Grouting is important to plug the gaps between tiles when they are being laid. Further, with time, the tiles may crack and this again might require grouting. Grouting is integral to laying any tiles down. However, in many cases the grout laying job leaves ugly residues behind. They tend to dry out fast and stick on to the surfaces of tile. It is important to remove the stains as early as possible. In many cases, they are tough to remove and if they are left that way, they not only make your space look unappealing, but they can also cause future damage. Below are some methods on how to remove baking soda residue from tile alongside all of the other many residues that can get onto tile.
Removing Residue from Tile - Three Different Options
Plain Water Can Work Magic
Before resorting to the use of home-made solutions, it would be better to find out some other simpler and environment-friendly methods. If the grout residue is fresh, simple water with soft sponge could make a big difference. It is simple, but very effective. You have to wet a medium size rectangular or square sized sponge. The water must be squeezed out, but you should ensure that it is wet enough to still be able to wipe the tiles. Use medium pressure on the tiles, because applying too much pressure could result in the grout residues getting entrenched in the tiles. Once the residues have been cleaned, wipe with a neat rag or cloth.
Vinegar Could Make A Big Difference
Vinegar is a wonderful home based product which could work on stains and grout residues on tiles. It has a proven track record of moving through stubborn dirt and grime. It is also eco-friendly. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. The bottle should be clean and free from oil, dust and dirt. The mixture should be sprayed evenly and generously on the grouting residue. You should give the vinegar around one minute to work. It will cut through the residue and weaken it. You can then use a clean cloth or even a rag to wipe it clean. Wash the tiles immediately with warm and clean water to make it look new, and store the rest of the solution for a few days if you need to use it on other stains on low pile carpet.
Chemical Cleaning Solution
If the above two options do not work, then it is possible that the grout residues might be stubborn and might have settled deep on the tile surface. In such situations, you may have to use a stronger solution. Though there are many synthetic cleaners, it would be better to stay away from them as best as you can. You could try a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and water and together they can form a formidable chemical solution. You could make a paste of baking soda by adding water and vinegar to it in equal proportions. The paste has to be applied evenly on the grout residue. You should let it act for a few minutes. The solution will bubble and froth because of chemical reactions and it also will remove stubborn grout residues in the process. After a few minutes you must clean the tile again using a clean cloth or rag.
The Final Word
There are many solutions to choose from when looking for ways on how to remove baking soda residue from tile. You don’t necessarily have to opt for commercial cleaners immediately, but instead, you can simply use just water, create a vinegar solution, or create your own chemical cleaning solution.
