Abstract: A method for prolonging the shelf life of biological growth media provides a device with a tray for growing and observing a microbiological culture. The device includes a substrate with a well to provide a containment and barrier for the biological growth medium to grow an organism in the tray and a lid that is sealable and resealable around the substrate periphery. The lid includes an interior side that sheets out upon condensation of vapor and faces the growth medium. A barrier layer is positioned over the well. The biological growth media is introduced in the well and the lid around the substrate periphery is sealed.

Abstract: An alkaline liquid composition is disclosed which is useful for restoring grout. The composition consists essentially of an aqueous dispersion of a film-forming polymeric resin, a compatible surfactant, a basic alkali metal salt, sodium hypochlorite, pigment, and an amount of zinc oxide effective to set the composition when it is coated onto and absorbed by the porous grout.