Asked on Feb 22, 2014
Tile in shower stained
by
Dixie
+7
A cleaning crew cleaned my shower for me once an used an acid to clean it. I can't remember the name of the acid. Do you know what it could be?
10 answers
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muriatic acid most likely. Its used most for cleaning cement surfaces that are stained. Which is what basically grout is. But you need to be really careful with this as not only will it burn your skin the fumes given off are very harmful. I would look into other products that are available these days that are not so dangerous to use. What you would use would depend upon exactly what is its your trying to clean. Tile or grout?
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 22, 2014
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I use muriatic acid also. I use it on really bad showers and I actually needed to clean my grout in the living room and kitchen recently and used acid to do it. I weaken it and wear a mask. I use water to weaken it. Be sure to ventilate the room really well and wear gloves. Oh don't get it on the wall....I am having to repaint the wall where it splashed. Ouch
Sherrie
on Feb 22, 2014
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Definately muriatic acid,but be carefull wear protection gloves and open the windows for a while
TMulhern
on Feb 26, 2014
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Thank you for the reply. One more question which shows I don't know much about this. Where can I purchase the acid? Is there a protective coating that I can put on the tile to help slow down future stains? Thank you so much for your help.
Dixie
on Feb 26, 2014
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muriatic acid can be purchased at most home centers, and quality paint stores. You can seal the tie and grout using tile and grout sealer. It comes in quart and gallon sizes. Once the floor is clean and dry. wet the floor using a rag soaked in the sealer and spread it on the tile area your looking to seal. Do this several time allowing each wetting to soak in. Once the sealer stays wet on the surface for a set amount of time. See instructions on that length, Wipe the excess off. Let dry and your done.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 26, 2014
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I used a tile and grout sealer the last time and didn't work very well. It wasn't worth the money or time spent to apply. The stains started coming back within a month or two. Is there a brand you would recommend? My concern is the tile, The grout I can keep clean with vinegar and baking soda.
Dixie
on Feb 26, 2014
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I assume the issue is build up of soap scum and the resulting mold that starts to develop? The tile should be or normally is glazed. This glazing is sometimes porous and will absorb moisture and the scum found in a shower environment. Sealing both the tile and the grout until it no longer accepts the sealer and remains wet on the surface is all that you can do to prevent any mold or scum from getting into the pores of the tile and or grout. I would suggest that you go to any quality tile shop with a photo of your tile and ask them for the proper sealer to use on the tile. Although I could suggest several brands, its selection would depend upon the tile you have. Another method of prevention, or at least a way to make it easier to remove all this mess when it does begin to get dirty is to use one of those shower spray systems that once your done with the shower you push a button on the device and it sprays the walls and floor with a chemical that disperses the water and prevents the build up of the soap trapped in the water drops. I have never used this product myself, but have been told by a few clients that it appears to make it easier to clean the shower area when the do it. The only else I can ask about is what kind of stains are we talking about? And what kind of tile is it that you have? Knowing that may help provide more answers to your questions.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 26, 2014
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On sealer you also really need to pay attention to what your purchasing. Some sealers has a 6 month guarantee, others have a year. It also needs to be re-applied yearly. I re-apply it every year in my showers, and on my tile floors. Also wear a mask, don't inhale the fumes, open a window. I wear a mask, I also wear a bandana over my mouth and nose. Gloves, long sleeves. Muriatic acid you need to be very careful when your dealing with it. I also find several old paint brushes...cheap ones and paint it on.
Sherrie
on Feb 27, 2014
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I will check to see what kind of tile I have. I'm fairly sure it's not ceramic. I was first told that the stains could be from water under the tile causing mold coming through the tile. But when it was cleaned off knew that was not correct. I will check and then apply the sealer the way you explained. I have used products and sprayed the tiles after showing, but didn't help. The stains don't look like mold, at least none I've seen. The stains look greyish and almost round, best way I can explain them. Thank you for your help.
Dixie
on Feb 27, 2014
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Stone tiles can react with different cleaners in different ways. If you had water under the tile, your correct you would not have been able to remove the stains. And if you did have that issue, you got a whole other issue. Glad its not that!
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 27, 2014
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