First rule for proper care of your countertops, table tops, vanities, etc.: make sure they are properly sealed. To check, spill a little bit of water onto them and give it a few minutes, then wipe up the water..

When you walk across your tile and grout floor, does it sound more like cheap laminate? Or when you drop a spoon, does it sound like it’s landing on an empty container? Is your grout cracking? If so, some of your tiles may be in the process of separating from the underlayment. Before you rip it all out, read these simple and inexpensive possible solutions.

Do you have or are you considering soapstone for your countertops? Here are some tips for caring for soapstone and keeping it beautiful.