Q. How do I treat an organic or inorganic stain?A. The chemical of choice for both organic and inorganic stains is hydrogen peroxide (30/40 volumes, the clear type – available at your local beauty salon. The one from the drugstore is too weak, at 3... Read More

Q. We are building a new house in South Louisiana. We have a 4-inch concrete slab on the ground. Because we are in a flood zone, we had to build up. So, we have concrete piers and wooden beams that our house actually sits on. We then have 1 1/4"... Read More

Q. How do I apply a poultice to remove a stain?A. How to Make and Apply a Poultice: Before you attempt to remove a stain, it is extremely important to know what has caused it. For reference see our Stone and Tile Care Guide. If you have questions,... Read More

The color in all stone is derived from minerals and organic matter. For example red marbles are red due to the presences of iron. Green marble gets its color from a mineral called serpentine and so forth. There are several excellent books on rock and... Read More

Do Not Mix Chemicals for a Poultice Most grown adults know that chemicals can be dangerous. Sometimes when people are creating a poultice for stain removal on natural stone or other surfaces, they consider mixing chemicals without realizing that... Read More

Q. I have unsealed travertine outdoor tiles that are badly stained from a large pot. This pottery pot had a large palm in it. It became clogged and, with so much rain over time, started oozing dirty water from the pot. The breakdown of the pottery... Read More

Q. How do I remove cactus liquid from flagstone? The cactus was trimmed and the liquid splattered on the flagstone. It was not rinsed off right away and left several stains. A. You’re not alone. Cactus sap can surprise people with how quickly... Read More

Q. Apple juice stain on bluestone patio that has not been sealed. Stain is new. A. Fresh organic discolorations on bluestone are almost always removable, especially when they’re addressed immediately. Good thing you’re tending to the... Read More

Q. Yellow flower petals from Arizona trees recently stained my outdoor limestone tiles. Is there a way to remove this type of stain? The yellow does not blend well with my light grayish tiles. A. It's a shame something natural and harmless like... Read More

Q. I have a brown stain on my marble caused by a basket that a house plant was placed in. The stain is brown, the color of the basket. I will use a poultice, but what ingredients should make up this poultice? A. The brown stain on your marble is... Read More