A HELPING HAND : Sealer Will Help Protect Sandstone From Erosion

Q. I have a sandstone bowl mounted on a tile wall that will catch water from a pipe, then allow it to overflow through three spouts into a catch basin where it is recirculated. I think the sandstone needs to be treated to protect it from water erosion; what should I use?

C.P.

Mission Viejo

A. You’ll want to use a good quality, water-based sealer, says Joe Gonzales of Statueland in Garden Grove. A lacquer-type sealer won’t be able to stand up to being in continuous contact with water. Let the sandstone dry out for a few days, then apply the sealer with a brush. After a few years of use, the sandstone will become sealed by the minerals in the water and you won’t need to reapply the sealer again.

*

Q. My dishwasher leaves a dull, white film on the dishes, glass and silverware. I’ve tried switching detergents, using an additive, using less detergent, all of which have yielded negative results. What could be causing this problem?

S.W.

Irvine

A. Many areas of Orange County have a lot of hard water deposits, which can cause problems in the water line to the dishwasher, keeping the dishes from getting a good rinse, says Rod Albright of Albright Plumbing & Heating in Los Alamitos. But the problem could also be a lack of water flow into and out of the dishwasher. Many dishwashers have a water supply line made of copper, which can be easily kinked if something pressures it. This prevents a good flow, the mineral deposits build up in the tubing, and the water trickles in.

Also, check the filter at the water inlet, which can get clogged over time. Look at the water outlet too; this is often plugged with food particles. If you’ve noticed your dishwasher has streaky, orange iron deposit stains, try running it empty a few times with a few spoonfuls of the orange drink Tang in the soap dispenser.

*

Q. We have lots of sun coming into our house in the afternoon, and we’d prefer to get outdoor window blinds to keep out the glare, but we haven’t been able to find them. Any ideas?

M.A.P.

Laguna Beach

A. Those outdoor-style blinds aren’t around much any more, says Gidon Adlon of Bob’s Shades & Linoleum in Orange. You may want to try some of the discount hardware stores or an imports store such as Pier 1. As an alternative, try a solar-type screen on the windows. These fine mesh screens are available at glass and shade stores, and they block out the glare and some of the heat while still allowing good airflow when the window is open.

*

Q. We just bought a house where the previous owner had recently remodeled the kitchen with new ceramic tile on the counters and wallpaper. We hate the paper and want to get rid of it, which is simple, but every other tile on the counter has the same orange-and-black design that the wallpaper has. Is there a way to clean it off without damaging the tile?

S.O.

Garden Grove

A. Your only choice if you don’t like the painted tiles is to remove them, says Tere Corrigan of Intile Designs in Anaheim. If the tile was done recently, you shouldn’t have a problem finding plain ones to match. Once you get them, you’ll have to hit each painted tile in the middle with a chisel, then take a hand scraper and scrape away the old grout and cement. Apply a new coat of thin-set with the new tile and let it dry out for a day before reapplying the grout.

*

Q. Does the oil in my lawn mower have to be changed periodically, or can I just continue to top off the level before using it?

W.E.

Fountain Valley

A. If you want to keep your mower for a while, absolutely change the oil, says landscaper Dave Kata of Santa Ana. If you’re mowing a large area, it’s good to change it after every 10 jobs. The mower is breathing in a lot more dust and dirt than your car, and keeping the filter clean and the oil fresh will go a long way toward keeping your mower in good shape.