Q. What can we do to clean marble lobby floors in our various commercial buildings? A. The yellowing and graying of certain Italian and Greek white marbles is a common problem that I see all over the world. There are several possible causes for... Read More

Q. My new marble floor has a white powder on it. It cleans up with water, but keeps coming back. Is there anything I can use to clean it off permanently? A. This is a common condition, especially if the floor is new. When the marble is installed, it... Read More

The yellowing and graying of certain Italian and Greek white marbles is a common problem that I see all over the country. There are several possible causes for this condition: Maintenance technique-Take a close look at your maintenance program. Are... Read More

  Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention   By Frederick M. Hueston www.stoneforensics.com The crystallization of soluble salts in Historic masonry causes severe deterioration of the substrate. This crystallization is called... Read More

The white deposits are salts, which are bleeding through from the grout joints or from the mortar. An acid wash will be required to remove the salts. If the deposits are heavy, try scraping them off before washing the slate with acid. Several acid... Read More

This a common condition, especially if the floor is new. When the marble is installed, it is set in a mortar base that is wet; as the moisture leaves the mortar, it carries with it dissolved salts which are deposited on the surface of the stone. This... 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 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.  I just finished putting in a new black marble shower wall, literally giving it its first cleaning. I had no idea that some bathroom cleaners would immediately etch into the marble finish. Please, for the love of God, tell me there is something... Read More

Q. We have a new home with black limestone in the master bathroom shower. I am looking to make a DIY cleaner for routine cleaning of the stone. Do you have a recipe or suggestion of products to use to make the cleaner? A. DIY cleaners can be... Read More