Strange shadow marks appearing all over the tiles in my house. How do I clean them? - Tile Advice

[Saraamanda]

Hi,

I had my house tiled almost two years ago. The tiles themselves were not the best quality, just an affordable option, but my tiler did a good job. Now almost two years later some strange shadow looking stains have started appearing all over the tiles all over the house. It started with one stain so I though that one tile might be dodgy but now they’re appearing all over the house. I’ve attached some pictures right after mopping the floors. The stains themselves don’t have any texture. I’d really appreciate any help and advice on how to get rid of them.

 

[Kevbos]

Hi,

I had my house tiled almost two years ago. The tiles themselves were not the best quality, just an affordable option, but my tiler did a good job. Now almost two years later some strange shadow looking stains have started appearing all over the tiles all over the house. It started with one stain so I though that one tile might be dodgy but now they’re appearing all over the house. I’ve attached some pictures right after mopping the floors. The stains themselves don’t have any texture. I’d really appreciate any help and advice on how to get rid of them. View attachment 124402
View attachment 124401 View attachment 124403 ??

Do the stains appear clearer after getting wet ?? As I can only think that you have a porcelain tile that needs sealing !! ??

 

[Saraamanda]

Do the stains appear clearer after getting wet ?? As I can only think that you have a porcelain tile that needs sealing !! ??

Do the stains appear clearer after getting wet ?? As I can only think that you have a porcelain tile that needs sealing !! ??

To be honest, no. They appear the same before and after getting wet. I did some googling and I think the tiles I have are sealed. The stains do seem to be getting darker and more noticeable over time.

 

[Kevbos]

Do the stains appear clearer after getting wet ?? As I can only think that you have a porcelain tile that needs sealing !! ??

To be honest, no. They appear the same before and after getting wet. I did some googling and I think the tiles I have are sealed. The stains do seem to be getting darker and more noticeable over time.

Yes probably need resealing and again over time

 

[Saraamanda]

Yes probably need resealing and again over time

Thanks

 

[Perfect Tiling]

It could be from the tile adhesive used. The stains seem dark so maybe a grey adhesive was used rather than a white one which would have been my preference for cheaper light tiles. If they are staining from the reverse then cleaning and resealing wont really do much at all

 

[bsc ceramics]

I doubt its the adhesive bleeding through after 2 years
i think they have lost there polished look. You could try a steam mop

 

[Dave]

Personally i would try a cleaning solution first. If they are a polished porcelain then it could simply be surface contamination. Try cleaning first.

 

[Ecila fields]

Did you ever find a genuine answer? Mine are doing the same thing on a faux marble ceramic shower wall.. a shadowy gray bleed from behind. They look exactly like yours . My husband thinks we may have water behind tile which is a big bad job. So I’m hoping he’s wrong.

 

[Samerlam]

Those tiles are a nightmare even though they are polished they stain badly the surface is slightly porous. Ive tiled with them quite a bit the only way I can think of trying is to use either bar keepers friend which is a stain remover and giving it a good scrub by hand or going to a tile shop and buying a tile acid cleaner.