Whether you’re moving to a new house or simply renovating your current one, cement stains are nasty business and can be an absolute hassle if not removed in time. Cement stains, when dried up, cause a hard residue, something that is every homeowner’s nightmare.
Do not fret, as Graana.com, Pakistan’s Smartest Property Portal, is here to give you some important tips on how to remove cement stains from tiles.
Supplies Needed
Removing cement from tiles can be a messy job and requires you to be well-prepared with all the necessary tools and supplies. There are different types of cement stains that are resilient and often require a significant amount of elbow grease to remove.
- White Vinegar
- Phosphoric Acid Cleaner
- Flathead Screwdriver or Scraper
- Scrubbing Pad
- Sponges
- Rubber Gloves
- Soft Cloths
- Patience
Hopefully, you’ll have all these supplies at home and won’t need to run to the store. It depends upon the amount of cement you have spilled on the tile and the type of flooring tiles in your house. Large amounts of cement require a large amount of acid to clean.
However, caution needs to be exercised because the acid can quickly eat through the glaze on the tiles. So, make sure to check your tiles and scrub accordingly.
How to Remove Cement Stains From Tiles
The tips here apply if you have a light coat of cement on the tiles. Light stains mean that white vinegar when scrubbed on the tiles and cleaned off with a soft cloth will do the job just fine.
- Soak the cloth in white vinegar to prep it and avoid wasting the vinegar.
- Place soaked cloth on the stained area for a few minutes.
- Wait for the vinegar to soften the cement’s grip on the tile.
- Apply vinegar as much as necessary until the stain is visibly wet
- Use a scrubber to remove the cement stain thoroughly
- If you have a tough residue buildup, It’s better to scrape it with a scraper first
How to Remove Larger Spills
If you have moved to a house and there is a large spill on the tiles, then the process involves a few more steps but essentially remains the same. It just consists of the use of more vital acids to cut through the extra layers of cement.
- Step 1: Use a scraper or an angle grinder to scrape or cut off the excess residue
- Step 2: Apply phosphoric acid to the affected area but apply carefully to avoid spillage on your hands and tiles. Make sure to wear protective gloves.
- Step 3: The cement will lose strength after a few minutes; Scrub vigorously to remove the stain
- Step 4: Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water to remove excess acid and the stain.
- Step 5: Phosphoric acid is a very fast-acting acid, and all traces of it must be removed to protect yourself and others in your house from its corrosive effects.
Pro Tips
If the phosphoric acid requires that water be mixed, then always add acid to the water. When adding water to acid, it can sometimes cause a violent reaction which causes the acid to spill out. This can cause a mess and be harmful to you, so it is better to be careful.
Acids release fumes that are very injurious to health if breathed in. It’s always better to maintain your distance when working with strong acids. Protective goggles can seem silly, but they help protect you.
There are products that neutralize acids and should be poured on the surface to neutralize the acid effect on tiles. Acids should be neutralized because they can be highly corrosive to the surface and our skin. If you have just finished cleaning a particularly large residue, it is always a good practice to neutralize the surface after the cleanup process.
When searching for how to remove cement from tiles, a lot of advice is available. The best bet is to stick with what you have open at your home and work smartly.
FAQs
Can we remove cement stains from tiles?
Yes, it is possible to remove cement stains from tiles. There are several methods and chemicals that can help in this process.
What chemical removes cement from tiles?
Acidic solutions are commonly used to remove cement stains from tiles. Vinegar, hydrochloric acid, and phosphoric acid are some of the chemicals that can effectively dissolve cement.
What removes cement stains?
Cement stains can be removed using various methods, such as:
- Acidic solutions: Vinegar, hydrochloric acid, and phosphoric acid can break down and remove cement stains.
- Commercial cement removers: There are specialized products available that are designed to dissolve and remove cement stains.
- Mechanical methods: Scrubbing the stained area with a brush or using a pressure washer can help remove cement stains.
How do you remove hardened cement?
Removing hardened cement requires more intensive methods. Here’s what you can do:
- Mechanical methods: Use a chisel or scraper to carefully chip away at the hardened cement. Be cautious not to damage the tile surface.
- Acidic solutions: Apply vinegar, hydrochloric acid, or phosphoric acid to the hardened cement. Let it sit for a while to soften the cement, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
- Poultice: Create a paste by mixing an acidic solution with a neutralizing agent like baking soda or diatomaceous earth. Apply the paste to the hardened cement, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight. Scrub and rinse the area the next day.
Remember always to wear protective gloves and goggles when handling chemicals, and follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, test any method or chemical on a small, inconspicuous area of the tile first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
