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Tile Cleaning/Restore Help
#7804012
04/12/20 08:05 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 962
TijuanaTom
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 962 |
Looking for some guidance here, as i'm not the most "handy" person around the house and often contract out anything beyond basic. So, 2-3 years ago we had some tile installed in our bathrooms and laundry rooms. I don't have any extra laying around but am almost certain it is this exact tile https://www.lowes.com/pd/FLOORS-200...n-Sealed-Porcelain-Floor-Tile/1000250853 . For those that don't want to click, the description is "FLOORS 2000 BIS 8-Pack Off White 12-in x 24-in Sealed Porcelain Floor Tile"My problem is, no matter how hard i scrub, what products i try, can't seem to clean or keep clean. Not blaming the installers (though not the best), i do remember them broadcasting sealant all over tiles and grout and letting it dry overnight. Doing a little research, and this does not seem to be the advised method and am thinking this could be my issue with the always dirty look. Also, the tile that was laid is described as sealed, so assume it didn't need sealer? I was thinking i should try and strip the old sealer, clean and reapply sealer if needed...? Would really appreciate some knowledge from folks with experience before i screw things up even more *Edit To Include more info* Can't tell from the picture, but the tile has a stone like texture so it is no flat or shiny
Last edited by TijuanaTom; 04/12/20 08:07 PM.
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Re: Tile Cleaning/Restore Help
[Re: TijuanaTom]
#7809429
04/17/20 06:26 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 810
JESmith
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You can try having it professionally steam cleaned. Has to be a guy with a truck and real 200 degree+ hot steam. Carpet machines won't do it. Then get it re-sealed.
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Re: Tile Cleaning/Restore Help
[Re: TijuanaTom]
#7814980
04/22/20 12:15 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22,444
Superduty
"The Regulator"
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"The Regulator"
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22,444 |
Yes most likely the sealer need to be removed.
Porcelain tile does not need a sealer, but the gout, yes. Makes it easier to clean. I have seen people apply sealer on dirty tile and grout and hence the sealer has to be removed with a stripper to get the desired result.
Last edited by Superduty; 04/22/20 12:15 PM.
'It's Only Treason if You Lose."
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Re: Tile Cleaning/Restore Help
[Re: TijuanaTom]
#7817525
04/24/20 04:30 AM
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Drexo1
Unregistered
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Drexo1
Unregistered
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Correct Ceramic tile does not need a sealer on it at all. If they used a high performance grout that shouldn’t need a sealer either. First question I ask is, “what are you cleaning your floors with”? Most cleaning solutions are soap based, they leave a residue on the surface after you clean that attracts dirt especially with textured finishes. I would first try a neutral cleaner and scrub pad, TSP (purchase at Home Depot in paint department) is a good staring point. If that doesn’t work try white vinegar with a 1:10 dilution, it is an acid however won’t harm the grout or tile diluted at that ratio. Last step would be steam clean or stripping. Most sealer are acrylic and wear off after one or two years.
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Re: Tile Cleaning/Restore Help
[Re: TijuanaTom]
#7821256
04/27/20 06:53 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 962
TijuanaTom
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Posts: 962 |
Appreciate the responses folks!
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Re: Tile Cleaning/Restore Help
[Re: TijuanaTom]
#7826372
05/02/20 12:04 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,561
Slow Drifter
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,561 |
I wonder if tri sodium phosphate would take that sealer off and clean the tile and grout at the same time? It might damage the glaze on the tile so maybe not a good idea. Never mind, and best of luck!
"I have no idea what WW-III will be fought with, but WW-IV will be fought with sticks and stones." A. Einstein
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