stain removal

[Hevsky25]

is there a way to remove oil (baby) out of natural untreated stone? tried scrubbing with soap and water, steaming off with brown paper, but no joy.,

[iwalec]

You need to apply a poultice. The poultice should consist of Fullers Earth or Talc, which is soaked in household ammonia. Leave it for a couple of hours and remove.
If the stain remains after that, you will need to use a chemical degreasant such as methylene chloride using the same poultice method.

[Hevsky25]

can u buy these poultice in b+q? ive seen these things advertised, not sure of what they consist, but gather you can buy complete packs? ive got 4 days till the folks get back! god i feel like a child and im 27, lol! its a stone hearth ive mnaged to destroy! if ur not sure, thanks for the advice though.

[iwalec]

If you can't get one from B&Q (which I think you can), use talcum powder (nay brand), or cat litter and nail varnish remover (acetone). Make sure you have the windows open if you use acetone or ammonia - try ammonia first, it usually works very well with stone or concrete.

[Hevsky25]

thanks ur a star, will try the shops tommorow. it wont stain the stone any worse if it doesnt remove, will it? read a few articles that suggest putting it on for 24 hrs, with film over it? not sure im reading the correct stuff for the job!

[iwalec]

No. Ammonia is colourless and so is acetone. You need to allow about 24 hours for the smell of either to disappear. The fullers earth or talcum powder can be vaccuumed away when you've finished. Using fullers earth and acetone got me out of a lot of trouble with my wife when I spilled used engine oil.