How do I remove white 'cloudy' stains from Victorian tiles? - Tile Advice

[janeat38]

Hi everyone, we recently had our Victorian hallway floor tiles cleaned with an acid wash but have since noticed white 'cloudy' patches appearing on a few of the tiles. Because the job overran before Christmas, the floor was not sealed which was obviously not ideal. How can we clean the white patches off before we get the floor finished and sealed? Thanks in advance if you can share any tips.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Any photos please!
Also you shouldn't be doing anything to it - get your installer back.

 

[Rich Midge]

Might be that the acid wash wasn't rinsed and neutralised properly. Lithofin Wexa is a brilliant all rounder and would be the way I'd go. Plenty of Lithofin threads on here and a resident expert.

 

[Lithofin BOB]

Pics would be best, as above .

Also as rich ,poss chemical . May be a light mineral salt or light polymer residue fom the grouting process , does it buff away by hand?

Try a two tile (test )with a little water and a white pad from a tiling outlet for a couple of min and buff dry.
We can go from there.

As John , this should be done by your installer.

 

[WetSaw]

The OP only mentioned that they'd had the tiles cleaned not that it has just been laid, whether that makes any difference.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Yes your right !

 

[Lithofin BOB]

May be an old sealer that turned white and not fully removed. May need stripping rather than just an acidic wash.

 

[janeat38]

Belated thanks for your advice everyone! I'm attaching some photos incase that helps identify the problem. To clarify, the floor was recently restored - so some tiles were replaced and grouted but only some - then the whole floor was washed and buffed in an acid bath but not sealed (as the whole job was running over time before Christmas ). The white patching is sporadic and I can't see a direct correlation with any that were grouted. I'm going to try the water and light buffing by hand. I also happen to have a product called Lithofin power clean if any of our residents think that would help? If anyone has any more suggestions now you've seen the photos I'd love to hear them!

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I think the acid has slightly bleached the tiles. You could put a 50/50 mix of white spirit/boiled linseed oil on the affected tiles and return the colour . Try on a less obvious area first and make sure it's rubbed well in and none allowed to remain on surface after 10 mins.
On picture 1 - why the full half tile on the restoration and not quarter pieces.
Was it a professional restoration?

 

[4Seasons]

Hi,,I'm new to this posting lark so please bear with! I have been using Tar and Traffic film remover on a decently discovered Minton floor. The person who stuck on tiles used some heavy duty glue that's really difficult to get off. Any ideas welcomed please? Cheers

 

[Flintstone]

I don’t think TFR is the best thing to use, as it isn’t a car! Try a Lithofin product, there is one for every occasion really, all the info on there site

 

[Emmet K H]

Hi, If anyone can assist I'd be grateful. I have Victorian tiles which I purchased reclaimed to Finnish a job. when they arrived they seem to have a pattern stain lime that of underlay. I can't wash it off. I have tried many different methods. I did try baking soda mixed with washing up liquid and a drop of water - this did with effort remove the stain. but it seems this method is taking a slight layer off the top of the time. I will try enhance the time with perhaps linseed oil ?

Anyone come across this staining and perhaps recommend the right way for its removal.

Many thanks

 

[Huddersfield Tiling]

Hi, If anyone can assist I'd be grateful. I have Victorian tiles which I purchased reclaimed to Finnish a job. when they arrived they seem to have a pattern stain lime that of underlay. I can't wash it off. I have tried many different methods. I did try baking soda mixed with washing up liquid and a drop of water - this did with effort remove the stain. but it seems this method is taking a slight layer off the top of the time. I will try enhance the time with perhaps linseed oil ?

Anyone come across this staining and perhaps recommend the right way for its removal.

Many thanks

Classic reclaimed tile issue. That's what you bought, because there was an issue.
Sorry, but some things are just to good to be true. You've been had!

 

[Lou]

Don't mind me while I bump up some older but good threads. If you can contribute to the thread, go ahead. But if it's nothing for you then don't reply and it'll soon drop off the What's New page etc.
Worth linking to our new forum structure while I'm doing stuff:-

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