Q. We moved into a new house 6 months ago that has a shower stall made with 4x4 tumbled travertine tiles. We live in Phoenix where the water is pretty hard and the stone is getting a hazy white appearance to it most likely from the hard water. We... 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. CAUTION Make sure to let them know to NOT use sulfamic acid or any acids on marble. Acid... 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

Q. We installed a marble shower wall, and the contractor used an acid to clean it. We had it professionally repolished, but it keeps getting etched after we take a shower. What’s causing the etching and how do we correct it?   A. If you are... Read More

Q. A tile merchant told me that you re-seal polished marble yearly and after 2 to 3 years you have to have it acid washed. Considering marble for bathtub surround walls and floor. Is travertine any less care? Live in hard water area.     A. The... Read More

Q.  My son spilled apple juice on my new limestone floor and now there are marks. Can this be fixed? A.  Limestone is extremely sensitive to acids and most likely the dull spots are where the acids in the apple juice have now etched the stone.... Read More

Q. Is granite sensitive to acids? A. Unlike marble, granite is not a calcite based stone and is not generally vulnerable to acids. However, some stones, even though they are marketed as granite, may in fact have calcium in their makeup. Furthermore,... Read More