Dear Mary: Is there a solution to remove stains from white ceramic tile? I just had our shower redone with white ceramic tile, and it is now stained. Nothing I try gets the stains out. Help! -- T.M., e-mail

Dear T.M.: I have a friend who keeps my white ceramic tile whiter than white and takes care of stains, too. I can't guarantee this for you because I don't know what those stains are or whether the porcelain has been damaged. But for about $4, I'd give Bar Keepers Friend a try. It's a powdered cleanser available in most supermarkets or online at www.SoapsGoneBuy.com. If you order from SoapsGoneBuy.com, use the coupon code MH350 at checkout to get a 21-ounce container for $3.50 plus shipping. I swear that stuff is magic!

Dear Mary: If I have a $300,000 mortgage on my home, am forced to default, the bank forecloses, and the house is auctioned for $250,000, am I liable for the $50,000 difference? -- Jim W., e-mail

Dear Jim: The quick answer is yes; your mortgage lender would require you to come up with the difference between the amount owed and the price, in cash in order to close the sale. But you may have an option to go with something called a short sale.

A real estate short sale is when you negotiate with your lender to accept a payoff that is less than the amount you currently owe, and you do not have to pay the difference.

The amount forgiven on a short sale of a primary residence is not taxable by the IRS for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

In order to get your lender to even talk about a real estate short sale, you would need to list your home for sale. Then during the listing period, you and your broker or attorney would approach the lender with a short sale request. And you will have to prove your position of true need. Expect your lender to require at the very least: 1. Past two years' tax returns with W-2s and any tax schedules; 2. Two months of most recent pay stubs; 3. Your most recent two months of bank statements for all your accounts, including retirement accounts, such as your 401(k); 4. Current mortgage payment coupons for existing mortgages and copies of original mortgage note and deed of trust.

Do you have a question for Mary? E-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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