Tips for Cleaning Your Kitchen Countertops

Looking to freshen up your kitchen but don’t know where to start? It’s easy to forget about your kitchen counters when it comes to cleaning, but these areas are the breeding ground for germs and bacteria. To get the most out of your cleaning efforts, follow these tips for cleaning your kitchen countertops and you’ll get your cleaning done quickly and efficiently. Once you’re finished, you’ll enjoy a sparkling clean kitchen with spotless kitchen countertops. 

Cleaning Your Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Quartz is a man-made, strong stone material for kitchen countertops. Quartz is durable, stain-resistant, and heat resistant which means it can last for years. It still requires some maintenance to keep its great look. Here are some tips for keeping your kitchen countertop clean:

• Use cleaning products made for quartz surfaces
• For daily cleaning, use ammonia-free cleaner or any non-abrasive household cleaning products. Lemon, ammonia, and bleach can damage the surface of quartz countertops. 
• Use mild liquid soap, warm water, and a soft cloth to remove residue
• Clean spills immediately from quartz surfaces.

Will Quartz Stain?

Since quartz is a hard, non-porous material, it is unlikely to stain. Liquids will not be absorbed by quartz the same way they are absorbed by other materials such as marble. They may be highly stain resistant, but that doesn’t mean they are completely stain-proof. To completely avoid stains, wipe away any dirt, grease, or spills quickly to reduce the chance of stain forming.

Countertop Protection Tips

• Do not place items coming out of the oven or stove directly onto the counter surface. Heat generating appliances, such as slow cookers, can cause some countertop surfaces to crack or discolor. Always use a hot pad to allow for airflow under the hot object. 
• Try not to cut or slice directly on the countertop surface. This can lead to permanent scratches and cuts as well as the dulling of your knife. 
• Use coasters to protect from staining
• Do not stand or sit on stone countertops. Some stones will crack if excessive force is applied.

Can I Bleach My Kitchen Countertops?

It is NOT recommended to use bleach or any other chemical cleaners on your kitchen countertops. Bleach and other harsh chemicals can damage the surface of your countertops. It can also wear down the surface of your countertop.

What Cleaners Should I Use?

To get the most residue off of your countertops, warm water, and a soft cloth will work the best. If your countertops are a little grimier, some mild liquid dish soap and water can do the trick. Products such as MORE Surface care and Stone & Quartz Cleaner + Protector are both amazing products.

Looking For New Countertops?

Everyone loves the appearance of brand new kitchen countertops. Cleaning your kitchen countertops can help bring back that new appearance. If your countertops are beginning to grow old, it may be time to upgrade. Contact MGC today to upgrade your kitchen area. 

Top Kitchen Design Trends for May

From brand new stone backsplashes to luxurious laundry rooms, we’ve seen what the design experts have been saying. We’ve wrapped up everything and put together what we think are the top kitchen design trends that we’ll start seeing more and more as time goes on. If you’re looking to put your kitchen through a minor refresh or a full renovation, we hope that some of these ideas end up in your next interior project. 

Seamless Backsplashes

Backsplashes can be found in almost every kitchen you enter. They are essential to adding an extra level of flair to your kitchen as well as defending the walls from potential kitchen-related damage. Backsplashes can be quite similar. That’s why we love the idea of seamless backsplashes for those who are tired of glass subway tile. See less tile and more stone with this amazing backsplash idea.

A full-height backsplash has a beautiful and timeless design that everyone who enters your kitchen will fall in love with. Tile backsplashes are trendy and reliable, but a full-height backsplash will give your kitchen a new and inspirational look. Lead the pack and show everyone why this is one of the top kitchen design trends. 

Pops of Color

For some time, kitchens that sport a grey or all-white design have been popular and loved by those who go with it. It’s time for a new kitchen design to enter the picture with the help of some color. Color is making its return to the kitchen and you can expect lots of different homeowners to pick up on this trend. 

This year, the popular color is green and Sherwin Williams decided that this was the color of the year. This can be the top kitchen trend that you love.

Use of Natural Materials

You can also expect organic and natural materials to make their return. Granite and marble have always been staples in kitchens for countertops and backsplashes. Our top kitchen design trends also see wood elements making a strong comeback in popularity. Natural styles look incredible in both kitchens and bathrooms. 

Curves and Rounded Edges

We’re all familiar with the sharp edges and straight lines that are found on countertops and other areas around the kitchen. It’s time to shake things up with curved edges. Curved edges will give your kitchen a much more calm and welcoming place. They work amazing for seating areas and islands in the kitchen. 

Shop Top Kitchen Design Trends at MGC

Your kitchen is a place you should love and feel comfortable. These top kitchen design trends will help make that happen. If you need help with what styles will fit your kitchen, visit our contact page today. 

Have you been looking to upgrade your countertops but don’t know what to upgrade to? Marble Granite Connection is here to help. In this blog, we’ll break down five of the highest trending granite colors to help you decide which is best for your lifestyle and design preferences. 

Natural stone is unmatched in its durability and appearance and each piece of granite is a one-of-a-kind look that other countertops surfaces can’t compare to. Granite countertops can make any kitchen look amazing and become the talk of the room. Granite has always been the number one choice thanks to its rich colors and natural patterns. Marble Granite Connection carries a wide range of granite in different colors and patterns. 

Valle Nevado

Valle Nevado is the perfect material to use for countertops and backsplashes and it can be used in indoor and outdoor environments. This natural stone features a subtle gray backdrop with dark minerals running throughout it. The gray works well with darker cabinetry and the darker elements pair great with lighter touches. Valle Nevado varies from slab to slab so you’re guaranteed to get a look unique to you. 

Dallas White

The white backdrop of Dallas White is complimented nicely with lavender and light grey accents. You’ll find a mix of cream and brown throughout this stone and it’s guaranteed to catch the eyes of anyone who enters your home. This is the perfect option for someone who doesn’t want dark but also doesn’t want bright white countertops. 

Thunder White

Do you enjoy the elegant look of marble but love the durability of granite? Then Thunder White is meant for you. This stone mixes white, grey, and cream swirls with small red flakes. It gives the appearance of marble with veining found in White Carrara. It looks especially good with darker wood cabinets and reds will pop thanks to the flakes inside the stone.

Azul Platino

This stone has risen in popularity is thanks to its gray-blue tones. This granite is readily available with consistent colors and patterns. 

White Ice

One of the most popular white granites on the market, White Ice can be recognized immediately thanks to its pristine beauty. This stone has been admired for years and continues to be even today. This white stone has shades of grey and blue running throughout. Pair this stone with darker cabinets and you’ll be in love. 

Get New Granite Today!

Have you been sold on a granite color from this list? If so, MGC is ready to help you get it installed in your home. Head over to our contact page today and we’ll be ready to help. 

The process of sealing counters is one that will make your granite countertops shine like new and give them the longest possible life. A majority of homeowners will consider the pros and cons of each type of countertop material before making the decision to have them installed. While granite countertops do require some maintenance, they are still worth it due to the beauty and value they add to your home. If you’re looking for a material that doesn’t require sealing, quartz countertops are an amazing choice. 

MGC wants to help you in the situation that your countertops fail the water test. Here is everything you need to know for sealing granite countertops.

Is Granite Porous?

This is an important question for homeowners who are looking to remodel their kitchen or bathroom. Renovations can be expensive so it’s important to have all the necessary information before making a decision. Granite is a porous material that requires sealing in order to be protected from liquids. In order to know if it’s time to reseal your countertops, you should perform the water test.

The Water Test. Is It Time to Seal Granite Countertops? 

The water test is a simple test and is conducted in the following way.

• Pour a ¼ cup of water onto your granite countertops
• Time the moment it was poured to the moment it is absorbed
• If the water was repelled, you DO NOT need to seal
• If the water was absorbed and left a dark spot, you DO need to seal your granite countertops.

Granite Water Absorption

• Instant water absorption means you should apply a few layers of granite sealant annually and wipe off any spills quickly.
• 4 to 5-minute water absorption means you will need a few layers of sealer but you only need to reseal every 3 to 5 years. 
• 10-minute water absorption means you need a single layer of sealer and it may need to be reapplied after many years. 
• 30-minute water absorption or no absorption means there is no need for a sealer at this time.

How to Seal Granite Countertops

Before your seal granite countertops, make sure to do the water test. If your granite countertops are absorbing liquids then a sealer can prevent serious damage. A sealer will not make your countertops shine. Polishing will make them shiny. 

1. Perform The Water Test: Refer to the testing instructions above to know if it’s time to seal your countertops.
2. Natural Stone Sealer: You’ll need a sealer that is meant for natural stone. MORE Surface Care has a great selection of stone-safe options.
3. Read Sealer Instructions: Before using the sealer, make sure to read the instructions and warnings to know the exact details.
4. Clean Granite Countertops: It’s important to clean your countertops before sealing them. 
5. Apply The Sealer Evenly: Spray the bottle of sealer a generous amount on the countertop and let the sealer absorb into the granite stone for about twenty minutes. Make sure to check the instructions on the sealer for exact instructions for that brand.
6. Wipe Off The Sealer: In some cases, a second layer may need to be applied. Some brands require a second layer so make sure to read the instructions for exact timing and layers. 
7. Do Not Use The Countertop For 48 Hours: After following all instructions, DO NOT use the countertops for 2 full days.

Looking For Countertops?

New countertops can reinvent the way you view your home. If you’re looking for countertop inspiration or you’re ready to have them installed, visit our contact page today to get started. 

Just like every other industry, things are always changing and evolving. The interior design industry is no different. New trends are constantly coming in and out. If you’re interested in interior design then you probably have seen the 2022 colors of the year. These selected colors have one thing in common: the 2022 honorees are green, from Sherwin-Williams’s Evergreen Fog to Benjamin Moore’s October Mist. If you’re a fan of these colors like we are, then you may have already started looking for new countertops that will match these beautiful colors.

What’s With Green?

You’ll notice that this year features a lot of green colors. Colors have the power to influence different emotions and affect your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Paint brands are aware of this and have begun creating colors that are more soothing and create a serene environment that anyone would enjoy being in. 

Color of the Year: Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams

This year’s color of the year selected by Sherwin-Williams is called Evergreen Fog. This color is subtle but also effective at making different parts of a home feel relaxing and inviting. This organic color can be put in entryways to establish a quiet and calm environment. Consider putting it in your bedroom or bathroom or your living room to introduce invigorating energy.

Color of the Year: October Mist by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore has decided to name its color of the year October Mist. This amazing color is a soft and silvery green that resembles a flower stem. The color also serves as a foundation for the brand’s larger 2022 color trends palette.

New Countertops For New Colors

In the last few years, white countertops and white kitchens have dominated homes. It was the most popular color for countertops last year. This trend has made people wonder how they can make their kitchen stand out from the rest. New countertops combined with the new colors of the year can make for an amazing kitchen space. MGC has some countertops that we think pair amazingly with these incredible colors.

Silestone Calacatta Gold

This quartz countertop is already one of our most popular countertops, but we think it looks amazing paired with either Evergreen or October Mist. The blend of cream and blueish grey veins makes for an amazing pair with either of the colors to create a combination that’s both unique and comfortable. The subtle gold colors add some glam to the soothing green hue. 

Not a Fan of White?

Understandably, some people won’t be a fan of white since it’s been one of the more popular colors for some time. We also recommend Viatera – Everest, Silestone – Desert Silver, and Silestone – Noir. All of these new countertops would make for an amazing combination. 

Looking for new Countertops?

New countertops can transform the way a home feels. Combined with the colors of the year, your home will feel like something new, unique, and comfortable. Marble Granite Connection has the new countertops you need to make it happen. Visit our contact page if you have any questions.