Removing white marks from black bathroom tiles

[ClareBear]

Hi, In the space of a couple of weeks my beautiful gray/ block stone bathroom tiles on the floor of the shower have developed white spotty patches in various locations. What are these marks ? Apparently we have soft water and thus it’s unlikely to be calcium or hard water stains.
I did change my cleaning product to a cheaper supermarket brand with no listed ingredients so perhaps the product has penetrated the stone tiles?? It’s just strange that it only appears on certain tiles. Can anyone help? Can the marks be removed or the tiles resurfaced ? I’ve tried detergent, vinegar and scrubbing hard but nothing seems to work. Any help or product recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

[CL in SoCal]

I have the same problem in my new house. The black tiles installed by prior owners now have cloudy white residue and actual white rings on some that water has no affect on, nor does vinegar/water combo, Windex, regular Clorox, or this powder stuff for bars that has muraic acid. If I can figure out what works, I'll let you know, and please do the same. - CL

 

[ClareBear]

I have the same problem in my new house. The black tiles installed by prior owners now have cloudy white residue and actual white rings on some that water has no affect on, nor does vinegar/water combo, Windex, regular Clorox, or this powder stuff for bars that has muraic acid. If I can figure out what works, I'll let you know, and please do the same. - CL

I’m still in the dark as to how to remove these white marks but will let you know if I find a solution.
the tiles are not new, nor is the grout. Maybe the sealant ( assuming they were sealed originally) has deteriorated over time and has allowed water, soap and cleaning product to be absorbed into the tiles ??

 

[Dave]

I’m still in the dark as to how to remove these white marks but will let you know if I find a solution.
the tiles are not new, nor is the grout. Maybe the sealant ( assuming they were sealed originally) has deteriorated over time and has allowed water, soap and cleaning product to be absorbed into the tiles ??

What stone is it ?

 

[ClareBear]

What stone is it ?

I’m not 100% sure what sort of stone it is. I attached some photos in my original post. Dark gray, matt finish perhaps slate based ?? I purchased the house 2 years ago and no problems until a few weeks ago . 🙁

 

[Dave]

I’m not 100% sure what sort of stone it is. I attached some photos in my original post. Dark gray, matt finish perhaps slate based ?? I purchased the house 2 years ago and no problems until a few weeks ago . 🙁

Just they look ceramic

 

[ClareBear]

I’m not 100% sure what sort of stone it is. I attached some photos in my original post. Dark gray, matt finish perhaps slate based ?? I purchased the house 2 years ago and no problems until a few weeks ago . 🙁

Just they look ceramic

If they are ceramic will this make a difference to what method is used to remove these white marks ?

 

[CJ]

neat vinegar, leave for 10-15 mins, then scrub/rinse.

usually works 🤔

 

[ClareBear]

neat vinegar, leave for 10-15 mins, then scrub/rinse.

usually works 🤔

Thanks for the suggestion - I tried neat vinegar but it seemed to make the marks worse not better😬

 

[CJ]

Try different strength solutions of lime scale removers 🤔

 

[ClareBear]

Try different strength solutions of lime scale removers 🤔

Ok I’ll give that a try 👍

 

[Rae]

Steam cleaner