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

Q. My puppy pooped on our limestone hearth, and it left a stain. What should I use to remove the stain? A vinegar and peroxide solution? A. Vinegar might seem like a natural cleaner, but it’s actually one of the worst things to use on... Read More

Q. We had a beige sandstone countertop installed for an outdoor kitchen. It is sanded smooth and was sealed with three coats of sealer. I don’t know what kind—just said “sealer” on the can. Some was spilled on our manufactured patio... Read More

Q. There are black mildew stains around the drain of my travertine sink. I was away when they appeared and had a house guest during that time using the bathroom. I don't know nor does she know how the stains got there. The sink was new. I did... Read More

Q. Please advise what kind of poultice should I use for red shirt dye in Yorkshire stone flag stone. A. Yorkshire stone is a soft, thirsty sandstone that grabs color quickly. The good news is that most clothing dyes are organic, which means they can... Read More

Q. How can I remove drip stains caused by hydrochloride acid that was mixed 10:1 with water?? I was washing the walls and only left the acid mix on for no longer than 5 mins but the lower tiles have drip lines on them. A. What is the tile is... Read More