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With marble countertops being all the rage, its time we talk about how to care for this stunning surface. While it lends a timeless and elegant look to your kitchen and bathrooms, truth be told, the beloved stone can be rather high maintenance. Take the proper measures, however, and its totally worth it for a classic look that isnt going out of style any time soon.

Here are a few tips to keep your marble countertops looking as new as the day you got them.

Use a Sealer

Unlike quartz or granite, marble is a porous surface. That means that a spilled glass of red wine could potentially be the end of your all-white kitchen. To avoid that from happening, youre going to have to apply a marble sealer. Your supplier can likely do this upon installation, as well as provide advice on how often to reapply the sealer. Typically, once a month will do the trick.

Avoid Acids

Acidic substances, like lemons, should never be in direct contact with marble because they will etch the surface. Be sure to use a cutting board and stay away from cleaning agents that may have vinegar or lemon in them. Although marble is heat resistant, its also a good idea to always use a trivet or pot holder when placing a hot pan on the countertop.

Clean Carefully

For daily cleaning, you can use a mild dish or stone soap, then rinse with water to keep marble spick and span. If you do end up with a stubborn stain that refuses to come out, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia can be applied to the surface and repeated as necessary. One major benefit of marble is that, unlike other surfaces, it can be sanded down to remove the impossible stain if necessary.

Whether you go with a classic Calacatta or a sophisticated Statuario, take these proper precautions and youll be enjoying a flawless kitchen for years to come!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

There are more materials, colors, and patterns available in kitchen countertops than ever before”and since many are close in price, the decision may be even harder.

The product testers at Consumer Reports scratched, stained and scorched seven of the leading contenders. What they found may help potential remodelers narrow their choice of materials:

No two slabs of granite are alike, but they all survive abuse with ease and maintain beauty and luster. But edges and corners can chip, and counters will need periodic sealing. Estimated cost: $100 – $200 per square foot.
Also known as engineered stone, quartz is a blend of stone chips, resins, and pigments, which can take plenty of use and abuse, although edges and corners can chip. While quartz comes in an array of vibrant colors and styles, they can appear unnaturally uniform, although manufacturers are trying for a more random look. Estimated cost: $100 – $185 per square foot.

Ceramic tile. Tile comes in a wide selection of colors and patterns, mixes nicely with other materials and works well on a backsplash or island top. Not only is it inexpensive, but it also offers excellent heat resistance. While the grout is likely to stain even when it’s sealed, darker grout can help. Edges and corners can chip, so buying a few extra tiles will allow you to repair localized damage easily. Estimated cost: $20 – $75 per square foot.

Butcher block. Handy for a lot of chopping and dicing, these mostly maple countertops are lovely, but they do sustain damage from heat, cuts, scrapes and impact. They should also be varnished and treated regularly with mineral oil or beeswax. Estimated cost: $35 – $200 per square foot.
Beautiful and classic, marble takes on a patina over the years that some may see as marred. While it chips and scratches relatively easily, small nicks and scratches can be polished out. Estimated cost: $125 – $250 per square foot.

Stainless steel. Very resistant to heat and stains, this material gives kitchens a sleek, commercial look. While stainless steel does show dents and scratches, the material can be welded, ground or buffed. Estimated cost: $75 – $140 per square foot.
Generally custom-formed, concrete can be tinted and textured. Not only does it chip and scratch easily, but it can also develop hairline cracks. Topical sealers can protect against stains but not heat; penetrating sealers can handle heat, but not stains. Estimated cost: $70 – $140 per square foot.

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Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few tips to help make a large home feel more intimate.

Textures and Colors

Dark walls can make a space appear smaller. Rich earth tones, like brown, dark green and red create a cozy ambience.

Thoughtful Furnishings

A spacious room may benefit from multiple seating areas that serve various purposes, such as a quiet reading nook and a separate space with couches where groups can hang out.

Embrace the Scale

Embrace the grand proportions of the home. That could mean using expansive wall space and soaring ceilings as a way to decorate with sizable works of art or tall indoor trees.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you or someone in your family has allergies or asthma, HealthFinder.gov offers tips to help make your home a better place to breathe easier.

Identify Triggers
One major step is figuring out what causes yours or a family members allergy or asthma attacks. Different people will react to different allergens and irritants (things that can irritate the lungs). Consult a doctor about tests to learn what exactly is causing a reaction. Once you identify these triggers, you can take steps to get rid of or avoid those things in your home.

Make Bedrooms Safer
We all spend a lot of time in our bedrooms, so work to keep allergens and irritants out of yours.

Cover your mattresses and pillows in dust proof or allergen proof covers to combat allergens, namely dust mites.
Wash all bedding in very hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) once a week. Go to a laundromat if the water in your home doesn’t get that hot.
If you have pets that youre allergic to, like cats or dogs, keep them out of the bedroom.
If possible, remove all carpets; its easier to keep bare floors clean.

Control Moisture
Keep your home dry to prevent mold. Mold, a common asthma trigger, can start to grow in wet or damp places within just one or two days.

If you have a water leak, clean up the water immediately. Fix the leak as soon as possible.
When you take a shower, run the bathroom fan or open the window for at least 20 minutes afterward.
Check the humidity level in your home with a moisture or humidity meter (available at hardware stores). You may need to use a de-humidifier or air conditioner to keep the humidity level below 60 percent”between 30 and 50 percent is best.
Safely clean mold or throw out moldy items. You may need to consult a specialist for bad cases.

Keep Pests Out
Rodents and cockroaches might cause allergy or asthma attacks, among other health issues, so practice pest prevention.

Fix leaks in sinks and toilets.
Put trays under your plants, radiators and refrigerator. Check the trays for water and clean them often.
Store food, including pet food, in closed containers.
Clean up crumbs and spills right away.
Fill in cracks or holes that could be good indoor hiding places for pests.
Put screens in your windows and doors.
If you see roaches or rodents, call a pest control company.

Go Smoke-Free
Tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, can make asthma worse. And babies who live in homes where people smoke are at higher risk of developing asthma. If you smoke, make a plan to quit today. If you have guests who smoke, ask them to do so outside.

Breathing too much smoke from a wood-burning stove or fireplace can also cause an asthma attack. If you can avoid it, dont burn wood in your home.

For more help, consult a doctor about managing allergies or asthma.

Published with permission from RISMedia.