Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[sav]

Hi,

I have some white stain (from using Domex floor cleaner) on my warm beige vitrified tiles. I have already tried the following to get rid of it to no success:
- wiping and scrubbing with damp dishcloth
- scrubbing with dish washing liquid
- using nail polish remover lightly and carefully
- scraping with my nails (I am that desperate!)

Can anyone please help with solutions known to work?

Thanks,
Sav

[mrscleannw]

Hello Sav,

I will first suggest you not use any acids or heavy chemicals on your tiles as this will damage them, possibly for the life of the floor.

Here is something I found on quite a few websites that talk about vitrified tiles:

Research Products notes, "It is important to clean water scrub and rinse to remove all residues and alkalinity." Leaving leftover soap or residue on your tiles can cause new stains and leave sticky areas.

I also found this faq question from the Sogo Vitrified Tile Website (http://www.sogovitrified.com/)

How does one clean the tiles/maintain/get rid of stains?
On a regular basis you can sweep the floors to remove any tracked in dirt and keep an anti-dust mat by the exterior doors to minimize abrasive dirt, like grit and sand, being brought in by people's shoes.
Other than that, just use a neutral PH detergent or standard tile care product to mop or sponge tiles as required.

It is possible the tiles have been scratched or the stain is permanent.
You may want to contact a professional or manufacturer of the tiles as it's possible the chemical has leached out the color from the tiles?

Mrs. Clean

[sav]

Thank you, Mrs. Clean. I do believe the problem is as you state - the polish seems to have worn out off the beige tiles making the stain area look white!

I will keep in mind your suggestions and move to a neutral cleaner immediately. I am awaiting a reply from the tile manufacturer, hopefully they will be able to suggest something that gets the stain off. In any event, will play safe with cleaning products in the future.

Cheers,
Sav

[mold removal tampa]

Here is the process of stain removal on vitrifies tiles

Sweep the tiles thoroughly. Use a regular broom and dust pan to remove standing dirt and debris from the tiles. This will make it easier to see any stains.

Mop the tiles with a gentle tile cleaner. Tile cleaners can be purchased at any home improvement store in the cleaning supply section. Concentrate on any stained areas and mop thoroughly.

Scrub any problem areas. Spray tile cleaner directly on any stains and allow the cleaner to sit for five minutes. This will pull any stains to the surface of the tiles. Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove the stains. Avoid using knives or scrapers, as this can create permanent scratches on the tiles.

Rinse the tiles. Research Products notes, "It is important to clean water scrub and rinse to remove all residues and alkalinity." Leaving leftover soap or residue on your tiles can cause new stains and leave sticky areas.