Q. My wife cleaned part of our shower stall with vinegar to remove what she said is soap scum. I told her the glass OK but leave the stone alone. She thinks a sealer was used on the shower post installation 2 years ago and that the vinegar removed some of the sealer. My question is, are sealers used on fossil stone and if so what kind. In future how should she clean the shower. Even though stone is in my ancestry & blood, I apparently don't have the right answer. Can you help us ?? thanx, Raffaelle

 

A. Hello Raffaelle. I dont know if your stone is honed or polished but vinegar is acidic and limestone is mainly composed of calcium carbonate making it acid sensititve.

 

The second vinegar is introduced to the surface of the stone it gets neutralized. The chemical reaction creates a dull spot known as an etch mark in the surface of your stone. I am assuming that is why your wife thinks the sealer is gone. Most sealers are impregnating and live below the surface of the stone so I'm gonna guess you have a large etch mark. You may need a bona fide stone refinisher to fix the problem. Find one in your area at www.stoneandtilepros.com

 

Stu Rosen