Q.  Hi. I just had a question about being able to remove some water stains on a granite countertop. I worked in August on two tables, which are granite and the white, somewhat sparkly you know, on it. It seems like they were retaining the water... Read More

These white streaks may be hard-water deposits, which can prove very difficult to remove. Suggest that they try a sulfamic acid-based tile-and-grout cleaner -- Stonecare PRO Signature’s HEAVY DUTY Tile and Grout Cleaner. CAUTION Make sure to... Read More

It sounds as though your slate floor has a rough finish which catches the fibers of the mop as it is dragged across the floor. First, you need to deep-clean the floor to remove all dirt and grime. Next, apply a good-quality acrylic sealer. Several... Read More

The streaking may be caused by any one of a number of problems. The mop you are using may be dirty. Use a clean string mop and make a point of only using it for the marble floor. Wring the mop out several times as you clean the floor. Are you using... Read More

Short of removing it and installing new grout I would try cleaning it with stone soap or neutral cleaner. Be sure to use a soft brush and scrub the grout lines throughly. If this does not throughly clean the grout you may need to replace it. TIP The... Read More

It sounds like you may be using an improper cleaner in your mop water or you are using a dirty mop. Try switching to a daily cleaner specifically designed for marble flooring. Also make sure the mop is clean and that it is only used for the marble... Read More

All minerals have a certain hardness. The hardness of a mineral is determined by performing a scratch test. A scratch test is based on the Moh’s scale of hardness. A German scientist invented this scale by taking several known, pure minerals... Read More

Q. What are those white dots on my white marble?   A. This article, by Frederick M. Hueston, Stone Forensics, provides the answer.Have you ever wondered what those white dots are on white marble? You sometimes see thousands of them in high... Read More

Q. What is the best way to clean a white marble bathtub? What is the best way to keep it clean? What shampoos and soaps should be used by people in marble bathtubs?   A. The shampoos, soaps, and cleaners you use can damage, stain, or diminish the... Read More

Q: We have a travertine dining room table. One of our cats got sick on it the other night. The next morning when we cleaned up the vomit, because of the acid in his stomach, it left a small stain about the size of a dollar bill. Is there a way to... Read More