Have a gas log puffback on the tile and in the grout. Any suggestions will be appreciated. David?????

I would try a filtration soil detergent with a rinse. Brush it in and flush with water.

Depending how heavy the soot is is going have a bearing on how you approach it. Also you didn’t mention the texture or finish of the stone, which will also have an affect.

Wipe off as much as you can with a soft cloth. If it’s not too heavy you should be able to clean it with a neutral Ph stone soap (I don’t like using dish detergent but in a case like this you could try it. It’s best if you use one that’s clear in color.) If you need to go even stronger try a degreaser (clear hopefully) or a solution with ammonia. Just make certain you rinse the stone and the grout very well. If this doesn’t work and you can’t get the stains out of the grout or even the stone for that matter, you will need to make up a poultice.

You probably know what a poultice is but on the off chance you don’t and for the sake of others reading this; it’s a compound you make up to draw something out. Remember when you were a kid and you’d get stung by a wasp, chances are your Mom made up a paste of water and baking soda to draw out the poison. For this poultice mix up DE (diatomaceous earth), your clear degreaser and maybe a little hydrogen peroxide. You want the consistency of wet peanut butter or a thick yogurt. Put it on the affected area about a ¼ thick and cover with plastic rap. Come back 24hrs later and pull off the plastic. If the police is dry and powdery great, sweep it away and hope for the best. If it’s not let it dry completely and then clean it up. Hopefully the stain is gone or at least lightened. If you’ve seen some improvement but it’s still not where you want it then make up some more and reapply it – it could take several attempts.

Now if anything has happened to the finish of the stone you’ll need to restore it accordingly. Once everything is said and done the stone and grout should be sealed with an impregnating sealer. My sealer of choice is Dry Treat’s Stain Proof. Put on two applications and buff off the residue and you’ll be good to go.

David Gelinas
Marbleguy