Sealant, poultices help keep dirt away

Stone is used more and more in American homes for everything from floors to counter tops to wall surfaces.

Stone is becoming more affordable because of improvements in the stone cutting industry. Granite, marble, limestone, slate and sandstone are generally easy-care durable materials that will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

The first step in maintaining stone surfaces is to protect it from stains by sealing it with an impregnator; this product should be applied by the installer.

I recommend two coats because the impregnator fills the pores of the stone like water filling up a sponge.

New surfaces should be cleaned with stone soap, allowed to dry thoroughly, and then sealed.

On older surfaces, make sure that all stains are removed prior to sealing. Once the stain is sealed in, it will never come out.

Stains on stone will not come out by scrubbing the surface; the stain will remain because the stain has penetrated deep into the pores of the stone.

The only way to remove stains from ink, tea, coffee, wine, fruit, etc. is with the use of a poultice. To make a poultice, mix white bleached flour with hydrogen peroxide to form a paste with the consistency of yogurt.

For cooking oil and copper stains, mix white bleached flour with ammonia to form a paste.

For mildew, algae and mod, mix flour and household bleach. This works great on gout that has embedded stains.

Application: Apply the poultice over the stained area, overlapping by at least one inch all around.

Cover with plastic wrap and allow it do dry for 24 hours. Remove the plastic and test for dryness.

If it is dry, scrape it off with a dull instrument and examine the area.

If all of the stain is not gone, mix up another poultice and apply it again.

Note: I've had to do this up to seven times before the stain was completely removed — you must exercise patience when doing this.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compounds. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation contractor. Ed is the CEO of Northwest Executive & Environmental Services, LLC.