Kitchen Cabinets

Steps:

1. First, check what type of wood are your kitchen cabinets made from. If it is made from wood, some of them are more attractive than others and it would be better for you to choose for clear stains and lighter colors.In some houses, somehow dark colors really suit the cabinets in the kitchen. If the rest of the kitchen furniture is dark then it would be nice to go for a darker look.
2. Less costly lumber makes cheaper cabinets, but it also makes perfectly fine cabinets when they are covered with an attractive stain. It all depends on the look that you intend to give to your cabinets.
3. You might want to let kitchen cabinets that are made from maple, cherry, mahogany or rosewood to abstain from staining process as they already look beautiful in their natural colors. You can only protect them with a clear coat of natural oil finish or a stain finishing coat of clear polyurethane sealer.
4. You should also check for any damage, scratches and scrapes. Those cannot be sanded off, will hurt the shape or the natural wood surface such as for the sought after wood types. So the stain will help to cover the textures and the colors. If you pick a natural or a light stain, choose a colored stain that complements the wood’s natural color.
5. Pick the stain according to the light in your kitchen. Buy a small amount of stain that you choose in the store and apply it to a prepared cabinet surface in your kitchen. It is best to take your time when making the final decision. If you are stuck with more than two choices, apply each choice on a surface with each next to each other on the same piece for comparison.
6. Before deciding on the color, wait for the stain to dry off completely as they can change slightly after they dry. Take a look of the stain coat in different lighting areas such as from the natural sunlight from the windows and ceiling light and different times such as in the morning, noon and night.
7. It is important to read the directions on the stain that you choose to make sure that it can work well, according to your desired finish as certain stains cannot work with polyurethane finishes. If this case happens, you can use varnish or a resin finish over those stains.
8. Choose the stain on how much work you want to put in and your desired looks. Another consideration for the type of stain that you choose is the purpose that you want. Hardwoods do not work well with pigmented oil stains as it can be difficult to use. As the pigmented oils darken are based on the time they are left on, this will help you to determine the desired level of darkness by wiping it off. It may be difficult to achieve even colors when using oil-based stains on larger surface. The benefit of using this type of stains is that they stay clean longer and prevent dirt build-up and fingerprinting.
9. For water-based stains, they are very easy to use and to clean up, but they tend to get dirty faster. If you use gel stains, they are also easy to use, but costly and the colors choice are limited. For hardwoods, the best stains are from the NGR or non-grain stains type as they will not bleed and fade. Varnish is easy and cheap, but not the most appealing surface coverage. Another quick and easy application is the one-step stains, but it is hard to obtain a uniform result and it may look faded in places.

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

Norma Vally’s Kitchen Fix-Ups: More than 30 Projects for Every Skill Level

Can’t Fail Color Schemes–Kitchen & Bath: How to Choose Color for Stone and Tile Surfaces, Cabinets & Walls

Choosing a Stain for Kitchen Cabinets is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Give your kitchen cabinets a darker look
2. Building your own kitchen cabinets
3. Restaining Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Solid wood kitchen cabinets are usually quite valuable and will last longer than the other types of kitchen cabinets if you know how to take care of them. They can normally be painted, refinished or restained in order to make the wood look like a brand new piece of wood. Moreover, it makes a lot of difference to your kitchen area.

What you need:

1. Electric drill
   
2. Gel paint/varnish stripper
   
3. Newspaper
   
4. Inexpensive paintbrush
   
5. Fine steel wool
   
6. Sandpaper
   
7. Scraper
   
8. Stain finish
   
9. Polyurethane finish
   
10. Gloves
    
11. Mineral spirits
    

Method:

1. Firstly, remove the cabinets from your wall and for convenience of easy installation of the cabinets, label them accordingly using a piece of tape on the inside of the cabinet and its doors.
   
2. You also need to unscrew all its hardware which includes the hinges, knobs and other metal work. Always place them in a container so that you will not lose or misplace them. If you are not changing your cabinets\’ look to a new hardware, the accessories can be reused again unless it is in a bad condition.
   
3. You can use the paintbrush to paint on the gel stripper. Place the doors and cabinets in a different area and always work on the doors or cabinets one by one when applying the stripper because if it is left for too long, it will dry out. Only allow the gel to sit for at least 10 minutes or until you are able to see its surface bubbled up and softened.
   
4. Then, scrape the old surface using a scrapper and ensure that you work in accordance to the direction of the grain. You can use an old coffee can to fill in the softened varnish that you have scraped. Remember to wear gloves because the stripper gel is quite caustic that can burn to your skin and do your work in a well- ventilated area.
   
5. Next, use a rag dipped in mineral spirits to wipe the newly stripped surface in order to remove the residue left on the wood before allowing the wood to dry thoroughly. Then, you need to sand smooth its surface with sandpaper and once finished, wipe it clean with a tack rag.
   
6. Then, proceed by brushing the cabinets with the new stain finish using a paintbrush. Remember not to paint on the areas that you have already coated and have started to dry. To stain the second coat of paint, you need to let it dry for at least six hours and do light sanding in between coats.
   
7. You also need to apply two coats of protective polyurethane varnish to finish the cabinets which is commonly seen in satin or glossy finish according to your preferred choice. Bear in mind that the glossy finish usually shows fingerprints and dust. Polyurethane can be applied using a brush or paint sprayer and once finished, you have to apply one thin coat and leave it to dry for 24 hours. Then, use a fine steel wool to lightly sand your first coat and make sure to remove all the dust with a damp cloth before applying the second coat.
   
8. Once the surface has thoroughly dry (at least for 24 hours), you can re-install back all the accessories and its hardware, plus screwing back the cabinets onto the wall according to the labels that you have marked earlier.
   

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

The House That Faux Built

Building Kitchen Cabinets

Restaining Wood Kitchen Cabinets is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Choosing a Stain for Kitchen Cabinets
2. Give your kitchen cabinets a darker look
3. Painting Laminated Kitchen Cabinets

Basically, we do everything we can in our capacity to make our homes lovelier. The kitchen is a place in the house where most people like to keep small so that it won\’t be difficult to keep it as clean as possible. It\’s nice to decorate the kitchen with odd colors that will make it unique and different in many ways. Since many people overlook the kitchen, it will be nice to see some people really caring about making a change in theirs.

Kitchen with Odd Colors

Conventional ovens can go with the unconventional colors, as to no matter what the color may be; it will help to set the tone for your kitchen. Whether you are using odd colors for your kitchen\’s walls or simply as accessories to the common place colors that you have selected for the walls, those unusual colors will add pop and vibrancy to your kitchen. Here are some ways on how to decorate your kitchen with odd colors.

You will need:

Bold colors such as:

• Orange
  
• Yellow
  
• Purple
  
• Brick red
  
• Hot pink
  
• Black
  

Steps:

1. Paint your kitchen walls with a bold orange. Different shades of blue will complement the orange that you select for your walls. Use the lightest shades of blue for your draperies and cabinets. For the hand towels, choose the boldest and darkest blues. You can make stencils or free-hand paint designs in the dark blues on your cabinets.
   
2. For your kitchen walls, paint purple and yellow stripes. To make your ceilings appear higher, using vertical stripes is the best way. You can make bolder strips or wide strips. Place the purple grapes and yellow lemons or bananas in a bowl on the counter. Paint your cabinets in either solid yellow or solid purple, but leave the cabinet doors to be painted in a color which you did not use to paint the cabinets.
   
3. Paint polka dots on your white kitchen walls in all colors of the rainbow. Paint them in different sizes and make them proportionate in the size of the room. Choose your favorite color and use that to paint your cabinets. Add a depth and dimension to your kitchen by using circle-shaped accessories such as plates.
   
4. Another way is to keep your painted kitchen walls neutrally; paint your cabinets in a dark, murky eggplant color. You could even go with a bright which is almost neon shade of lime green to accessorize the neutral kitchen walls. Use brick red, black and hot pink in the kitchen to add color.
   

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

Can\’t Fail Color Schemes–Kitchen & Bath: How to Choose Color for Stone and Tile Surfaces, Cabinets & Walls

Colors for Living: Kitchens

Decorating a kitchen with odd colors is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. How to Use Multiple Paint Colors in the Kitchen and Great Room
2. How to Paint a Kitchen in Blue Delft Colors
3. Ideas for Decorating Your Kitchen for Christmas

It has been a long time since the invention of galley kitchens. Galley kitchens have grown extremely popular over the years and still very much high in demand. Usually, people with all types of houses prefer to have the galley-type of kitchen. Places such as apartments, condos, townhouses and smaller homes have all successfully implemented the galley style kitchens.

Usually galley style kitchens are utilized in the apartments, condominiums, townhouses and small type house due to the limited space within the kitchen area. A galley kitchen consists of two counters that run parallel to each other with certain appliances spaced along them and the advantages of having this type of kitchen is that it allows you to do your cooking with the ability of turning from one counter to another within reach and of course at a much faster speed. It is a modern concept kitchen without the usage of table and chairs due to its limited spacing.

What you need:

1. Under-counter refrigerator
   
2. Tall cabinets
   
3. Micro/hood fan combo
   
4. Trash compactor
   
5. Garbage disposal
   
6. Recycling bin
   
7. Pull-out shelves
   
8. Under cabinet lighting
   
9. Tile
   

Method:

1. Firstly, you need to maximize the counter and cupboard space when deciding to use a galley style kitchen. You can use the under-counter refrigerator and freezer units instead of a standard refrigerator.
   
2. You could also install ceiling height cabinets over both of your countertops and also use glass-fronted cabinets on one side in order to create an illusion of having more space in the area. Using a light colored wood will also enhance the area so that it will look much bigger.
   
3. Besides that, you can purchase a built-in microwave that comes with a hood fan combination for your stove.
   
4. To reduce the usage of space, install a trash compactor under the counter. As for the garbage disposal, you can install it under your sink while a recycling bin can be hanged on the inside of the door under the sink.
   
5. You can also create a pantry that comes with pull-out shelves that can be hidden behind the cabinet doors for storing spices in one of the drawers so that your countertops is clear of small items.
   
6. Install a modern style light under the cabinets to add a nice illumination to the kitchen area.
   
7. Finally, you could use the same tile over both of your back splashes using a solid color that complements your floor covering in order to create a unified look for that area.
   

If you don\’t know how a galley kitchen works then this type of kitchen consists of two counters running parallel of each other with kitchen equipments situated right along them. Why do people prefer galley kitchen? This is due to the fact that with a galley kitchen the cook doesn\’t have to walk long to find what he needs. In other words, the galley kitchen style is similar to kitchens found in hotels where everything is close by and everyone is working next to each other.

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

Ultimate Guide to Kitchens: Plan, Remodel, Build

Remodeling a Galley Style Kitchen is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Remodeling A Kitchen on a Budget
2. Kitchen Remodeling – Appliances
3. Kitchen Remodeling

Paint Laminated Kitchen Cabinets

When you want to paint laminated kitchen cabinets, you need to choose the right type of paint and prepare the surfaces correctly so that you will be able to get great results and that your kitchen cabinets last longer. It will take you several days to accomplish this task because you need to remove the cabinets first and painting laminate cabinets really takes a lot of patience and effort. This is due to the laminate surface that is different to wood or wall and it needs a special paint in order to paint this type of surface.

What you need:

1. Detergent TSP (trisodium phosphate)
   
2. Screwdriver
   
3. Medium grade sandpaper (80 to 120 grit)
   
4. Fine to very-fine grade sandpaper (150 to 220 grit)
   
5. Paint roller with dense roller cover
   
6. Shellac-based or alkyd (oil-based) primer
   
7. Latex or alkyd paint
   
8. Polyurethane sealer
   
9. Newspaper or drop cloth
   
10. Painter\’s tape
    
11. Roller or paint pad
    
12. Cooking oil
    

Method:

1. First of all, you need to prepare the cabinets by washing and removing the dirt, grease or grime on its surfaces. You can use TSP and wash the laminate cabinets in order to remove any remaining grease and help de-gloss them.
   
2. Make sure to rinse the cabinets thoroughly.
   
3. Next, remove all the cabinet hardware such as the doors from the hinges and place them on a cloth or newspaper.
   
4. Then, sand the entire surface of the cabinets using medium or fine grade sandpaper.
   
5. After that, remove the gloss of the laminate so that you will have a surface for the primer paint that it can connect with.
   
6. Once finished, wipe off the cabinets using a damp sponge in order to remove of the dust that was caused by the sanding exercise.
   
7. Start to paint the cabinets with a coat of primer either by using a tinted shellac or alkyd (oil-based) primer. Normally spray-applied primers holds better than brush on primers. Leave the primer to dry and cure thoroughly for two up to 48 hours.
   
8. Then, lightly sand the primer using fine grade sandpaper so that the primer will be smooth to provide the paint with a better surface to adhere with.
   
9. Once dried, you can apply a thin coat of paint and allow it to dry. Once dried, apply a second coat of paint before allowing it to dry. By applying two thin coats, it will provide better coverage and provide a long lasting life for your cabinets.
   
10. After that, you need to protect the cabinet using two or three coats of satin or high-gloss polyurethane sealer. Then, allow them to dry for up to 24 hours before installing back all the cabinet doors and hardware. You should also apply a tiny amount of cooking oil where you notice that the cabinet doors are touching the cabinets to ensure that the paint does not stick but still allows them to cure accordingly.
    

Additional Reading:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4810172_paint-laminated-kitchen-cabinets.html

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-best-way-to-paint-laminated-kitchen-cabinets.htm

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nancyhugo/421729919/

Painting Laminated Kitchen Cabinets is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Painting Kitchen Cabinets
2. How to Redo Kitchen by Painting Cream Colored Cabinets With Glaze
3. Refinishing your kitchen cabinets

Make a Rustic Kitchen Table

A kitchen table is desperately needed in the kitchen. If not, where else are we going to eat or where else would we be able to cut the veggies and legumes? There are many types of kitchen tables around. One of the most popular ones is the rustic kitchen table.

In order to make a rustic kitchen table, you can use either wooden furniture made of twigs or even distressed wood. Besides that, you can also use an old wooden door to create your rustic kitchen table because an old door has its own character which is different from distressed wood and the patina of an old wood is also deep and rich; the perfect material to create your own rustic kitchen table. You must also ensure that your existing cabinets are also in line with the rustic theme and style that you want to create.

What you need:

1. Old door
   
2. Sheet of glass (optional)
   
3. Holloway\’s Lemon Oil
   
4. Four wooden table legs
   
5. Light grade sandpaper
   
6. Screw driver
   
7. Screws for attaching the legs
   
8. Adhesive rubber stoppers
   

Method:

1. Look for an old natural wood door that has not been painted or purchased from your local thrift store. As for its legs, you can use from an old table or even purchase from your local home improvement store together with cut glass that you will put on top of the table.
   
2. Next, you must remove the door handle and other accessories on the old door before cleaning the wood using oil for example Holloway\’s Lemon Oil in order to bring back the old designed back to the old wood. Then, lightly sand the door or any of its rough surfaces to protect your love ones from splinters.
   
3. Once finished, you also need to stain the four table legs (for new table legs) so that they will match the door\’s color or just clean them with oil if the table legs are old materials.
   
4. Now, you need to attach the table legs using screws and a screw driver where you just need to insert the screws at an angle from the side of the table leg up through the bottom of the rustic table. It is recommended that the table legs are attached at the corners of the old door or even try placing the table legs at least a foot beneath the door. Try to indent the table legs so that it will be less noticeable and also able to create a rim around the perimeter of the rustic kitchen table.
   
5. A sheet of glass can be placed on top of the rustic kitchen table for protection to the wood. You also need to add small adhesive rubber stoppers at each corner between the glass and the door for keeping the glass secured.
   

There you have it! By now, you must have successfully created your own rustic table.

Additional Reading:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4797356_rustic-kitchen-table.html

http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/rusticwoodtabl_syyu.htm

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nanimo/372116008/

Making a Rustic Kitchen Table is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. How to Build a Kitchen Island Bar Table
2. How to Build a Custom Table Booth for Your Kitchen
3. How to Build a Kitchen Banquette Storage Table

Remodel A Kitchen on a Budget

A remodeled kitchen will certainly add more value to your house\’s environment as well as making it more comfortable for you to utilize and do your cooking activities within the new surrounding of the kitchen area. In many ways it is important to be certain on the budget before jumping in the remodeling area. Make sure you know how much you can spend and how much you will save by sticking to the budget. A budget helps you to keep track of your purchases. This is ideal for those who have no control over their spending and need something to keep them in track so that they don\’t overspend.

However, a home improvement makeover for a kitchen is an expensive work, but there is always a way to remodel a kitchen within your required budget provided that you plan it very carefully and below are some of the tips that will help you learn better on how to remodel your kitchen area on a budget.

What you need:

1. Always start with a small changes
   
2. To prioritize the most important changes to make
   
3. Redecorate the kitchen with different colors
   
4. Change the lighting for brighter view
   

Method:

1. The basic tips on remodeling your kitchen area on a budget is to always start on a small scale first because with only a little change, it can also make an old kitchen looks like a new one. For example, by installing a pullout faucet you will be getting a new sink fixtures for a fresh new look making it a more functional faucet than the previous one because it can be pulled out and in this way, it will help you aim better in filling pots or rinsing your containers.
   
2. Always learn to prioritize the changes that you want to make and list down all the changes that you think you want to do in your kitchen and prioritize them accordingly. For example, if you want more cabinet space in your kitchen, you need to save up for a new cabinetry before you purchase a refrigerator or if your stove needs to be repaired, you must set aside some budget on that particular thing first. Learning to prioritize what needs to be done first will help you learn to identify which is the most important thing to change.
   
3. Try to redecorate the kitchen with different colors by changing the paint or by using wallpapers instead of changing to new fixtures and appliances which is more costly. A simple fresh coat of paint that you could do on your kitchen cabinets sometimes will provide you with a new look to your kitchen\’s surrounding while a new wallpaper could also make your walls look different and fresh.
   
4. You could also change a few lighting to some of the kitchen areas that has poor illumination and make it look much brighter thus making it easier for you to cook and do your cleaning.
   

Additional Reading:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2096147_remodel-kitchen-budget.html

http://homeimprovement.lovetoknow.com/How_to_Remodel_a_Kitchen_on_a_Budget

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/army_arch/3140549561/

Remodeling A Kitchen on a Budget is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Remodeling a Galley Style Kitchen
2. Kitchen Remodeling – Flooring
3. Kitchen Remodeling

Tile Backsplash on Kitchen Drywall

We look for more ways to make our kitchen attractive just to have a feel-good feeling when being there. Among the best way to beautify the look for your kitchen is to install a kitchen backsplash. The visual of your entire kitchen will be enhanced and this will add value for your home too. You can have wide choices of porcelain or ceramic tiles, and the advanced technology nowadays will help you install them sooner and faster compared to before. The process is not that difficult, it\’s quite easy if you understand the procedure well. Everyone should be able to install a tile backsplash in their kitchen so here are the steps on how to install them.

You will need:

1. Tape measure
   
2. Tile wet saw
   
3. Tile spacers
   
4. Old towel
   
5. Notched trowel
   
6. Pencil
   
7. Tile cutting board
   
8. Mastic adhesive
   

Steps:

1. First, take the tile spacers and put it as a guide between each individual piece of tile. Spread several of them in a row of the countertop.
   
2. Proceed to take the measurements for the distance between the tiles, and check that measurement against the height and the length of the backsplash.
   
3. You can start with a full tile on the outside edges of the kitchen backsplash and also against the bottom where it meets the countertop. Place cuts in the corners and underneath the cabinets.
   
4. You may want to adjust the layout in one direction or another. This will depend on the size of the tiles you are working with and how your measurements compare against the tiles that have been laid out.
   
5. Some will prefer smaller cuts in the corner while others would prefer it bigger so it is your personal choice that will determine whether to start with cuts or full tiles.
   
6. Spread the mastic adhesive on the drywall of the kitchen backsplash with a notched trowel beginning at your starting point.
   
7. If you are still adjusting the speed of your installation, it is safe to spread only enough mastic adhesive and install a few pieces at a time so as not to mess up anything. This will prevent the adhesive to set up and become tacky. You can install it the easier way by starting at the bottom and outside edge, and spread towards the corner. Make sure to install the entire bottom before continuing working your way upwards.
   
8. Take a piece of tile and stick it against the mastic adhesive. Apply pressure to move the title slightly in all directions to make a complete bond between the tiles, adhesive and the drywall.
   
9. Move it to its final position once you have bonded the tile completely. Repeat the process with each individual tile that you place on the wall.
   
10. Use tape measure and pencil to mark any cuts around the electrical outlets or corners of the cabinets and use a tile wet saw to cut.
    
11. Dry off the backs of the cuts with an old clean towel to prevent moisture from penetrating the bond between the adhesive and tiles.
    
12. You can use a tile-cutting board for any cuts against the bottom edge of the countertops. Leave the tiles to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before grouting the kitchen backsplash.
    

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6499762_install-tile-backsplash-kitchen-drywall.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/character/4277614108/

Installing a Tile Backsplash on Kitchen Drywall is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Kitchen Remodeling – Backsplash
2. Buying a kitchen backsplash
3. Creating tile patterns for kitchen backsplashes

Tile Patterns for Kitchen Backsplashes

If you want to add a personal beautiful and creative touch to your kitchen design, the perfect place for that is on the kitchen backsplash. You can tile the backsplashes below the upper cabinets, behind the sinks or cook top, along the counters or along all of these areas, your choice. You will have to know the height of your kitchen backsplash, the size of your tiles and whether or not, there are decorative tiles that will be included in the field tile before you begin to lay out the tiles. A dry fit layout is the most suitable and most desirable way to determine the fit of all the elements needed. Here are the steps on how you can create tile patterns for your kitchen backsplash.

You will need:

1. Tiles
   
2. Measuring tape
   
3. Marker
   

Steps:

1. First, each of the backsplash section has to be measured. Get the measurement done by starting from the counter up to below the cabinets and don\’t forget, each length of counter. Measure the height and width of the cook top to measure the area as well.
   
2. Although measurements may be different, most of the backsplashes height is just 18 inches from the counter to the cabinets. The cooktop backsplash area are usually measured 6 inches wider than your stove as this is the width of the hood above it but again each measurement may vary from one kitchen to kitchen, depending on the sizes and styles.
   
3. Mark on an area of equal size to your backsplash on a worktable nearby or on the floor so that you know exactly how much space this will need. This place will work as your design board as you will place the tiles on it and determine the pattern and layout.
   
4. Then, start laying out the first full tiles in the bottom center of each section of the kitchen backsplash. This will help your tiles\’ installation to be even and balanced.
   
5. Place it one or two tiles up from the counter if you want to include a decorative border to your design which is nice as well. It will make your design more visible rather than being hidden behind countertop appliances.
   
6. Next, alter the pattern of the tiles from the counter to the cooktop areas. You can either install the subway tiles in a running bond or offset the pattern along the counters. Aside from these, the other pattern that you can do is the herringbone pattern behind the cooktop.
   
7. Make a frame around the cooktop with a decorative border or chair rail tiles.
   
8. To make sure that the decorative tiles are seen, place them in the center of the backsplash and scatter them up and down evenly.
   
9. You can use a decorative tile border to frame the area behind the cooktop or make use of the complimentary tiles to emphasize the interior of the cooktop area.
   
10. Finally, make sure to check your measurements again and trim the dry layout before installing the tiles.
    

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6458896_create-tile-patterns-kitchen-backsplashes.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/granite-charlotte/4254425120/

Creating tile patterns for kitchen backsplashes is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Installing a Tile Backsplash on Kitchen Drywall
2. Creating a ceramic countertop in your kitchen
3. Installing Ceramic Tile Countertops

Marble Bathroom Countertops

Bathroom countertops which are made from marble are one of a kind that is not only a beauty to look at but also comes with many different patterns and colors. Marble bathroom countertops exude the look of sophistication and luxury to a bathroom and it comes with the usual functions. If your bathroom is installed with a marble bathroom countertop, you might want to learn the proper way to clean them. With proper cleaning, it will make your marble bathroom countertop appear more beautiful and last longer but with no cleaning, the marble countertop can be ruined with your money going to waste. Here are the steps on how to clean a marble bathroom countertop.

You will need:

1. Soft sponge
   
2. Cotton cloth
   
3. Hot water
   
4. Stone cleaner
   
5. Stone wipes
   

Steps:

1. It is best to keep your marble bathroom countertop dry. When you have spilled something on your marble countertop, the first thing to do is to use a wet sponge to wipe down the spills.
   
2. By wiping down the marble countertop, the substance spills would not be able to seep into the pores of the marble thus not destroying it in any way. This step will help your regular cleaning process get much easier without any hassle.
   
3. Then, use your stone cleaner by spraying them on your countertop. Continue by taking a sponge and wiping it clean. You can find stone cleaners in home improvement stores or if you can\’t find it, ask the store assistant to find it for you.
   
4. Find the most suitable stone cleaner that is safe for all types of stone surfaces which includes marbles as well. Some stone cleaners do not need to be rinsed off. All you have to do is to spray on and use a sponge to wipe off. It is advisable to read the direction on the back of your stone cleaner before using it to prevent any unforeseen accidents.
   
5. Next, lightly buff the marble countertop with a dry and clean cotton cloth. This buffing process is to ensure that your marble countertop will sparkle just like it is newly installed or as if it\’s newly bought.
   
6. Remember not to use dish soaps or store cleaners for your marble countertops as these cleaners will damage the sealants of your marble and make your countertops look dull. Avoid using a scrub brush on marbles as it will scratch the countertops surface and your money will end up going to waste again.
   
7. Repeat the cleaning and buffing steps once a week if you have no kids and if you have time on your hands. Otherwise, you will need to clean your bathroom marble countertop two or three times a week so that they stay clean.
   
8. You could also use hot water and a sponge in between cleanings to prevent the counter from getting dirty. If you are in a hurry and have not much time to clean your marble bathroom countertops, you can also use a stone wiper. The stone wiper is also available in home improvement stores for you to purchase and is a great alternative if you have don\’t have much time to clean or during times when you suddenly have unsuspected guests on their way to your home.
   

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5071152_clean-marble-bathroom-countertops.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimnovakremax/4314485509/

Cleaning Marble Bathroom Countertops is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Cleaning Kitchen Countertops
2. Bathroom Countertops
3. Cleaning Granite in the Bathroom