Q: I have a candle wax spill about six inches in diameter on my fireplace hearth. The hearth is stone, and the wax is on the stone and the cement grout. Any ideas would be appreciated.

A: The National Training Center for Stone and Masonry Trades in Longwood, Fla., recommends that you start by scraping off as much wax as you can. (First, harden the wax by setting a plastic bag filled with ice cubes and water on it.) Then, use acetone or mineral spirits to remove the rest of the wax.

If a stain remains, you'll need to use a poultice made by combining mineral spirits with a material that will absorb the stain, such as flour, sawdust, paper towels or diatomaceous earth, which is available from pool suppliers and some garden centers. Specific instructions for making and using a poultice are on the training center's Web site at www.ntc-stone.com/tips.htm.

When making a poultice, be sure to use the proper chemical for the particular stain, the center cautions. The wrong chemical could react with a stain and make it permanent.