How do i clean-up concrete stain from ceramic tiles and marble floors?Any special chemicals?

Question

I'm actually doing a Builders Clean-up with lots of cement and POP splashes on the floors.Cement was even mixed in some cases on the tiled floor.

Answer 1

I empathize with your plight, and PIRATES give US contractors such a BAD Rep...Sigh. If I charge you a Dollar, I should give you a Dollars worth of anything.

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of tile, I kinda enjoy that my "signiture" is on every job, and don't want it "smeared"

You say STAINS, but is it that or actual "Mortar residue"?

NO CHEMICALS will dissolve dry mortar, and if it's "staining" then obviously the tile isn't NON porous, as Ceramic tile IS.

The good news is that with some effort, gentle scraping will remove heavy residue. I often use BUFFING pads, as one might use in commercial waxing applications, and just cut them up to a size held in hand. Once you get the mortar to a point where it may be not much more than DUST, the weave and structure of the abrasive, "plastic" buff pad, should help.

Beyond that however I have another suggestion for YOU and anyone in a business of BUYER PREP in new housing. DON"T take a job that seems outrageous, without noting the issues to the major contractor or CORP. who subbed out the work.

With no offense to any, and certainly understanding that subs are the work horses of the trades, I'd NEVER leave a job like that, nor take on the task of cleaning someone elses shoddy mess.

Certainly what you allude to is inexcusable in the workmanship, and at the very least, no matter what your particular contract allows, If I was you, I'd be adding to any effort, cost wise, to accomplish making someone else, look good.

Steven Wolf
GRRRR,,,sorry this one "rankled me." not by your efforts however

Answer 2

Muriatic Acid, Phosphoric acid, TSP-trisodium phosphate. First take polaroid photos and call back the builder, if there is a refusal, report to the BBB, if your the home owner, if not good luck. If your working for the homeowner or builder Good Luck. If the job is that bad, walk away. This job is not fun. I clean up builders mess. This acid has to be mixed 3 parts water, 1 part acid. DONT MIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACID TOGETHER-NEVER>. Dont mix a full bucket, just a small amount, or keep the batch outside.Watch out for children.You must wear rubber gloves and eye protection. YOU MUST HAVE PROPER VENTILATION-fans, doors & windows open. If this solution does not work after soaking the area with a cotton cloth, use 2-1. Two parts water and one part acid. Don't leave it on too long, it with start to etch the grout (mortar). Use baking soda to neutralize the acid when your done, so the chemical reaction stops. If anyone says no, chemicals dont work they are wrong. It will not hurt the tile. Try using a thin brass wire brush or a brass wire wheel on the drill, first, before any acid. Don't use acid and the drill method together. The GREEN scubbies you use to clean your pots with are good, like a buffing pad. At your local hardware store you can speed up the process, they sell the attachment to use on a drill! On marble you can use a scraper but don't grind the tool into the surface. But I don't recommend it. I acid wash gunite swimming pools, brick, tiles. Over 20+ years using the acid!
Read the label first!
Always hold back $ome money before any job is done!
Check out the sites below, read before doing anything!

Answer 3

Marble Concrete Stain

Answer 4

stained concrete can look great but any glue, stains, paint, cracks etc. will show differently. It can get pretty involved with baseboards and cabinets already installed. Make sure you mask everything off. The orange cleaner may take care of anything on the floor. The color that seems to look best is called coca-cola. I think you also have to use a diluted muriatic acid before you stain. Painting the floor works well and is quick and easy. Ceramic tile is difficult for the novice and can get rather expensive. But its your choice. You can do any one of the 3 yourself. But hey whats wrong with just bare concrete with some nice rugs.

Answer 5

anything strong enough to dissolve concrete is going to take the finish off the tile. I think the contractor is looking to blame you for the damage. Before you start, you would be wise to take pictures with dates. The contractor will likely refuse to pay you, or maybe even sue for damages.
The only thing you would want to use is water. create a dam around the damaged area and saturate it with water, get a scraper and wire brush and get busy.