QUESTION

What do I use to clean and reseal my natural stone? - I need to know what to clean my porous natural stone tiles in my shower with in prep for resealing? then what sealer do you suggest to seal them and the grout with. They are not a shiney stone and I do not what them to be.

ANSWER

ANSWER - Cleaning natural stone after normal use should normally be done with a neutral base cleaner, assuming the stone was originally properly cleaned prior to being put into service.  Assuming you don't have any cement film or other not typical residues from normal use, you should clean the stone with a stone cleaner (detergent type) added to water and use a bristle brush with the detergent water to scrub the stone clean.  Don't use a brush that is too abrasive and that causes scratches.  Thoroughly flush the stone clean with clean water.

Let the stone thorough dry for a day or two.  Apply a breathable penetrating type of sealer to the stone that does not enhance the color of the stone.  Depending on how porous your stone is, you will need to select the appropriate sealer.  Go to our website to Resources on the Expert Answers page for Cleaners and Sealers where there is a list of manufacturers with links to their websites.  Select a cleaner and sealer which they recommend.  Make sure when you apply the sealer, that you wipe off the excess after five minutes with a lint free cloth, so it doesn't cause a problem.  Good Luck.