Flooring Tile - Cleaning porous tile

Is there any way to remove white stain from porous quarry tile? Husband thinks it is from TSP when we tried to clean tiles a while ago. Nothing seems to penetrate.

Hi Cory,

I don't think the "stain" is from TSP. TSP is a very unimposing cleaner. Can you tell us a little more. When was the tile installed? Was the stain apparent right after the installation?

John

Hi John, Have had tile in for years. Non glazed and probably unsealed (sure it wore off) Took off layers of wax and then tried to clean with TSP. Tile still looked awlful but now also had areas of white cloudy looking areas under surface. Tried everything I could think of (and I mean everything but no change. Am hoping to clean up and glaze or reseal with something... Throughout kitchen and bathroom floors. Any thoughts would be appreciated (If all else fails I'll just look at this as tile character) Anyone also know a GREAT sealer !!!
Cory

You might find http://www.stonecare.com an interesting sight for cleaning, maintaining, sealing tile.

Hi Cory,

It sounds like you didn't get the surface finish/sealer completely off. It also sounds like the finish might be Urethane, and I suggest you go to a good paint store and get some stripper that will remove that. Modern finishes are for the most part acrylic, and they won't cloud up as you have described. I guarantte you, if you get down to the clay, you'll be able to clean it easily.

Oh, also, It's not ceramic glaze. You wouldn't be able to get the cloudiness "under" the glaze if that were the case.

John

http://www.johnbridge.com

Thank you John for the information. I will try to restrip and see if I can get to the surface.

Thanks twelvepole, Get web site !!!

Cory