OVERVIEW on Kitchen Countertops:
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for kitchen countertops is key to the successful execution and ongoing use of the space. Now more than ever, you can choose from a diverse range of kitchen counter materials. For each aspect of home design and remodeling you can also strive to make choices that are 1) Functional, 2) Stylish, 3) Cost-Effective, and 4) Environmentally Sustainable. These are the four key guiding principles in the GREENandSAVE strategy. You will find that in certain cases, one or two of the criteria take precedent over others. However, as you review the home improvement options that are right for your home, you may be surprised to learn that reaching all four is more achievable than you thought.
Selection Tip: In choosing a kitchen countertop material make sure to think through its integration with your kitchen cabinets, appliances, and the backsplash that will work best for your design and installation. Solid surface and natural stone materials typically need to be precut prior to installation versus tiles that can be cut and set right on the job site. Kitchen countertop backsplashes sometimes look great when they match the countertop material, but you can alternatively enhance the countertop material by choosing a different tile to run from the top edge of the counter all of the way up to the underside of the head cabinet. If you decide on the tiles, also take care in choosing the right color grout and look for new tile grouts that are stain resistant.
DETAILS on Mosaic Countertop Maintenance:
To keep grout stain-free, most contractors will recommend scrubbing them regularly with a solution of warm water and household disinfectant. Rinsing the tiles with cold water will remove any residue and prevent the accumulation of soap scum, another common grout enemy. Scrubbing them with a fine-bristled brush will remove other stain remnants. Contractors also advise staying away from highly abrasive cleaning tools such as steel wool, when cleaning grout. These can wear away at the material, eventually causing it to chip and fall out.
On ceramic tiles, we recommend cleaning the tiled area immediately after installation. Leftover grout and debris can leave a patina of dust that can ruin the finish of ceramic tiles. Once the countertop has been cleaned, using a sealant on the countertop is not necessary.
Cleaning a ceramic tile is relatively simple. Allowing a solution of warm water and household detergent to soak into the tile, and rinsing it away after five to 10 minutes should be sufficient. Rinsing it is an important maintenance step. Simply wiping it away could leave soap scum that can stain the grout.
GREEN Considerations:
When it comes to cleaning your countertop look for products that have ingredients that are not hazardous to humans or the earth. Many cleaners are now produced without phosphates, chorine, borates, phenol, ammonia, formaldehyde and nitrates Also look for cleaners that have low or zero volatile organic compounds, the chemicals that produce noxious toxins and air-pollution. Make your home the safest place in the world without sacrificing cleanliness. Finally, help save the environment by looking for concentrated cleaners so that we collectively reduce the shipping and transportation cost of moving heavier products that are pre-hydrated (just add water!). Overall, this new generation of concentrated, toxic-free, and biodegradable cleaning agents save the environment, you family's health, and your money.
Click here to see the range of top choices for environmentally friendly cleaners.
