spend on a remodeling project, you want to be sure the improvements you make stay in line with the value of your home. You may be able to complete the renovation under budget, especially if you plan to do some of the work yourself, but you don’t want to skimp on the costs. You also don’t want to overspend as it may be difficult to recover those costs. It is important to factor in surprises during the renovation as well, especially if you have an older home. Plumbing and electric in your home may have issues or the contractor could find some structural problems that need to be addressed. When preparing your budget, allow for additional expenses should a problem arise during the project.

Consider the Size of Your Family Members

Do your small children often help you cook dinner? Are you a family of bakers who enjoy creating delicious treats together? Is your 6’2” husband a gourmet cook? Keep all of this in mind when you design your new kitchen. Manufacturers recommend hoods and exhaust fans be placed 30 inches above the cook surface. If your husband is over 6-feet tall, this means the hood is directly in his line of sight. Instead, mount the hood slightly higher. It will work just as well and your husband will not be bent over trying to see as he cooks. Install a section of cabinet that is slightly lower than the others so that children can have their own workspace to “help” you. You can also install pull-out stools that allow small children to access the counter during dinner preparation.

Good Lighting is Critical

Too often, we overlook the importance of lighting in the kitchen. The best method is to layer the lighting so that your surfaces get ambient, task and mood lighting. Recessed ceiling fixtures are a good option and provide a balance of overall light. If you have a dining area or island in your kitchen, consider installing pendant lighting. Under counter lighting is a popular choice but you may need to use diffusers if you have high-gloss counters, like polished granite or marble. Make sure the switches are convenient and use dimmers to adjust the lighting according to the time of day.

Keep Reality in Mind

Even if you have a flair for the unique, those pink and purple wall tiles will not be as attractive a year from now. Lime green appliances may have a funky look today, but how soon will you grow tired of them? Even if you aren’t planning on selling any time soon, circumstances can change. You don’t want to alienate buyers who may not have your eclectic taste. The same is true for features other than colors or appliances. The bay window you saw online that overlooks a forest or lake may not be as stunning if it overlooks your neighbor’s backyard or a street with cars passing by all day. A giant commercial-grade refrigerator isn’t the best choice if you have a small galley-style kitchen. A chef-worthy stove could overwhelm the room and make it look crowded.

There are many other kitchen features that you need to watch, such as making sure you have plenty of counterspace and that a newly installed island does not block traffic. If you need help with your kitchen renovation, contact us today by phone or by completing the simple online form. We can help you throughout the project to be sure you create a kitchen you will love for years to come.

Not only does a kitchen remodel increase the value of your home, it also gives the room a cleaner, more modern look. Kitchen remodels don’t need to be extensive as simply replacing a floor, updating cabinets or installing a new island can give the room a completely different look. Your kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your home and, while you want the basics covered, like excellent lighting, the work triangle and up-to-date appliances, you also want it to reflect your personality.

Recover Your Investment

According to Remodeling Magazine, homeowners can recover between 68 and 75 percent of the cost of their kitchen remodel. Other experts actually put that percentage closer to 100 percent. This means that if you spend $17,000 on a kitchen remodel, you could recover $11,000 or more of that cost when you decide to sell your home. Of course, there are other factors that go into how much you can recover, but overall a return of investment of at least 60 percent is common after a kitchen remodel.

Quicker Sales

Real estate agents say that the look of a kitchen can sometimes make or break a sale. When potential buyers enter the home, the kitchen is often the first room they see. If your kitchen is stunning, other areas of the home you may not have gotten around to remodeling do not stand out as much. In addition, buyers are often willing to pay slightly more for a home with a state-of-the-art kitchen. Not only does an upgraded kitchen improve your home’s value when you decide to sell, you also get the benefit of working in the remodeled kitchen while you live there. You benefit from the new granite countertops you installed, the brighter lighting and the easier-to-clean floor.

Keeping Up With The Latest Trends

When you remodel your kitchen, you are able to take advantage of the many new trends that exist in kitchens today. Not that long ago, the kitchen triangle was the most critical part of your kitchen. In that theory, the stove, refrigerator and sink should make a triangle in your kitchen with all of them within arm’s reach. Today, homeowners are creating unique, different kitchens like adding islands or installing restaurant-quality cooking stations. Families are seeking a more open layout so that parents can watch their children whiel they cook and also have more room in the kitchen while they are preparing meals. Kitchen islands are growing in popularity as well, giving you extra working space in your kitchen. It also adds an area where children can do homework or create art projects without taking up counterspace as you prepare a meal.

Additional Storage

It is amazing how quickly you can run out of storage space, especially in a kitchen and with a growing family. A kitchen remodel allows you to add cabinets and drawers, increasing the area they have to store food, dishes and pans. There are many products available today that can also maximize the cabinet space you have, such as slide-out pantries, cabinet shelves that slide out and other storage tools that make reaching items easier. If you have room, adding a walk-in pantry will give you excellent storage for food and supplies.

If you are considering a kitchen remodel, contact us today by filling out the form online or calling one of our friendly customer service representatives. We can help you through the entire process so you get the kitchen you have always wanted.

Health experts say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet many of us skip this critical meal. However, if you had a beautiful breakfast nook where you could savor your morning coffee, read the paper and enjoy the early sunlight, you may be more inclined to relax before you head off to work. You don’t need a large area to create a breakfast nook as a small corner of your kitchen or dining room can easily be converted. These ideas can help you create a cozy area that will entice you to eat breakfast and get a healthy start on your day.

Choose the Right Furniture

The first thing to consider when creating your breakfast nook is the furniture you will use. A bench or booth is the perfect option for a breakfast nook as it takes up less space than other types of furniture. You want to be sure the nook is comfortable so throw pillows and soft cushions are the perfect addition. If a booth or benches are not your style or the space is not large enough, a small, round table with a few chairs may be perfect. If you have an area where you can open up a countertop, add a few comfortable stools with comfortable pillows. A breakfast “bar” is as enticing as a “nook.”

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Coffee Corner

Even if you don’t want to take time for breakfast, you more than likely take time for that cup of coffee or tea first thing in the morning to get you going. Create a coffee corner in your kitchen to make it easier to fix your cup of java each day. Place your coffee pot in one corner of your kitchen. Hang cups from hooks above the pot and use a decorative tray to store your condiments like sugar, syrup and spoons. If you have a small corner where you can place a table, use it for your coffee corner to open up space on your kitchen counter.

Incorporate Your Style

Once you have the breakfast nook set up, you can begin to incorporate your style into the area. If you like the cozy farmhouse style, add plaid table clothes and vases with fresh flowers to greet you in the morning. If your style is more modern, use bright colored plates, napkins or placemats to cheer you in the morning. If you like rustic styles, use recycled wood, antique bowls or pitchers and unique baskets to decorate. A bowl of fresh fruit adds a nice touch to any breakfast nook as well.

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Adding Breakfast to Your Day

Once you have the breakfast nook, you’ll want to create healthy, delicious breakfasts so you can enjoy your new area. An egg frittata can be created easily and you can add vegetables for extra nutrients. Scramble eggs, cook bacon or sausage and slice garden vegetables before warming tortillas for custom breakfast burritos. Your family will love creating their own version and, because it is portable, you can eat them on the go. Create a delicious fruit salad by chopping fresh fruits from our local farmer’s market. Fruit salad can be made the night before and, depending on the fruit, can last for several days. Of course, a weekend would not be complete without a pancake or waffle breakfast. Make it an adventure by creating a “fixings bar” that includes chocolate chips, whipped cream, fruit, powdered sugar and other fun toppings.

A breakfast nook can not only add a beautiful addition to your home, it may actually encourage your family to enjoy a health breakfast each morning. If you are considering a breakfast nook in your home, contact us to learn more about our products. We can help guide you through the process and help you create the perfect breakfast nook. You can reach us by calling or filling out the simple form online.

Your kitchen faucet is much more than a simple dispenser for hot and cold water. It also has a large impact on your kitchen’s style. Choosing a kitchen faucet may seem difficult with the broad variety of different mounting styles and finishes. Here is what you should think about when you are shopping for a new faucet.

Mounting styles

1. Sink-mounted faucets.

Not all faucets and sinks are compatible with each other. If you are replacing the faucet on your existing sink, you need to look at how many holes each has for mounting. Faucets have anywhere from one to four holes. If you have more holes than you need, you can cover up the extra ones by using an escutcheon plate. This may be a good option when you want to continue using your current sink, but your faucet options will be limited by it.

2. Deck-mounted faucets.

Deck-mounted faucets are mounted to the countertop rather than to the sink. These work well with under-mounted sinks. You will want to make certain that you leave enough room behind the faucet so that you can clean. These faucets work well with contemporary kitchens and give a seamless look. They do take up countertop sauce and may cause water and dirt to accumulate between the wall and the faucet.

3. Wall-mounted faucets.

Wall-mounted faucets need to be placed at a distance where they will work well with the sinks. They may not work well with double sinks. The benefit of these types of faucets is that cleaning is easy. In cold climates, it will be important to check the local codes to make certain that outside wall installation is allowed. If it is, you will need to make certain that it is properly insulated in order to prevent freezing. Wall studs may also have to be relocated.

Handle choices

1. Single-handled faucets.

These rotate in different directions, allowing people to regulate the flow of water by moving the handle up and down. The temperature is regulated by moving the handle from side to side. They only require one countertop hole and are easy to use when you only have one free hand. It is more difficult to adjust the temperature with a single-handed faucet as opposed to a double-handled faucet.

2. Double-handled faucets.

Most two-handled faucets need at least three holes to install them. There are many different handle style options, making this a highly customizable choice. The separate handles for hot and cold water allow you to more easily adjust both the water flow and temperature. If a person’s hands are full, these faucets are more difficult to use.

3. Hands-free faucets.

Hands-free faucets use a sensor for activation. There is also a side handle allowing you to manually adjust the flow rate and temperature. In addition to being good options for people who have arthritis, they also automatically shut off, helping you to save water. You will have to occasionally change the battery to keep the sensor working.

Finishes and materials

The standard colors and finishes available for faucets include the following:

● Brushed nickel
● Chrome
● Nickel
● Rubbed bronze
● Stainless steel
● Brass
● Black
● White

You should be aware that the finishes offered by different manufacturers may differ from each other. You’ll want to purchase the accessories you want to go along with your faucet from the same manufacturer so that they will match.

Style

Your kitchen’s style will help you to narrow down your faucet choices. Your designer should help you to select the one that will work the best for both you and your kitchen.

Quality and price considerations when choosing a kitchen faucet

Faucets commonly use ceramic-disk, ball or cartridge valves. Those with solid brass or stainless steel bases along with ceramic-disk valves are more durable. It will also be more expensive than a faucet that has plastic parts.

The heaviness of a faucet should tell you whether or not it has brass or stainless steel fittings. They are heavier than other ones. Faucets that have bodies made out of solid brass require the least amount of care and last the longest. They are also the most expensive. Although brass faucets are expensive, the costs of replacing cheap faucets over time and hiring plumbers install them can quickly add up, negating any savings.

Choosing a kitchen faucet is only one of the many steps involved in renovating your kitchen. To learn more about kitchen designs and materials, call the professional team at Flemington Granite today or fill out our contact form.

Everyone will have to deal with kitchen odors from time to time. There are several simple things that you can do to help keep bad odors under control and at bay.

1. Fight off bad cooking smells

Some foods have smells that linger long after they have been prepared and eaten. If you have a lingering odor from fish or other odoriferous foods, you can mix 3 tablespoons of vinegar together with 1 cup of water, pouring the mixture into a saucepan on your stove. Bring it to a boil, and allow it to boil for a few minutes. The acidic nature of vinegar neutralizes odors because odors are alkaline.

2. Attend to the garbage can

The smell of trash can quickly pervade the room. When you smell it, immediately empty your garbage can. Then, wipe away any debris that is left behind inside using a wet paper towel. Spray both the inside and outside of the can with a disinfectant spray, allowing it to dry. Doing this once weekly can help to minimize any bad smells from trash.

3. Freshen your appliances

When you use a dishwasher, food particles left behind in the machine may start to smell. You can use a paper towel to wipe away bits of food left in the filter. After that, run a rinse cycle while the machine is empty. When it is finished, leave the door open so that the dishwasher can air out.

If your refrigerator or freezer are smelly, clean them out and throw away old leftovers and old ice cubes. Using a soapy sponge, wipe away spills and rinse off the soap. You can pour a little fresh baking soda into small containers that are covered in plastic with holes punched in the wrap. Put these dishes on the shelves to keep refrigerator and freezer odors at bay for up to 3 months.

4. Getting rid of sink odors

Sink odors are caused by food particles in your pipes or in the garbage disposal. You can clean the garbage disposal’s blades by grinding up ice cubes. Then, rinse off the rubber gasket and finish by pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda into it while running warm water from the tap.

5. Fight smells before they start

If you have an oven spill, you can sprinkle salt over it while it is fresh. This helps to make it easier for you to clean it up while also keeping smells at bay. Freshen your garbage disposal with ice cubes and vinegar, and place a sachet in your trash can.

Kitchen odors are an annoyance, but they are easy to prevent by following these simple steps. If you are thinking about updating your kitchen or would like some more ideas, call Flemington Granite today or fill out your information in our contact form.