Cleaning plaster dust off hardwood & haze off porcelain tile

Question

I need some ideas on how to clean hardwood floors covered in plaster dust.  Also, how to clean newly laid porcelain tile of the 'haze' Have washed several times but still hazy.  Any ideas much appreciated!Thanks!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Vacuum up and then use rejuvenate for hardwood floors. You can purchase that at Home Depot or amazon.As for the newly laid flooring I would be careful any harmful chemicals.so I would recommend going to a tile store or where you bought the tiles from as there are conflicting responses to your question. One says no acidity and another has it is ok.

MN Mom · Answer

Sweep. The very first step that you should do when cleaning drywall dust is to sweep it up. This may sound kind of elementary to say, but many people skip this step and end up making a larger mess than they would have otherwise. Use a regular broom and dust pan to get as much of the dust up as you possibly can. Since we are talking about dust, you might need to sweep the room several times due to the dust getting kicked up and resettling. Allow a good fifteen minutes between each sweeping for the dust to settle.

Vacuum. Once you have removed the majority of the dust with the broom and dustpan, vacuum the rest. Use a shop-vac with a HEPA filter in place to limit the amount of dust that gets blown around. The increased suction from the vacuum should be able to work out the remaining dust from all of those crevices that give wood its unique look so prized by homeowners.

Mop. Finally, to help restore the look of the wood, you are going to want to mop it. Use a product that is safe for your kind of flooring and warm water. Bona is a great product for hardwood. Allow the floor to thoroughly dry before you use it. Repeat this step as necessary until you are satisfied with the results.

Dee · Answer

Wow, can't thank you enough! Never heard of Bona, sounds like you've done this before. Thanks alot - Happy Mother's Day!

Dee · Answer

oo

Dee · Answer

One more question. These are older hardwood floors. I'm going with the Bona to clean. I really don't want to refinish the floor but have you ever used the Bona polish? Thanks MN Mom

William · Answer

Sweeping would just shake up the dust or just push it around. I use a paint roller with duck tape reversed (sticky side out) on the roller to pick up the majority of the dust. Tape may need to be changed when its no longer sticky. Then I vacuum with a shop vac with a length of hose from the exhaust out a window. Then use Bona, Rejuvenate, or Murphy's Oil Soap. As for the haze on the porcelain tile, try one part vinegar to two parts water and mop over the haze. May take two or more applications depending how bad and old the haze is.

Dee · Answer

Thanks, appreciate the product ideas and that roller trick is neat. I'll try the vinegar & water as I have on hand. Thanks William. You aren't the same William who suggested I use a bonding agent if I'm using mortar to repair basement walls are you? If you, I don't know what a bonding agent is. Is it a powder or a liquid? Should we put it on the wall BEFORE we do the mortaring?
If you're not him, thanks for the floor help.

Dee · Answer

Thanks William, never heard of bonding agent so I really appreciate it. Take Care

Deb K · Answer

Hi Dee, hope this helps you out. To get rid of grout haze on porcelain or ceramic tiles, use a vinegar solution. In a big spray bottle or bucket, combine one part white vinegar with four parts water. For enhanced strength, more vinegar can be used. Use a mop or a soft nylon pad depending on the surface you need to clean.

Cleaning plaster dust off hardwood & haze off porcelain tile

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Cleaning plaster dust off hardwood & haze off porcelain tile

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