Surface Care PROS KB

Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention

Feb 5, 2026 0 0 91 0/5 (0 Vote)

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 subflorescence. These... Read More

Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention

Feb 5, 2026 0 0 93 0/5 (0 Vote)

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 subflorescence. These... Read More

We have a stone building (circa 1900) that is in dire need of cleaning. What is the best time of year to schedule cleaning?

Feb 5, 2026 old stone building, time of year to clean 0 0 63 0/5 (0 Vote)

This will depend in which climate your building is located. If located in the northern hemisphere never schedule cleaning during the winter months since freezing temperature can cause the stone to spall. The best times are in late spring or early... Read More

How should I clean my travertine shower floor?

Feb 5, 2026 clean, shower floor, soap scum, mildew, mold, travertine 0 0 122 0/5 (0 Vote)

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

I tried polishing a green marble tile, I think it was called Taiwan green. The marble was shiny but it did not have the depth that most marbles have. Is there a technique I can use to get the depth and clarity?

Feb 5, 2026 0 0 70 0/5 (0 Vote)

Many green marbles will not have the depth of shine that other marbles have. The greens from Asia are some of these types. The surface will have a good shine but little clarity.Unfortunately there is not much that can be done to give the stone any... Read More

I was called to remove a heavy wax coating on a granite floor. I’ve discovered that the janitorial company has been stripping and waxing this floor for several years. The problem is the granite is developing small pits and appears to be falling

Feb 5, 2026 0 0 86 0/5 (0 Vote)

The problem may be with the strippers that have been used. Many strippers have an alkaline pH and this can lead to the deposit of alkaline salts in the pores of the granite. If the stripper is not rinsed throughly and any stripper residue is left... Read More

I just looked at a marble floor that had some type of a wax on it. There appears to be a blotchy appearance as if something is coming up from the marble and just under neath the wax. What is this?

Feb 5, 2026 0 0 78 0/5 (0 Vote)

It sounds like moisture is trying to escape from the marble. This is a problem if a non breathable coating is placed on the marble. You will need to strip the coating off the floor and allow it to dry for several days. I would suggest polishing the... Read More

We have a black marble floor that appears to have raised veins. In other words the white veins in the marble appear to be lifting up and in some places are falling apart. What causes this to happen?

Feb 5, 2026 0 0 59 0/5 (0 Vote)

I am assuming that the black marble you are referring to is negro marquina. If this is the case you will find that this type of black marble is very susceptible to spalling of the veins. Over-polishing with either powder polishes or recrystallization... Read More

The white veins in the black marble floor in my customer’s bathroom appear to be crumbling and disintegrating. What’s causing this, and can it be repaired?

Feb 4, 2026 0 0 76 0/5 (0 Vote)

Black marble, especially Negro marquina, is very susceptible to spalling. Spalling is a condition in which the stone flakes off and falls apart. Several factors can cause spalling: excess moisture, choice of setting material and method, the polishing... Read More

The green marble floor in our bathroom is acquiring a specked white appearance that won’t clean off. What can I use to clean it?

Feb 4, 2026 0 0 61 0/5 (0 Vote)

First, you need to determine whether or not the white specks you describe are on the surface of the marble. If you can’t clean them off, chances are they lie below the surface of the marble. If this is the case, it is possible that there are... Read More