TOP 14 tools that after repair you can quickly clean the tiles
Renovating the apartment allows you to refresh the interior, filling the tenants with new emotions. It's not an easy task, but the result is worth the effort. One of the difficulties that apartment owners will face when renovating is the need to bring the surrounding things back into shape. This concerns, first of all, tiles and tiles, which are abundantly covered with dirt spots. Let's see how you can clean the tiles at home after repairs and what tools are needed for this.
Types of surfaces
Before proceeding to the description of cleaning methods, you need to understand what type of tiled surface is installed in your apartment. The effectiveness of using a particular cleaning agent, as well as the required set of tools, depends on this.
Unpolished
A popular type of tile that is increasingly being used by homeowners to decorate bathrooms. Superficial advantages:
- well withstands mechanical stress;
- the dirt formed on its surface can be easily removed with detergents;
- reasonable price;
- does not slip underfoot.
semi-polished
Semi-polished tiles differ from other representatives in production technology. Its upper layer is treated as a polished layer, but the removable layer is uneven over the entire surface, which gives the product special characteristics.
The advantages of tiles include:
- greater resistance than polished models;
- unique appearance;
- the products are durable;
- calmly tolerates significant temperature changes.
Bright
Facing material, when creating which special processing methods are used. Thanks to this, the product is endowed with such features as:
- wear resistance;
- strength;
- uniformity;
- impermeability.
Cleaning such surfaces is not difficult, which cannot be said about other types of tiles.
waffle
The peculiarity of the relief tile is that its surface consists of various patterns that go beyond the limits of the common plane. It is often used in non-standard design solutions, with the following advantages:
- aesthetic appearance;
- a wide range of patterns;
- coating strength.
There are only two drawbacks to such a tile:
- high price;
- the complexity of cleaning.
Window
Glazed tiles are covered with a transparent layer which gives the surface additional protection. It is easy to wash it off from various contaminants, and in terms of strength and moisture resistance, glazed tiles are in no way inferior to other competitors.
Mast
Matte coating has many advantages, including:
- affordable price;
- pleasant appearance;
- high indicators of product durability;
- wide range of.
The main disadvantage of matte surfaces is their roughness. Because of this, many bacteria accumulate on the surface, and the cleaning process is more complicated than usual.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles, or tiles, are cladding materials used to decorate bathrooms and toilets. It is made by pressing or extrusion, due to which the product is endowed with the following properties:
- strength;
- attractive appearance;
- resistance to external stimuli.
liquid tile
Fashionable layering material filled with liquid gel. When pressure is applied to the tile, the gel shifts position, distorting the pattern of the tile. Thus, the appearance of the bathroom is constantly changing, striking owners and guests with a variety of shapes and decorations.
It is quite easy to maintain such tiles, but the price can seriously hit your wallet.
Cleaning methods
So, we have determined the types of cover, it's time to move on to cleaning methods. There are several, and some of the most effective include:
- the use of vinegar and ammonia;
- the use of an epoxy solvent;
- cleaning with special means.
To note! The effectiveness of the cleaning method largely depends on the nature of the pollution and the type of work surface. Take this into account when applying.
Vinegar and ammonia
For dried adhesive that remains on the tile after repair in the form of streaks, a solution of vinegar with ammonia is suitable. It needs:
- pour water into the container;
- add a little vinegar and ammonia;
- stir well;
- apply to tile surface;
- eliminate contamination.
Special means
If the surface of the tiles is contaminated with a primer, special cleaning products containing acetone are suitable.If such products are not at hand, moisten the surface with the same fresh primer, then wipe off the dirt with a rag.
If the dirt does not come off with a rag, it is permissible to use tools at hand. A scraper or spatula is suitable for this.
epoxy solvent
Often, after repairs, streaks of cement grout remain on the surface of the ceramic. They can be easily removed with a damp cloth. The situation is significantly more complicated when, instead of cement grout, epoxy is used. In this case, a damp cloth will not help, you will have to pay for a special epoxy solvent.
How to Remove Construction Dust and Caulk
Before cleaning the tile with water, it is worth removing dust and putty from its surface. To do this, use the following methods:
- dust with a dry cloth;
- use a vacuum cleaner;
- treat the surface with soapy water;
- use water mixed with vinegar, lemon or glass cleaner.
Dry cloth
If the surface of the floor tiles is not subject to mechanical damage, the dust should be removed before wet cleaning. For this, any rag is suitable, that you do not mind getting dirty with construction waste.
A vacuum
If the floor tiles are covered with a decorative layer that is afraid of excessive friction with rough materials, use a vacuum cleaner. It will gently remove dust and small debris, preparing the surface for wet cleaning.
Soap solution
After most of the dust and dirt in the bathroom has been removed by dry means, the surface of the ceramic is moistened with soapy water and wiped with a soft cloth.To create a soap solution, you will need:
- mixing container;
- Hot water;
- liquid or laundry soap.
Water with lemon, vinegar or glass cleaner
A good alternative to soapy water, which is just as effective for cleaning tile stains. We prepare a solution from improvised means, mixing water with any available ingredient, after which we treat the contaminated area with it. Then we wipe the ceramic and make sure that there are no streaks on its surface.
How to wipe off silicone sealant
When the silicone sealant dries on the tile, you can remove it using:
- Mechanical stress;
- solvent, which includes acetone or white spirit.
Mechanically
Suitable for work surfaces that do not fear violent shocks. Removal is done using one of the following tools:
- putty knife;
- scraper;
- Screwdriver.
To note! You need to act carefully so as not to split the facing material.
Solvents based on acetone or white spirit
If the facing material cannot be machined, use a solvent containing acetone or white spirit. Just apply it to the contaminated area and give the substance some time to interact with the sealant. Then we wipe the surface with a damp cloth, removing the dried dirt without any problems.
How to remove tile adhesive
Tile adhesive is a substance that adheres strongly to the work surface. Once dry, it becomes extremely problematic to remove. However, there are several products in the household chemicals department that can deal with the problem. These include:
- Cinderella cleaning stone;
- Silith purifier.
Cinderella
Cinderella is an abrasive foam cleaning stone, which cleans complex dirt from various surfaces, without the use of chemicals. Works well with:
- tile adhesive;
- mold;
- Paint;
- limestone.
The product is of domestic origin and, according to the manufacturer, has no analogues in the world.
Silith
Cillit Bang Cleaner will help remove glue stains inadvertently placed on tiles. It acts quickly and does not require large financial expenses from apartment owners. Resists not only glue, but also limescale, which will undoubtedly appear on the surface of the tile during operation.
Steam cleaning
If you have a steam generator, removing dirt from the surface of the tiles will not be a problem. Thanks to the practical design, not only the ceramic is processed, but also the tile joints, which makes the method even more efficient.
How to Clean Porcelain Tile Primer
You can wash the porcelain stoneware primer using:
- alcohol;
- cleaner designed to remove polyurethane foam.
How to wash paint off tiles
Tile paint is washed with:
- Mechanical stress;
- heating the substance, with its subsequent removal;
- solvents.
What you should not do
When cleaning, it is not recommended:
- often use acids or products with a high alkali content;
- use abrasive products if the surface of the tiles is covered with a layer of decorative enamel.
Rules of care
When working with tiles, it is advisable to observe the following maintenance principles:
- When using porcelain stoneware, during the first month after repair, it is advisable to wipe its surface with a weak solution of hydrochloric acid. This will eliminate harmful bacteria and dirt which will remain trapped in the pores of the material.Remember to wear rubber gloves when handling liquids.
- Use soft cloths or sponges as they will not damage the top layer of the tile and will not dull over time.