Question 1

Does baking soda shine marble?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, baking soda does shine marble. Sprinkle it directly on the marble and let it sit for about five minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp microfiber cloth. If you’d like to make a baking soda paste, then simply mix the baking soda with equal parts water and apply it. You can also add baking soda and dishwashing liquid to a bucket of warm water and mop a marble surface.

Question 2

How frequently should I have my floors polished?

Accepted Answer

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You should hire a flooring professional polish hardwood floors once per year. This annual schedule will help keep any surface scratches from getting more profound and restore a shine to your floor. However, if you have a high-trafficked home with excess dirt and debris, you might consider twice-yearly polishing to help it stay fresh. In between professional cleanings, stay on top of weekly floor cleanings and scratch-resolving to maintain the floor’s integrity.

Question 3

How often should stone slab countertops be professionally inspected?

Accepted Answer

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It is advisable to have stone countertops inspected every few years, especially if damage is noticed. Regular maintenance and inspection help catch and resolve issues early, extending the countertops' lifespan.

Question 4

Do you need to seal engineered stone or quartzite?

Accepted Answer

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Quartzite countertops are porous, meaning that liquids can seep into the stone and stain them. You’ll need to seal them before installing and resealing annually, depending on use and stone material. Sealing will help prevent stains and etching. On the other hand, you don’t need to seal quartz and other engineered stone countertops since they aren’t porous.

Question 5

Can you make granite countertops darker?

Accepted Answer

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You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.