Q. How and with what do I address a crack in a travertine table top? A. Many problems with natural stone can be resolved by homeowners. Other problems require the services of a stone restoration professional. Before you move forward with DIY repair... Read More

Q. My housekeeper put straight vinegar on my shiny black marble floor on the entry way only to my bedroom & bathroom. I have ordered an etch removal product. Is this all I need? What else will I need to do? Should I sand the etched area? A.... Read More

Q. Water feature has chlorine residue buildup causing a white stain on natural rock waterfall. How can I remove the chlorine residue from the rock? A. What you are seeing is likely mineral deposits. Chlorinated water doesn’t cause the deposits,... 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

Q. Is it possible to remove a bleach stain from a green slate worktop? This is a Cumbrian slate from the north of England. A. Yes, it is possible to remove a discoloration on slate that was caused by bleach. To be clear, bleach doesn’t actually... Read More

Q. A water stain was caused by a plant pot overflowing, and the overflow stood for 24 hours, leaving an outline. I tried to clean the outline with steel wool and made a worse mark. What can I do? I am not sure if the table is stone or slate. A. Just... Read More

Q. My bathroom needs to be stripped and resealed. A contractor sealed brand new travertine with a water-based sealant, and it has turned the beautiful tile into a mess. I have 160 sq. ft. on the floor, 100 sq. ft. on shower walls, and 28 sq. ft. on... Read More

Q. I spilled some coffee on my tile, and it won’t come off. I tried floor cleaning solution, vinegar and water, vinegar and baking soda, watered bleach, and hydrogen peroxide. Nothing seems to work. I am pretty sure it is porcelain tile.  A.... Read More

Q. My pickling vinegar bottle (7 percent acidic) leaked on my flagstone floor. I made a paste of baking soda and applied it after washing the floor with stone floor cleaner. I let the paste sit for the afternoon to no avail. I would appreciate any... Read More

Q. Unfortunately, I had a decorative Halloween candle holder with the fake light in it turned on. Part of the black plastic from the candle holder melted from the heat of the fireplace and ran down the mantel. I cannot get the stain out of the cast... Read More