Cleaning Tips

We are asked all the time about how to care for the many products we sell and install.

The first thing we tell everyone is read the care and cleaning instructions that may have come with the products.  Always follow these before relying on anything we may recommend.

First, most everyone spends far too much on "fast acting" "easy clean" "set it and forget it" cleaning products....we have not seen any of these that really work all that well and most have very harsh chemicals that can actually do more harm than good.

Stay away from any product containing acid.  Whether or not the products you buy contain acid can sometimes be hard to tell from reading the label.  If you are in doubt, call the phone number listed on the product.

Why stay away from acid?  Acid will cause caulk to 'de-laminate' from the surfaces it is trying to seal.  Many metals will have a negative reaction to acids.  Acid will also break down sealers, rendering them useless.
Ammonia based products are also very tough on caulk and sealed surfaces and should be avoided.  What about vinegar?  Believe it or not, vinegar though good on some surfaces is also an acid and will harm caulk and sealed surfaces.

What CAN be used?

The tile, granite and caulk folks are all calling for PH balanced cleaners.  These will not cause caulk to fail or harm sealers.  Many of the "green" cleaners are PH balanced and are good to use...just read your labels, you should also avoid the citrus based cleaners.

We have had very good luck over the last few years with 'Simple Green' for harder to clean surfaces.  This product is bio friendly and seems to work very well in tubs/shower areas.

Granite should be cleaned with simple dishwater soap and water.  If you experience streaking, rinse with distilled water and dry with soft cloth.

Cabinets may be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild dishwater soap.  Do not attempt to add furniture polish or oils to the cabinet surfaces.  Use of a non-stick shelf liner will help protect the interiors and add to life of your new cabinets.  Do not oil or grease the hinges or glides, this will actually violate the cabinet warranty.

Floors, always follow product directions for hardwood.  Tile and vinyl can be cleaned using a mild mixture of the Simple Green or like cleaner.  You may add a product like Lysol to kill bacteria.

As mentioned, always follow label directions first.  The above hints have been passed on to us over the years from our many customers or by first hand trial.

Save money, time in the long run and help the environment....nobody can object to this formula.

Good luck and enjoy your new remodeled kitchen or bath.