My husband is a heavy smoker, and his bad habit has stained my white marble walls yellow. How can I remove these stains?

Smoke stains can be difficult to remove, and may require the use of a poultice. There are several gel-type cleaners that will remove smoke stains; ask your stone supplier for a recommendation. The gel cleaners are brushed onto the surface and allowed to sit for several minutes before being rinsed away. This sounds like a job that should be performed by a professional.

TIP A solution of ammonia and water with the addition of a few drops of dishwashing 1. detergent can also work well on tobacco stains. Apply this solution and let it soak for several minutes. Reapply if the solution dries.