Question 1

What is the difference between buffing and polishing a floor?

Accepted Answer

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Both buffing and polishing increase the longevity of your floors by removing scratches and buildup, but they are different processes. Polishing removes the top layer of your floor, removing surface-level scuffs and scratches. Buffing your floor involves filling the scratches and scuffs with a buffing solution. No matter which method you choose, you can rest assured that both techniques will leave your floor looking shiny and new.

Question 2

What materials should I not use to clean soot off a stone fireplace?

Accepted Answer

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Avoid using abrasive cleansing powders on natural stone, as these products could damage the porous material. Using bleach is also a poor idea because of the porosity of the stone. Avoid using a scrub brush with metal bristles, as they could scratch the stone. If you know who manufactured your stone or who installed the fireplace, you may want to contact that entity for any advice on cleaning it safely.

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

How do I maintain cleaned tiles and grout?

Accepted Answer

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Seal grout annually, clean spills promptly, and use mild cleaners to prevent buildup.

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.