Spring Cleaning- Keep materials looking new!
The wildflowers and perfect weather are finally here! Spring has sprung, which means it’s time to clean house! When you start your spring cleaning list, there are always the obvious tasks: clean behind the sofa, clean the windows from the outside, reorganize the garage, and even dust the top of your bookshelf that you're too lazy to reach on your average day. However, if you are interior design enthusiasts like us, then you probably have aspects of your home that require a little extra attention. A timeless velvet sofa, natural stone tiles, or a Brazilian wood deck add an elegance to the home space that is unmatched. However, having these materials as a part of your home does require a little extra maintenance. We recommend you kill two birds with one stone and add these chores to your annual spring cleaning to-do list. We are here to offer you some ideas and methods to help maintain your home and the gorgeous materials that help elevate it.
Keeping Up with Your Marble:
If you have marble countertops, floors, or any other marble products in your home, make it a part of your spring cleaning regimen to reseal the stone. Dark-colored marble must be resealed yearly, while we recommend sealing light-colored marble twice a year.
We recommend Laticrete Stonetech Bulletproof Sealer. You can purchase this at any Floor and Decor store or on Amazon.com.
How to Seal Your Marble:
Step 1:
Clean the stone. It is recommended not to use water because water will seep into the pores and cause resistance in the sealer. One recommendation is to use acetone or other cleaners recommended before sealing.
Step 2:
Apply the sealing product. Most sealing products will recommend using a brush to spread the product evenly across the stone. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes (don’t allow it to fully dry on the surface), then wipe it off with an absorbent towel and reapply. The second time, allow it to sit for 30-40 minutes. Wipe excess off.
Step 3:
Complete the process by allowing countertops to sit for 6-8 hours without using them. It takes 24-72 hours for the countertops to be completely sealed.
Oiling Your IPE:
Whether you have an IPE deck, siding, or floors, maintaining your Brazilian wood's freshness requires annual oiling. Make it a part of your spring cleaning regimen to oil your wood. This way, you know your wood is being oiled at least once per year.
We recommend DeckWise Ipe Hardwood oil. This can be purchased on Amazon or at Home Depot.
How to Oil Your Wood:
Step 1:
Check the weather. One reason why oiling your IPE makes so much sense for the spring is the weather. The climate should not be too warm or too cold, and double-check that there is no chance of rain within 48-72 hours of application.
Step 2:
Clean your wood. Before applying your wood, make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned and dried to allow the maximum penetration of the oil into the wood.
Step 3:
Apply oil. Using a roller, brush, or rag, apply one coat of oil over the total surface area of the wood. Allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes and wipe off excess.
Re-Sealing Your Basalt:
Do you have basalt tile or trendy basalt furniture in your home? Sealing Basalt or any other natural stones in your home is critical. They are mostly very porous and will soak up any liquids or materials that make their way onto the stone. It is recommended that you reseal your natural basalt stone every 18 months, making it a solid prospect for your spring cleaning to-do list.
How to Seal Your Basalt:
Step 1:
Prepare your surface. Be sure the stone is clean, dry, and free of any other sealants or substances.
Step 2:
Apply sealer with a roller or brush. Apply an even layer of sealer over the stone (not too much or not too little). Wait 5-10 minutes and then wipe off the extra sealer with cotton or a paper towel (lint-free). Wait 30 minutes then apply the next coat. Wait another 5-10 minutes and wipe off any excess sealer. It is crucial not to allow the sealer to dry on the surface.
Step 3:
Test your work. Wait two hours after the final coat, then drop a little water onto the surface. If the water easily soaks into the surface, then you need another coat. If the water resists the surface and sits on top, then good job, you have successfully sealed your Basalt surface!
