Villa Lagoon Tile | Encaustic Cement Tile

Cleaning & Stain Removal for a Cement Tile Floor

You will want to mop your new cement tile floor on a regular basis. This will remove any white haze that might rise to the surface after installation, the mineral salts from within the tile. Make sure to use only a ph-neutral (not acidic or too base) soap in your cleaing water. See below for suggestions and ordering links.

Cement Tile Safe Cleaning Products

We are very sensitive to perfumes and we have no problems with any of the gentle Caldrea scents. In fact, we love them. The Miracle MiraSoap is especially designed for floors that get buffed up to a sheen occasionally.

The ideal way to clean up ordinary dust, grime and pet hair is the automatic floor robot called MINT. Mint not only has a sweep function, it has a wet mop function too. See how Mint preforms in our videos.

Evolution Robotics Mint Automatic Hard Floor Cleaner, 4200 at Amazon

3M Easy Trap Duster Cloths, 8" x125 ft., 1 Roll/carton at Amazon

Evolution Robotics Mint Automatic Hard Floor Cleaner, 4200 at Amazon

3M Easy Trap Duster Cloths, 8" x125 ft., 1 Roll/carton at Amazon

 

Stain Removal

Stain Removal in Cement Tiles

Take every measure to protect your tile from stains until it is sealed and waxed.

Accidents happen and the tiles even after sealing may get stained. Stains should be treated as soon as possible. Soda, wine, salad dressings, food spills, etc. should not be left to sit on the tile as they can eventually penetrate through the sealer and stain the tile. Before attempting to remove the stain take time to understand what the stain is.

NOTE: Never use strong acid cleaners on the tiles.

Much of this information comes from Miracle Sealants www.miraclesealants.com

Types of Stains

• ORGANIC: Coffee, tea, tobacco, food, cosmetics, plant, food, blood, wine.
• INORGANIC: Rust, iron, bronze, steel, metal.
• BIOLOGICAL: Mildew, mold, fungus, algae.
• OIL-BASE: Grease, cooking oil, food stains, tar, body oil.
• INK: Ball Point Pen or Magic Marker.

Poultice is a method used to remove stains by reabsorbing the stain using a medium. This is different than just cleaning with an agent. Simply put, poulticing it is soaking the stain out of the tile using a material such as a paper towel or cotton balls in combination with Miracle Sealant Poultice Plus Powder.

1. Mix Poultice Plus powder with the chemical you have selected, to make a paste-like substance.
2. Apply the paste to the stain and do not let any excess drip or spill onto adjacent clean areas. The paste should have a consistency similar to peanut butter.
3. The paste should be applied approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick overlapping the stain by 1/2 inch. Cover the area with plastic wrap to prevent dehydration and secure the edges down with non-marking tape.
4. Let the poultice completely dry.
5. As the poultice dries it will pull the stain from the area into the paste. Drying time is usually 24-48 hours depending on the type of poultice being utilized. If the stain has improved, re-apply the poultice. Multiple applications may be required.

Treating Different Types of Stains in Cement Tiles

Grout & Thinset Mortar Residue (Cementitious)

• First try excess water and soft bristled brush then, vacuum water away. Towels may only spread the dirty water.
• If this does not work well try light sanding with water...again vacuum away water.
• Use Miracle Sealants GCFR- Dilute 1 part GCFR: 8 parts water - Follow product instructions.

Rust Stains

Clean with one of the following:

• Miracle Sealants' Liquid Poultice
• GCFR (Miracle Sealants' Grout Concrete Film Remover) - Dilute 1 part GCFR: 8 parts water
• Oxalic Acid

Ink Stains

Poultice with one of the following:

• Miracle Sealants' Liquid Poultice
• Miracle Sealants' Mira Strip
• Light Colors: Hydrogen Peroxide 35%
• Dark Colors: Acetone or Lacquer Thinner

Oil Based Stains

Clean with:

• Miracle Sealants' Mira Clean #1
• Miracle Sealants' Liquid Poultice
• Miracle Sealants' Mira Strip
• Household Detergent
• Mineral Spirits

OR Poultice with one of the following: * Mineral Spirits

• Miracle Sealants' Mira Strip
• Methyl     Chloride

Organic Stains

Clean with:

• Poultice with 35% Hydrogen Peroxide. Let set 20 minutes, check, reapply if needed.
• Miracle Sealants' Mira Clean #1
• Miracle Sealants' Liquid Poultice
• Poultice with same as above.

Biological Stains

Clean with:

• Miracle Sealants' Mira Clean
• Miracle Sealants' Liquid Poultice