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How to Remove Sandstone Fireplace Caulk Stain

Wed, Oct 28, 2015 Sandstone, caulk on sandstone, Methylene Chloride, natural stone fireplace, stain on stone fireplace 0 0 354 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q. I have a sandstone fireplace from the 80s; the previous owners had a fireplace screen door on it and they caulked around the door onto the stone. I removed the fireplace screen door and caulk, but it left a stain that I can't remove. I have... Read More

The caulking on my tub surround has turned black. I have tried all kinds of mildew cleaners, but nothing works. I hope you have a suggestion!

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 639 0/5 (0 Vote)

Mildew can be difficult to remove from silicone caulking because it grows into the caulking. I suggest removing the caulking with a putty knife and replacing it with new caulk. If replacement is out of the question, you may want to try applying Soft... Read More

The silicon caulking around my granite shower wall seems to be staining the granite. Is there a way to remove this stain?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 654 0/5 (0 Vote)

Staining from silicon can be very difficult to remove, but not impossible. First remove all the silicone caulking; removal of the stain will require the application of a poultice and a strong solvent such as methylene chloride. Several applications... Read More

Can steam be used to clean stone surfaces? We have silicone caulking on a granite sidewalk and steam from a hotsy machine is the only method that will take it off.

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 679 0/5 (0 Vote)

Steam can be used effectively on stone surfaces but be careful if you use any chemicals such as alkalies. Rinse the surface throughly if using alkaline cleaners. TIP Another good method for removing caulking, tar or chewing gum from granite surfaces... Read More

Silicon Staining Along Grout Joints

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 596 0/5 (0 Vote)

Suppose you have an interior granite wall that had some silicon caulking used in the grout joints. The silicon then caused staining along the grout edges. A poultice successfully removed the staining, but then later, the stains reappeared. What... Read More

I have a large marble insert surrounded by a pine wood floor. The marble needs to be refinished, but I am concerned that any water will ruin the wood floor. Do you have any suggestions?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 614 0/5 (0 Vote)

This is a difficult problem, since water is usually required to refinish marble, and water will warp the wood. But there are several options. First, consider refinishing the marble using dry abrasives, such as sanding screens; these will create dust,... Read More

The slate steps on our front porch have developed a hard white deposit coming from the grout lines. How can we clean it off?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 640 0/5 (0 Vote)

The white deposits are salts, which are bleeding through from the grout joints or from the mortar. An acid wash will be required to remove the salts. If the deposits are heavy, try scraping them off before washing the slate with acid. Several acid... Read More

How do I prevent water from leaking through the baseboard edges and down onto the first floor. There is a small space between the tile floor and the wall.

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 820 0/5 (0 Vote)

The best way is to seal this space with silicone or acrylic caulking. Run a bead around the perimeter of the base. When you are done with the job the caulking should easily peel off or you can leave it in place. CAUTION If you use silicone caulking... Read More

What is the best way to fill holes in travertine tiles?

Thu, Mar 1, 2007 travertine holes, travertine fill, fill holes in travertine 0 0 356 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q. What is the best way to fill holes in travertine tiles?A. One quick and effective way of filling holes in honed travertine is to squeeze some almond-colored caulking material in the holes. Fill in excess, push the filler in as deep as possible... Read More

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