Cleaning Guides

How to Remove Cement From Tiles

Renovating your home can be an excellent solution if you want to change up its look, or if there are issues that need to be fixed. However, builders can often leave quite a big mess when the job is done.

Cement can get everywhere during the application process and can be a pain to remove. But fear not! This guide will help you remove cement from tiles and restore their former shine!

Table of Contents:

So, if you:

  • Have renovated your home recently;
  • Are left with unsightly cement stains on your floors;
  • Want to learn how to remove cement from tiles,

Then read on, because this post is just for you!

What you need

  • White vinegar
  • Phosphoric acid cleaner
  • Tampico brush or scouring pad
  • Soft cloths
  • Soap or detergent
  • A bucket of water
  • Scraper
  • Protective gear (gloves, glasses, face mask)

How to remove cement stains from tiles

If you’re having an issue with light cement stains, then you don’t need to resort to harsh chemicals. Usually, what you need can be found in your kitchen cupboard. That magical ingredient is white vinegar. It’s acidic enough to loosen the bond between the cement residue and the tiles. Keep in mind, it can affect certain grouts, even with a sealer, meaning you might need to grout the tiles again.

So, here is how to remove cement stains from tiles:

Time needed: 30 minutes.

  1. Soak.

    Soak a cloth well with white vinegar.

  2. Apply.

    Place the cloth over the stain.

  3. Let it sit.

    Let the cloth soak the stain well, leaving it on for 2 hours.

  4. Reapply.

    If the vinegar keeps evaporating, reapply it periodically to keep the area wet.

  5. Scrub.

    After the cement loosens, scrub it away with a brush or scouring pad.

  6. Repeat.

    If any cement remains, reapply the vinegar, let it sit and scrub the stains away.

  7. Rinse.

    Rinse the area of any cement residue.

  8. Wash.

    Wash the spot well with soapy water and a soft cloth.

  9. Rinse again.

    Once more, rinse the area with clean water.

And you’re done! Your tiles should now look as good as new.

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How to remove thick cement from tiles

If your tiles have a more serious cement build-up, you’ll need to resort to harsh chemicals to remove it. So, here is how to remove thick cement from tiles:

If the instruction manual of the commercial detergent states that you should mix water with the acid, always add the acid to the water, and not the other way around. Otherwise, a reaction will occur that makes the acid splash everywhere.
  1. Scrape.
    Remove as much cement as you can from the tiles using a scraper.
  2. Apply acid.
    Apply phosphoric acid to the cement, following the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
  3. Scrub.
    Once loosened, scrub the cement away with a scouring pad or a brush.
  4. Rinse.
    Rinse the area of the cement residue.
  5. Clean.
    Wash the acid off the spot with some soapy water.
  6. Rinse again.
    Once more, rinse the area well with clean water.
Always use protective gear when using harsh chemicals. Keep the area well ventilated by opening the windows. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Sometimes, this will not be enough and you will need to opt for stronger chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid. If this is the case, the task is best left to the professionals that know how to handle them. Remember – if not used correctly, these acids may cause more harm than good.

No time to clean your tiles?

If you don’t have the time or aren’t sure that you can handle this task yourself, you can always rely on the specialists. The professional after builders cleaners at Fantastic Services are insured, experienced and are sure to leave your home spotless. Spend your time doing the things you enjoy – let the experts handle the hard work!

Find out what after builders cleaning solutions we offer here!

Takeaways

  • Light cement stains can be removed using white vinegar.
  • For heavy cement build-up, you’ll need to use stronger chemicals.
  • Hydrochloric acid can be used as a last resort, but this is best left to the professionals.
  • Take extra care when cleaning glazed tiles, as even white vinegar can eat through the glaze.

***

Did you find this post useful? How did you remove the cement from your tiles? Let us know in the comments below!

Image source: shutterstock / Etaphop photo

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