Dear Do-It Man: How can I clean water stains off a stone monument? The stains are left by the sprinklers and the grave in question is in the Syracuse cemetery. I called the company that made the marker and they told me to use toilet-bowl cleaner. I'm worried that might ruin the polished portion of the stone.
- B.G.
Dear B.G.: We called a number of local monument companies and got a bunch of different suggestions. We can't attest to their effectiveness and safety but we can tell you what the companies said had worked for them.
The smart thing to do, of course, is to test-clean a small spot of the stone before doing the entire thing. Don't use a strong cleaner on painted lettering. And read instructions on the product before you use it.
Suggestions ranged from scrubbing it with vinegar to hydrochloric acid. (Be very, very careful, use gloves and rinse the rock thoroughly. If you're clumsy and prone to spills, forget the hydrochloric acid.)
A word of caution: If you use a cleaning product on the stone, you should rinse it quickly and thoroughly.
"Use anything that works on your bathroom tile, it's the same principle," said one monument worker.
The most common answer was Lime-Away. Other suggestions included scraping the stains off with a razor blade or steel wool. (This shouldn't hurt the smooth polished surface because the rock is harder than a razor blade or steel wool.)
If the stains haven't been there long, they might even rub off with a cloth and a lot of elbow grease.
Don't expect it to be a piece of cake. "None of these is easy," said one monument worker. "I cleaned a monument yesterday and had to use Lime-Away, hydrochloric acid, a razor blade and steel wool before I got it clean."
Losing your job?
Fewer jobs are secure today as many American companies reduce their work forces.
According to a human resources consulting firm, which helps fired employees adjust to their future, laid-off workers should not take it personally. The firm - Drake Beam Morin Inc. - says company downsizing affects employees regardless of talent, loyalty or seniority.
It offers this advice:
- Take your time. Any job loss is an emotional shock, so think long and hard before reaching any decisions.
- Assess your future. This could be the time to change industries, start a new career or your own business. Evaluate your skills and consider every alternative.
- Begin networking. Contact friends, business, social and professional acquaintances about career opportunities. Ideas and leads can come from anywhere.
- Associated Press