Color sealing works on grout that is discolored but structurally sound, and grout that is cracked or crumbling needs repair first. This post covers the observable signs that decide which one you have, plus the difference between sealing, color sealing, and grout repair.
Four different things show up as white on shower tile, and each needs a different answer. This post gives a homeowner-usable tell for calcium buildup, soap scum, efflorescence, and etching, and it is honest about how much can safely come off a stone shower.
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Grout goes back to looking dirty for one of three reasons, and only one of them is dirt. This post draws the line between grout that needs cleaning again and grout where cleaning is no longer the answer.
Not sure this is the right topic? Three questions usually sort it out. First, what is the stone? Marble, travertine and limestone are calcium-based and react to acid, granite and quartzite are harder, and quartz is engineered rather than quarried. Stone 101 covers that.
Second, is the surface dirty or damaged? Soil sitting in travertine pits or grout lines is a cleaning problem, and Cleaning and Sealing explains what professional extraction reaches that mopping cannot. A mark you can feel with a dry fingertip is missing stone rather than dirt, and Polishing and Restoration covers how honing and polishing put it back.
Third, where is it? Grout lines and showers are under Tile and Grout. Patios, pool decks, flagstone and pavers are under Outdoor Stone, where Arizona sun, monsoon dust and hard water change the answers. Everything about keeping a surface from getting to that point is in Care and Maintenance.
If you would rather have someone look at it, Stone Care of Arizona provides free in-home estimates across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree and Fountain Hills. Request a free estimate or call (480) 625-0557.
