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How Removing Stains?


Test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first. No matter what cleaner you’re using, it’s always a good idea to test it first, particularly with stronger cleaners. Put a little cleaner on the stone in a spot that’s out of the way. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes to see if it affects the Bluestone tiles.


If the cleaner causes a change in the stone color (after it dries), you shouldn’t use it on the stone. Be aware, though, that just lifting the grime off the stone can affect the color, so make sure it’s the actual stone that’s changing color. Apply an oxidizing cleaner to mold and mildew. Put on gloves and eye protection. Mix the cleaner into a bucket of water according to the package’s instructions.


Use a scrubbing brush to apply the cleaner to the surface, moving it back and forth to thoroughly cleanse the area. You can apply a lot of pressure to Bluestone tiles, so don’t worry about harming it. Leave the cleaner on for at least 12-15 minutes. When you’re done, make sure to rinse the area thoroughly.


Oxidizers work by adding oxygen to the area, removing stains and grime. Bleach is an oxidizer, but many other cleaners are oxidizers, too, which is actually an oxygen bleach cleaner. Don’t use this cleaner in direct sunlight, as it may evaporate before it can work. Pick a cleaner like Stain Solver for this purpose.


Try ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide for algae or mildew. Mix 0.5 cups (120 mL) of your chosen cleaner into 1 gallon (3.8 L) of warm water. Apply the cleaner with a scrubbing brush to the soiled area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Thoroughly rinse the area when you’re done. Never mix ammonia and bleach, as the solution creates toxic gases!

How Replacing a Small Tile?

If your wall tile is smaller than 3 in × 3 in (7.6 cm × 7.6 cm) and you don’t want to damage the ones surrounding it, drill 5 holes in an X-shape through the tile with a carbide masonry drill bit. Use a hammer and a chisel on the holes to chip the tile out.

Pry up the edge of the tile with a chisel. Slide the end blade of your chisel underneath the tile and pull up on the handle to lift it. If the tile is still stuck, hit the end of the chisel’s handle with your hammer to break apart your tile. Work slowly so you don’t accidentally chip any of the tiles next to the one you’re trying to remove.

If you don’t have a chisel, use the back of a claw hammer to lift and pry the tile off of the surface. Use your chisel to scrape off the mortar. Set the chisel blade on the surface next to the adhesive mortar. Apply a firm amount of pressure to the chisel, working in short back and forth motions to scrape the mortar off. Once you’ve removed it all, use a vacuum to get rid of the residue.

Make sure the surface is completely smooth or else you won’t be able to lay another wall tile in flat. Smooth the floor using a floor scraper. Floor scrapers have a wider edge than a hand maul or chisel, as well as a longer handle, making it easier to scrape the floor.

Use a floor scraper to smooth out any rough patches resulting from the tile or grout removal, pushing the edge of the scraper against the floor in precise, forward motions. You can find a floor scraper at a home improvement store or online.