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Category: Home Improvement

  • 5 Things You Could Be Doing Instead of Cleaning

    Whenever you want to enjoy life, it seems to have other plans for you. Juggling work, kids, parties, dinners, and cleaning can keep us occupied all day long, leaving us no time for yourself. And in those rare occasions, we do find the time, we’re so overwhelmed that we end up binge-watching something on Netflix.

    Now, if you are one of those people who enjoy cleaning in their spare time and find it oddly therapeutic, you can stop reading right now. But if you’re like the most, cleaning is just another chore keeping you away from some quality me-time. The worst thing is that the longer you avoid it, the harder it gets once you finally set your mind to it.

    That is why professional cleaning companies like Eco Mama offer their services to busy homeowners looking to relax and have at least one less chore to worry about. But what should you do with the extra time professional cleaning frees up? We have a couple of suggestions.

    Treat Yourself to a Shopping Spree

    Some people find shopping to be a great way to relax and spend quality time. So instead of cleaning, why not head to the nearest mall and find some great deals on items you’ve been long itching to buy. Hit a few stores, do some shopping, enjoy a cup of coffee and forget about your problems at least for a while.

    Hit the Gym

    Just because you forgot about your last couple of New Year’s resolutions, doesn’t mean it’s too late to start now. One of the most common excuses people have when it comes to enrolling in a gym is that they cannot find enough time. But you could use a couple of hours you’ll have to spare if you hire a cleaning service to work on yourself.

    Hitting the gym will not only help you get in shape, but it will also make you feel more energized, confident and can do wonders for your health. The biggest obstacle is usually starting. So quit making up excuses and get to work!

    Enjoy a Spa Treatment

    If you don’t know how to spend your free Sunday and want to relax, there’s no better way than to book a spa treatment. Treat yourself to a massage, a mani-pedi and a facial. Try being the one who gets pampered for once and comes home refreshed and feeling comfortable in your skin. Doesn’t it sound awesome? Rather than wasting time cleaning, do something for yourself for a change.

    Read a Book

    A lot of people are so busy they forget to set some time to appreciate a good book. So if you love reading, consider spending your free time getting into a new book or re-read an old favorite. Ideally, do it somewhere you’ll be able to relax like your backyard or the park. And if you’ve thought about writing your own book, now is the best time!

    Spend Quality Time with Your Family

    How much time do you spend arguing with your family members about cleaning? How many times have you had to punish your kids or scold your husband? Those days are gone. Instead of fighting, why not spend some quality time together. Book some fun activities or just take a field trip and forget about your problems while you strengthen your family bond.

  • Mixing Metals: Finishing Your Kitchen’s Look

    The metals in your kitchen aren’t like your outfit and shoes: there’s no rule they have to match. In fact, mixing materials can create a more collected, contemporary, beautiful style — one that’s on trend and timeless. Designer kitchens frequently feature more than one type of metal, and different metals pull in additional styles to your space. That said, you can’t just add anything, anywhere, in the name of mixing metals: the key is intentionality. The resource below, Mixed Metal Kitchen Guide, highlights some specific tips to guide your selection.

    First, you’ll want to stick to a max of three different finishes total; anything more than that quickly clutters the kitchen and disrupts overall look. Of these, you want one finish to be the one you use most. This dominant metal will be your primary pick throughout the kitchen, with one or two others highlighting it. Keep in mind, too, iron acts like a neutral compared to shiny metallics, and it can provide an additional anchoring and industrial component that works with anything.

    Do you think you can’t mix cool and warm metals? Think again. One of the best ways to warm up cool metals such as stainless steel is with accents of copper, gold or brass. These metals bring a welcoming and enlivening pop of color.

    To keep these tips handy, check out the below resource, which highlights eight important guidelines to help you mix metals beautifully.

    Infographic created by Gerber.

  • Bathroom Organization Ideas That Cut The Clutter

    A well-organized bathroom can lead to calmer mornings and evenings. Utilizing unique storage solutions allows you to add functionality and counterspace to your powder room. Read on to find out how to bring organization to various spaces within your bathroom.

    Are products cluttering your countertop? Corral them with a shallow, decorative tray. This keeps necessities such as skin care products, contact cases, perfumes and colognes, and jewelry within reach yet neatly contained. Avoid storing large items such as hair styling tools and bath linens on trays. Glass canisters give you the option to attractively display cotton balls, cotton swabs and bath salts. Glass containers are also easily accessible, which makes them handy when guests use your bathroom. If you’re looking for a more stylish solution, get creative and hang a row of jars on a piece of wood to enhance your decor. They can double as small storage containers for cotton swabs and makeup or toothbrushes.

    The under-sink area is the ideal spot for products that aren’t often used. It’s best to keep the first-aid kit and cleaning supplies tucked behind cabinet doors. If necessary, you may have to put a lock on the door to keep kids out Gather cleaners and tools in a small caddy or two-tiered organizer that doubles on storage to maximize space. You may also want to keep a bulky waste basket out of sight by attaching it to the cabinet door underneath the vanity.

    Whether your bathroom is big or small, these savvy storage ideas could help you add space and stay organized. For more ways on how to designate storage locations for items, see the accompanying resource.

    Graphic created by Modern Bathroom.

  • 9 Signs Your Kitchen Needs Remodeling

    There are many telling signs that your kitchen needs an upgrade. For instance, every time you see a state-of-the-art kitchen, you can’t help but wish it was yours. But besides the envy and admiration for other kitchens, there are revealing signs that you can’t ignore.

    Note that it is recommended to hire a reputable home remodeling company to handle your kitchen remodel project.

    Here the signs your kitchen needs remodeling.

    Leaks and molds: These are an indication that there’s an underlying severe plumbing problem that’s calling for your attention. Molds are a threat to human health, and so you should take care of them ASAP.

    Outdated appliances: It could be that your family has outgrown the current appliances in your kitchen. They could still be working, but that doesn’t mean that they’re user-friendly.

    Cabinets are crumbling apart: The doors are not locking correctly to the extent you feel uncomfortable around them.

    High energy bills: What you need are energy-saving appliances that will bring your energy expenses down.

    Dirty, old kitchen countertops: No matter how hard you try, the countertops can’t remain clean. If that’s where you’re, the message is written all over them; they need a revamp.

    Not enough storage: There’s no order inside your cabinets because they’re loaded beyond their carrying capacity. Clutter is everywhere on the counters, and your once beautiful kitchen no longer excites you.

    The kitchen floor is a mess: The floor is damaged and filled with cracks, marks, and holes. The message is home and dry; it needs renovation.

    The kitchen layout now appears dull: It was only a matter of time before you realized that your kitchen’s design is unpractical. Now that you’ve added a few digits to your years, the ovens and fridges seem to be worlds apart.

    It’s all cramped up: No matter how positive you try to be about your kitchen, you can’t help but realize that it’s become relatively small for the size of your family.

    Your kitchen is poorly lit and depressing: Renovating with white cabinets and other brighter material will do the trick here. Also, think about adding cabinet lights for a more effective solution.

    If you noticed any or all of the above signs in your kitchen, remodeling is your best way out. Consider consulting with an experienced kitchen remodeling expert who can help create a kitchen remodeling plan and implement it successfully.

    For more help knowing when you will need to replace kitchen and other appliances, please see the helpful infographic below.

    Provided by Gene May Heating & Cooling – experts in ac repair Joliet

  • Bathrooms Through The Years. From Medieval Times To Now

    Over the years bathrooms have changed dramatically. These days we take plumbing, toilet paper, and running water for granted, but for past generations, their bathrooms weren’t quite as sophisticated.

    While we are grateful to be living in an age where hygiene is a priority, some of the older designs are unique and fascinating to look at. In the following article we explore bathrooms through the years, from Medieval times…to now:

    Medieval Bathrooms

    In medieval times people used chamber pots. A chamber pot was a type of bucket that was used to collect toilet waste and emptied over a balcony for disposal.

    For castles that were surrounded by moats, the only place for this waste to go was in the water around the perimeter of the structure. There was no toilet paper and leaves were used instead. For wealthy folks, sheep’s wool was a luxury alternative that not many people could afford.

     

    chamber pot toilet
    Example of a chamber pot toilet. Image credit: www.pinterest.com

    Often people would bathe together, but washing was not done daily as it is now, and handwashing was rare. Men had the first opportunity to use the bath water, with the youngest female washing last.

    Urine had a number of uses, as it was believed to be an efficient laundry stain remover and antiseptic.

    The First Flushing Toilets

    During the 16th century, the first flushing toilets were invented in Europe by Sir John Harrington. However, they didn’t become mainstream until hundreds of years later. Elizabeth I was his godmother and when she saw the water closet in action she had to have one for herself.

    First Flushing Toilets
    Image credit: www.oldhouseonline.com

    The bowl was waterproof due to resin, pitch, and wax and the cistern was located above.

    Bathrooms in the 1900s

    Before the 1900s most people didn’t have a dedicated bathroom, but instead had toiletry items such as a chamber pot in a bedroom commode. As our ancestors become more conscious of germs in the new century, the once a week shared baths were becoming a thing of the past.

    New home builds started to feature an indoor bathroom and outhouse.

    Bathrooms in the 1900s
    Image credit: www.pinterest.com

    By the 1950s the demand for plumbing had increased by 350%, and older homes were renovated to take advantage of this new feature.

    Bathrooms with Personality

    In the 1970s everything was bold and bright, and this didn’t stop with fashion. Home interiors saw the full force of retro culture and bathrooms became artwork.

    Instead of the crisp whites and neutrals we see today, it wasn’t uncommon to spot a bright yellow sink, fluffy toilet seat cover, or red floor tiles.

    Bathrooms with Personality
    Image Credit: www.pinterest.com

    Bathrooms Today

    Fortunately, bathrooms today are equipped with plumbing, running water, and modern features. If you are stuck with an older, unattractive design, a bathroom renovation from WA Assett could completely transform the space.

    Neutral tones are timeless and elegant, making them a popular request.

    Bathrooms Today
    Image Credit: www.waassett.com.au

    Toilets may have once been a pot in the corner of a room, and baths a communal area but times have changed. Spacious, private, and water friendly bathrooms are now a must have in both new homes and renovations.

    After writing this article, we will never take running water and toilet paper for granted again!

  • Make A Cozier Home In A Few Simple Steps

    There are many different kinds of thing that we are each looking for in our home. It is where you go to unwind after a long day of work, and you want it to fulfill certain criteria. One aspect which many people look for in their home is for it to be as cozy as possible. This is something which a lot of people spend many years working towards. Often, it is much easier said than done. However, the truth is that it can be surprisingly easy. All it takes is a basic understanding of just how interior design works. Beyond that, it is just a matter of making sure that you try to achieve exactly what you want. The beauty of it is that coziness actually falls in line with many other aspects of interior design. As long as you get this right, you will find that they fall into place pretty quickly too. Let’s have a look at some easy ways to make your home cozier in no time at all.

    Personally Selected Furniture

    In many ways, coziness can easily be equated with personalisation.If you think about it, this is hardly surprising. After all, you are likely to feel much more at home in a house which feels like it is your own. To achieve this effect, there are many things you can do. Some of the more obvious ones are probably things that you already do without thinking about it. For example, filling the walls with family photos could help to instill this sense of personalisation. However, there are more subtle methods too. And it is often these more subtle methods which are more effective, by virtue of their subtlety. Selecting your own furniture sets for example, could make a huge difference to how you feel in your own home. Next time you are replacing your furniture, go for something which speaks to you directly.

    Temperature Control

    One of the most common mistakes that people make here is that they forget about all the other senses. It isn’t just about what you see in your living room. If you want your home to be as cozy as possible, you also need to put some thought into how it feels. A big part of that, of course, is the temperature. As long as you successfully have a good control over the temperature, you can be sure that your home will feel a lot cozier to both you and your guests. To achieve that control, it might be worth obtaining a quote from Bulletproof for a sophisticated heating system. This really could make all the difference to your home today.

    Clean & Fresh Scent

    The cleanliness of your home plays a huge role in how it feels to be in it. If you have started to notice that being at home feels a little stressful, then it might be time to take a fresh look. Chances are, there is a lot that you could be changing. It is likely that you have let the home become a little too messy – but this is something which can be easily rectified. Keeping the home as clean and clear of clutter as possible goes a long way towards making it more relaxing to be in. By that same token, make sure that you are making an effort to keep the place smelling nice too. This alone will make the whole place feel much cozier.

  • HUNKY-DORY AND HYGIENIC: 6 Tips in Taking Care of Your Kitchen Sink

    What’s your favorite area in your house? Is it the living room where you spend your time watching movies with your family? Is it the bedroom where you bury yourself under your thick blankets and pillows? Is it the bathroom where you take too long to come out because you are waiting for your playlist to end?

    Every part of the house is very significant and loved, but needless to say, the kitchen always have a special place in everyone’s heart. It is where you cook sumptuous meals for you and your loved ones. It is where you delight in tasty dishes and drinks. It is a great setting for family time. And importantly, it is an area where house chores are to be fulfilled well.

    The kitchen sink is often busy. It gets used every single day for multiple times you will not even be able to count. Most especially if there are occasions held in your house, it will truly be a tough time for your kitchen sink because dishes, utensils and all that need cleaning just keep coming.

    Since it is highly valuable than anyone thinks, the kitchen sink must always be kept clean, safe and well. It lies on how you use and attend to it. There are risks when they are not well-maintained and lots of boons when they are. To help you with keeping your kitchen sink of a high quality and hygienic even with lengthy periods of constant usage, below are 6 tips you must take note:

    [1] Throw Left-Overs In The Bin

    A bad habit when cleaning the dishes is throwing in the chunks of left-over rice and viands and even small bones into the sink. The first thing you must never lose in your mind is that plates must be initially cleaned before placed for washing. That means throw them in the trash can and not in the sink because doing so will cause clogging.

    During home construction, you certainly made sure that your house’s drainage systems will be proper and effective because it does a lot to your house’s efficiency. You placed tons of effort in your new home developments because you want the best.

    That’s why you must not let any sweat and money from your pocket to just be wasted all those just because you keep throwing in food, left-overs and other solid particles into and down your kitchen sink.

    Trash will obstruct the water from flowing through the water pipe of your sink. It might flood in and on your kitchen sink, and you will be having a hard time using it and cleaning the used dishes. A  garbage can near the kitchen sink is usually situated, and it is for a convenient and productive purpose, so utilize it very well.

    [2] Remove Dirt From Strainer

    When you have already thrown trash into the bin, sometimes, you will still see that there are crumbs and specks of dirt coming from your plates, glasses and cooking materials. Of course, that’s normal. There are bits of rice and also some particles of the fresh pineapple shake you drank.

    The most necessary thing to do when you see those tiny stuff in your sink strainer. The role of the strainer is to keep medium-sized or big food elements to get into the drain. It leaves the particular granules lying on top of it, but they will go down. That’s why the strainer gets nasty, and sometimes, some people hate touching it. The mere thought of doing so disgusts them.

    While that’s the case, you still must not ignore all the dirt on the strainer. Remove them properly whilst making sure that they will not slip out and into the drain. Those who do not want to get their hands on the slimy strainer can use a pair of gloves for that.

    For kitchen sinks with stoppers, see to it that no dirt is inserted under the stopper. Tidy the strainer and stopper quickly. It’s the last destination and hope for your kitchen sink before clogging gets a chance.

    [3] Wash After Washing

    After washing piles of dishes, you do not just get out of the kitchen. You have to wash and clean the kitchen sink and the area around it too. Of course, the surface beside the sink is where you the dirty kitchen tools and vessels were stationed; meaning, dirt has been contacted to it. You need to thoroughly clean that area.

    It got wet while you were scrubbing the kitchen materials, so they have gotten nasty as well. Do not forget to clean it completely and not rashly. It could be grosser than the oily pan you cleaned a moment ago.

    [4] Avoid Dropping And Scratching

    Cracks, breaks and cuts on the sink and along its area are among the common problems of house owners. For you to avoid such kinds of issue, you must keep in mind that what you place on top of these locations do a lot and leave an impact to your sink’s wellness and life span.

    When cleaning stuff, put utmost attention to handling them with care. In that way, you are not simply ensuring that your appliances and materials are well-used and prolonged but also making sure that your sink will not get hurt and broken.

    Pans, casseroles, chopping boards and other hard and also heavy kitchen instruments must be carried carefully, so you will avoid dropping them. Recklessly pulling rough tools on the kitchen sink and its areas is not being responsible.

    Most absolutely, if you drop stuff from a great height to your sink, it’s going to be bad. To prevent mishaps related to that from happening, restrain from putting hard and heavy objects on closets and shelves above your sink.

    [5] Generally Disinfect The Area 

    Besides the cleaning that you have to execute after washing the dishes, you also need to disinfect the kitchen sink and area at least once every week. You must perform a deep cleaning for it because your usage of it is constant and usually extreme.

    There are many sanitizing solutions and chemicals you can use for your sink. They should not be overly harsh because your sink might experience discoloration and weakening, and you should also be gentle and mindful while rubbing and cleansing it. Aside from those chemicals, there are natural products you can make use of.

    [6] Dry Is Good

    When you finish washing the dishes, you probably leave them for a while on your dryer rack. If you do so, keep in mind that you should not let them stay there for too long. Moreover, you should see to it that the sink area is kept dry. It’s the best atmosphere for the sink because moist and wet areas are the favorite breeding grounds of dangerous bacteria before they multiply and spread.

    Just let your wet kitchen apparatuses sit for a couple of minutes, then take them out, wipe them and keep them in their proper cabinets.

    HUNKY-DORY AND HYGIENIC

    Indeed, the kitchen sink is chiefly helpful and necessary. It is very much useful and used; that’s why it is also said to be the dirtiest (if not one of the dirtiest) areas inside the house. If you think of it and understand well, you will definitely realize that it is. With that being said, you have to always make sure that it is taken good care of and kept sanitized. It’s for your own huge benefit. Building a new house is challenging, and so is maintaining it.

    AUTHOR BIO
    Nicole-Ann-PoreFor Nicole Ann Pore, as cliche as it sounds, there is no place like home. She believes that is not only a responsibility but also a privilege to create and take care of a house where home is built. Nicole writes on topics that reveal the essence of a nice home, as well as home care and improvement tips. She is a daytime writer for     Wincrest Bespoke, one of New South Wales’ most experienced home residential builders. | Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.

  • Title Four Easy Ways to Keep Your Energy Costs Low

    Home utilities may be just a fact of life for you. You may have this impression that these are just things that are already there—existing to make your life much easier and more comfortable. But what you may not realize is your household already incurring high energy costs in ways that you have not considered.

    Of course, you might have complained every time you receive the monthly bills because of high energy costs, but you settle it anyway. This time, you should not just settle it; you should know why your energy costs are constantly high. A thorough check-up of your home can do a lot of wonders.

    When you have found out the things that cause your bills to skyrocket, that will only be the time you will be able to come up with solutions. Here are some of the things you need to consider to lower your energy bills every month.

    Tip #1: Go tankless with a water heater

    Your water heater may be with your home for more than 10 years or so, and it proves to be useful. However, that is not always the case. Such tanks and containers are already inefficient, meaning they consume more electricity. The rust and other items in it may even cause it to work double of its capacity. It is time to go tankless. Thankfully, there are many providers of tankless water heaters in Utah.

    Tip #2: Revamp your insulation

    Heat is among the constant factors that can affect electricity and energy bills. This is why you need to regulate it properly. When your home is too hot, your appliances will be forced to double their work, thus consuming more energy than usual.

    One of the best ways to control heat is by installing the right insulation system. You should install it in your attic, basement and between the walls. It also pays that you caulk and close the cracks to keep heat and cold from coming in and out. Do not forget your roof.

    Tip #3: Choose energy-efficient appliances

    You may have a TV or a refrigerator that has been working for 20 plus years. While you think that it is practical to keep them, your energy bills will say otherwise. These old appliances are inefficient—in short, their outdated design consumes more energy, meaning you will have higher energy bills. It is time to ditch them for newer appliances and units designed to minimize electricity use. Go for those that have Energy Star marks.

    Tip #4: Be practical with your lights and appliances

    In this context, it is important that you practice good habits so that you get to save electricity and lower energy bills. One habit would be turning off lights when they are not in use. That can cause a significant decrease in energy bills if your whole family does it. Show and lead by example.

    These are only some of the things to keep in mind if you want to lower your home’s energy bills. It is time that the entire family became practical.

  • What You Should Know About Fleas

    Fleas are not only prevalent in unclean environments, even the cleanest and healthy pets suffer from flea infestation. Once fleas have access to your home, it spreads quickly even before you notice their activities. In colder months, their activities are reduced because freezing temperatures eliminate many outdoor pests including fleas. However, flea infestation is all year-round challenge due to several warm places flea can hide. Nonetheless, you can prevent your four-legged best friend from flea infestation if you take the right step.

    What Are Fleas?

    Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that are common pests of wildlife like rabbits and raccoons. When wild flea-infected critters get to your yard, they leave flea eggs that grow into adult fleas in search of a home. Your unsuspecting pets may wander to off to the yard and get infested with fleas. Unfortunately, immediately these fleas find suitable hosts, they start breeding almost immediately. This is why getting rid of fleas from your home and pets can be challenging, especially, when you do not know the right thing to do. Preventing fleas from your home is a lot easier than getting rid of it.

    The Life Cycle Of Fleas

    The life cycle of fleas mostly starts and ends on a host animal; adult fleas usually spend their lives on the infected host, they feed, mate and reproduce eggs. The eggs drop to the ground once laid, hatch and then develop into larvae, which source their food from organic material. Infested pets’ beddings are usually loaded with eggs and larvae, but too tiny to be seen with our eyes. With time, the larvae spin a cocoon, develop into pupae and then into adult fleas that hatch out and seek a host to live.

    The eggs cannot survive the freezing temperature of winter, but they can sustain it if they are living in nests, burrows or your home. Getting a professional flea control operator is essential because a single pair of fleas can lead to a massive household infestation in just weeks.

    Signs Of Flea Infestation

    It is difficult to see fleas with the naked eye, especially when they are hiding in the thick hair coat of cats and dogs. An adult flea is as small as a sesame seed, and they sometimes can be seen scurrying in the hair coat of your pet. The only sure sign of flea infestation is the continuous scratching and biting of your pet. Sometimes, your dogs may scratch to the extent of causing raw areas of skin infection.

    Some pets are allergic to fleas; just a single bite can set off intense itching and red, sore, infected spots. In addition, you can see flea dirt (dried flea excrement) as you groom your pets.

    Flea Treatment

    Several safe and flea products are available to exterminate and prevent flea infestation. Some treatments last for weeks after a single application. Flea shampoos and flea combs are part of the effective flea treatments. However, it is necessary to ask the vet before purchasing any product from the counter. Consult your local pest control operator on how to exterminate existing fleas from your home and yard.

  • Avoid This One Big Mistake When Designing Your Kitchen (I Was Horrified!)

    So, you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen after living with it for decades. Good for you! I was in the same boat about 2 years ago and let me tell you, if you’ve never done this before, don’t be like me and think that you can manage this on your own. No, I’m not kidding.

    We bought this house almost 20 years ago and I still love it. After a few decades, however, you can’t help but look at newer houses and all those great pictures and ideas online and think that it’s time to give your kitchen an uplift.

    There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s a great idea overall. As long as you don’t get in over your head and if you don’t make my mistake and not listen to anyone else’s opinions.

    I Confess.

    Let me be right up front and confess that sometimes, I can be a real cheapskate. I love quality, but I honestly look at women who spend $3,000 for a purse or guys who blow $5,000 on a pool table they rarely use and think, “WTH.”

    So, while I’m more than willing to fork over more cash for, let’s say, a quality pair of shoes, I will NOT pay extra for a popular label. I’m a diehard fan of thrift stores, garage sales, and eBay.

    So, while I was looking at granite, marble, and concrete countertops, I saw a picture of a beautiful farmhouse style kitchen with old fashioned tile countertops.

    My Kitchen

    My old kitchen had laminate countertops that I couldn’t wait to get rid of. However, the price of granite and marble was enough to make me choke on my diet Coke. Once I saw that picture of a gleaming white tiled kitchen, I couldn’t get it out of my mind.

    Are You Crazy?

    I think those were my husband’s first words to me when I showed him the picture. I tried to explain how beautiful I thought it was; so pristine looking, but he looked at me like I had a blue and a green eye. It helped to tell him that it was half the cost of granite, but he still wasn’t convinced.

    My mother also told me that I was crazy. She said ceramic tile was nice but white? What if it chipped? “I can replace it! I’ll keep a box of extra tile in the garage!” My mother had a bathroom with a tile countertop and I thought it was still nice looking, even if it was pink and more than 40 years old.

    The Problem

    I was 100% right in that I loved, loved, loved my new tile countertops. I did the backsplash in white subway tile and with my new red and stainless-steel appliances, I was in love with my new kitchen!

    For about a year.

    I think the real problem with tile in the kitchen is that no one tells you all the work that is involved in keeping it clean. Of course, there was no one to blame but myself that I wanted white tile with white grout, but unless you picked yellow, red, or dark brown grout, you will still have to clean it more than you wanted to.

    Yes, I had the grout sealed, but it didn’t work as well as I had hoped. There are spots around the stove that simply won’t stay clean and they never look as pristine as the day they were installed.

    I use one of those “soft scrub” types of cleaners that have bleach, but they need to be rinsed off more than once to make the tiles shine like they used to.

    I’m actually embarrassed to have friends take a closer look at my kitchen and frequently suggest we have coffee in the dining room.

    My Advice

    Listen to people when they warn you from doing something. I mean seriously, think more than twice because this is something you will have to live with for a long time.

    If I had it to do over again I think I would opt for granite because one thing is certain, spilled coffee or red wine won’t cause a panic.