Bamboo Furniture - How To Care And Maintain Bamboo Furniture

Bamboo has become a boom product during the past few years after it was once given scant regard in the western world. While most wouldn't consider decorating an entire room with bamboo products, it's appeal lays in it's ability to lighten up a room or give it a touch of the exotics. While this is often referred to as sturdy and indestructible not much attention is paid on how to clean and maintain it.

In this article, we'll give you some handy tips on how to care for bamboo furniture ensuring it gives you long lasting service.

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Bamboo Furniture - How To Clean It

Bamboo is basically like any other hardwood when it comes to cleaning it. It can be polished, waxed and painted and of course dusted. However, wetting the furniture excessively is not recommended and can cause irreparable damage. Here are some cleaning tips for bamboo furniture:

1. Dusting on a regular basis avoids possible scratching of the furniture. Use a small dust brush or cloth and simply wipe over the surface removing dust particles. It's recommended you do this at least once a week.

2. Avoid spilling foreign substances onto your furniture. If you happen to have an accident or a spillage, clean it immediately because this will prevent possible permanent staining.

3. Use a soft cloth or sponge soaked in soap water. Avoid using detergents which contain abrasive chemicals as this can damage the surface of the bamboo furniture.

4. Contrary to popular belief, bamboo is not really suited to the outside elements and in a furniture state, it can quickly be damaged. Under no circumstances leave in in open sun or exposed to direct rain.

5. At least once a year, do a major clean. This involves vacuuming off the dust which may deposit in crevices. Wipe over with a damp sponge immersed in soapy water. Never use harsh, corrosive detergent solutions. Also, avoid hosing your furniture. You may even consider a light coat of polish or wax. Always wait until the surface of your furniture has dried before attempting to sit in it.

Bamboo Furniture - How To Care And Maintain Bamboo Furniture

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How to Maintain Granite Countertops

Granite is a unique and beautiful stone that comes in a wide variety of shades and hues. It has been prized for centuries as a building material, due to its Granite countertops are a magnificent addition to any home, beautiful to behold, adding a touch of class and elegance to any room.

Granite countertops are also an important investment, adding to the beauty and resale value of your home. It is essential to provide proper care and maintenance for your countertops so that they can continue to look as good as they did when you just had them installed.

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Here are some tips to ensure you keep your granite countertops in top-notch condition:

Sealing: An effective seal helps reduce the chance of staining by creating a barrier between the granite and any compounds. The seal also keeps your countertops hygienic by preventing moisture from seeping into granite's naturally porous surface. Historically, resealing your granite countertops was recommended as frequently as every year. The sealers used were water-based or solvent-based and would break down over time and with the use of everyday household cleaners. It was recommended that countertops be cleaned with warm soapy water only. In the recent years, a lifetime sealer, often with a 15 year stain-warranty, has been introduced to the market, completely changing the traditional rules of how to care for granite countertops. These new sealers are more like treatments, which molecularly bond to the stone and don't need to be reapplied. They are strong enough to stand up to common household cleaners in many circumstances as well. Ask your countertop provider what type of sealers they offer.

Stains: Even if you've protected your granite with sealants, it's always a good idea to be proactive and prevent stains from setting. You should always clean up spills immediately, using a blotting technique rather than wiping to avoid spreading the spilled substance. Most stains can generally be removed by cleaning the surface with dish soap and water. You should never clean your countertops with acidic cleaners, as these can cause scratching. Afterwards, be sure to always dry the surface with a clean cloth.

Cleaning: For fantastic looking granite countertops, make sure you clean them regularly. Small particles of food or residue buildup can cause your countertops to feel "gritty" or lose its shine. With certain stones, you can even use a razor blade to strip away any stubborn grit - but make sure you ask your expert countertop provider first.

If you encounter any problems that you are unable to fix with the above suggestions, you should contact the dealer who sold you the countertops for additional assistance. However, granite is a very durable stone, and with the right amount of care, your granite countertops will look stunning and flawless for years to come.

How to Maintain Granite Countertops

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