Q. How can I remove white stains from rubbing alcohol dripping on my saltillo tile? The tile is sealed but the sealant probably needs to be redone.  A. The alcohol has removed the existing sealer. The best thing to do is to strip the existing... Read More

Q. We have mold buildup in grout joints and surface has film on it. What is best to clean mold and remove film from surface?   A. There are several cleaners that will remove the mold but you must be careful to choose one that will not damage the... Read More

In other words how can I grow algae and molds on the new wall? For this question I contacted a bryolgist at a major university. Bryologly is the study of molds and fungus. He gave me the following formula. Prepare the following mixture and paint it... Read More

Applying an Impregnator to a Wall or Vertical Surface It can be challenging to apply an impregnator to a natural stone wall or vertical surface, because gravity causes the product to drip and dribble before it has time to be absorbed. It is no... Read More

The spotting can be caused by dripping toilet bowl cleaners, which can etch the marble surface. As of this writing there are no sealers that will prevent acid etching. I would suggest purchasing a non-acidic bathroom bowl cleaner, available at most... Read More

Q. One of our AC repair techs accidentally dripped an oil called PVE (polyvinylether) on a client's natural stone. The stone was already there when the clients bought the home, so they aren't sure what kind of stone it is, but we can tell... Read More

Q. The installer of my granite countertop used a color enhancing and impregnating sealer.  I wish he would have asked if I wanted the deepened color. Is there any way to return the granite to the original color and then reseal with non enhancing... Read More

Q. How do I create a poultice to remove stains? I know that to remove stains from my granite countertops that I need to make a poultice, but how do I do it?A. Here is how you do it:First, understand what a poultice is. It is simply a chemical or... Read More

Q. We have a tumbled travertine (unsealed) stone floor in our shower. I really need to know how to deep clean this floor, as it has gotten bad - a bit scummy, mildewy, and moldy. How should I clean my shower floor? Can you help? A. Keeping your... Read More

Q. My master bath was remodeled approx. 8 months ago and we used honed and tumbled travertine. It was professionally installed and moisture barrier was used in shower. Approx a month ago, I noticed a few black "dots" on the floor of the shower (they... Read More