One of the best parts of having a custom home is living somewhere built to your exact specifications. But likewise, such proud ownership comes with great responsibility. This is especially true if you have finer taste and installed custom surfaces in your custom home.
Even if you’re not the one doing the cleaning, it’s responsible ownership to know how to keep up your home. Today we’ll talk about three popular custom home materials and how to take care of them!
Marble Floors
Marble floors can lend a palatial feel to any home. But despite this stone’s weight and durability, it can be surprisingly fickle.
For one, marble is very susceptible to staining. Clean all spills immediately! If it lingers for too long, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia will do the job. Be prepared to apply marble polishing powder afterwards if you see a dull spot, also called etching.
Speaking of etching, be extremely careful what cleaners you use regularly. Marble is highly sensitive to pH, and so any cleaner should be as close to neutral (pH 7) as possible.
Granite Countertops
Like marble, granite is synonymous with heft and durability. Also like marble, it’s tricky to care for!
Granite, too, is sensitive to acidity. Never use Windex or all-purpose cleaner on it; use water and dish soap instead. Most granite is sealed, so there shouldn’t be much force needed. If you notice that water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time to reseal the granite. You can expect this about once per year.
If your sealed granite gets a stain, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will do the trick…unless your sealant is worn, in which case it’s time to call a professional.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwoods are much easier to maintain than stone, but still require a special level of care.
For regular cleaning, a standard broom and mop will do the trick. The cleaner matters though: go for Bona or Murphy’s Oil Soap. Diluted vinegar works great, too. Just be gentle and don’t use too much of any cleaner.
As your hardwoods age, they may become particularly dull. This is due to their coating – typically polyurethane – wearing down over time. Shallow scratches can be treated with gentle sanding and a new coat of finish, but particularly bad hardwoods require sanding down to the bare wood. Use your own judgement to know if you should call a pro.
Do you want to live in the luxurious custom home of your dreams? Bold Construction builds our fine homes in North Carolina’s Triangle, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Contact us today and let’s talk about bringing your vision to life.