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Stubborn black Mold must be dug out

Q. My bathroom and tub surround are completely tiled, with grout in good shape in most cases, but in a few areas such as corners, and where the tub meets the floor, the grout tended to break up a bit, so the tiler caulked over it. And at the floor line, where he used clear caulk, it has turned black. What if I used white caulk instead of clear; would that work?

TIRED OF BLACK Mold

A. No, it will not work, and caulking is the wrong thing to use, since the grout has stayed intact except in a few places where it was not compacted enough. The tiled corners are always a problem because there is more space behind the corner tiles than elsewhere, and the cure is to keep pressing in grout until no more will press in. It is a matter of being well compacted.

As for the clear caulk that has turned black, that black is Mold and is probably under the clear caulk, but it can migrate through almost anything. So, dig all caulking out with a sharp pointed tool, then dig out all old grout, treat that joint with full-strength household bleach, rinse, and let dry. Then insert the grout - compactly. You must rinse the bleach off because bleach is compatible with nothing.

Q. My copper water pipes have developed a green stain that sometimes I can rub off. Some people said it is harmless, another said to cut out a short section of the pipe where the stain is and replace it. What is it? Is it harmful? Do I really have to cut out a section and replace it?

FRANCIS GUARDINO, Watertown

A. Leave it alone. It isn't hurting a thing. It is oxidation, which occurs when water hits copper, causing the green color. The water is not from a leak; it is usually from condensation. The oxidation, the green color, is the same on a copper roof or copper gutters, which turn green from weathering. The patina (that green stain), is actually good for the copper, preventing further oxidation.

Q. There is a rough spot on my stainless steel refrigerator, where I used the wrong abrasive on it. How can I restore it to its original good looks?

DESPERATE

A. First, there are no abrasives I know for stainless steel. There are many stainless steel lotions and polishes on the market. Find one and try it. It will relieve the rough part, but I am not sure how long. I am not enamored of stainless steel appliances. There are numerous taboos on their treatment, and they need special treatments themselves. I get a lot more questions on how to treat stainless steel than I do over old-fashioned (and reliable) painted finishes. The only stainless steel appliance that works is my sink, which is full of tiny scratches but still looks good. At least good enough to me.