Little tricks on how to gently and effectively clean tiles from glue
Tile adhesive is characterized by increased strength, because its purpose is to hold heavy building material in a vertical or horizontal position.
When carrying out repair work, it can get to where it should not be. Read about how to quickly and efficiently clean the adhesive from tiles in the article.
Content
How to remove tile adhesive?
Remove glue off the tile you can use caustic substances:
- hydrochloric acid
- chlorine,
- vinegar.
Regular baking soda helps to deal with fresh stains.
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid helps to get rid of even hardened glue, since it has the ability to dissolve the most durable substances. You can buy it at any hardware store, it is part of many household chemicals.
To prepare a cleaning solution, you will need 1 liter of water and 50 ml of hydrochloric acid. Mode of application:
- Apply the solution to the contaminated area.
- Leave to absorb for 20 minutes.
- Clean problem areas with the hard side of the foam sponge.
- Wash off residues of the product with water.
Hydrochloric acid is a potent substance, therefore, safety precautions must be observed when working with it. Hands are protected with rubber gloves, a mask and construction goggles are put on the face.
How to remove with baking soda?
If you start removing the glue within the first few hours after applying it, then you can get by with gentle means.
Mode of application:
- moisten the surface to be treated;
- apply soda to it, leave for 5-10 minutes to exert influence, areas contaminated with glue should remain wet at all times;
- clean the stains with a hard sponge;
- wash off the remains of the product with clean water.
If it was not possible to cope with the glue the first time, the procedure is repeated.
Do not rub the tiles too hard with soda... Small undissolved particles can lead to scratches and the glaze will stop shining.
Vinegar
Vinegar contains an acid that dissolves tile adhesive so it can be easily removed from hard surfaces. If the composition was applied recently and did not have time to firmly fix, use table vinegar with a concentration of 9%. Essences are used to remove dried stains.
Mode of application:
- Apply vinegar to a cotton ball or rag.
- Wipe problem areas.
- Leave the vinegar on the tile to work for 10-20 minutes. Moisten the stain periodically.
- Peel off the adhesive with the hard side of the sponge.
- Wash off residues of the product with clean water.
Gloves should be worn when handling acid. Their use will protect the skin of the hands from irritation and dryness.
How to remove old stains with chlorine?
Chlorine copes well with the sticky mass, with its help it is easy to remove even old stains. It is most convenient to use ready-made chlorine-based formulations. For this, a liquid agent called "Whiteness" is purchased in a household chemicals store.
Use the tool as follows:
- apply the composition to the contaminated area;
- leave for 20 minutes;
- remove the softened glue with a rag or brush it off;
- wash the tile with plenty of water.
Bleach not only corrodes the glue, but also disinfects the surface. It is not capable of harming tiles, but it is toxic to human health. Therefore, you need to work with her wearing a mask and rubber gloves.
Steam cleaner
If the house has a modern steam cleaner, then the fight against sticky spots will pass quickly, without the risk of damaging the tile and your own health. You do not need to use any household chemicals to remove the glue. It will soften when exposed to high temperatures.
Mode of application:
- Connect the device to the network.
- Bring the hovering tube to the spot.
- Wait until the glue is soaked.
- Remove it with a brush or rag.
- Work through all problem areas.
- Wipe the tiles with a dry cloth.
The steam cleaner allows you to cope even with stubborn, stubborn stains, as well as other dirt that could be on the tile.
Physical methods
To cope with the hardened solution, tools such as:
- corset;
- putty knife;
- scraper;
- sandpaper;
- chisel.
Heavy artillery is used to remove the adhesive from the back of a tile, for example for reuse.
Procedure:
- Treat the glue with any compound that makes it softer. This can be regular hot water or thinner.
- Using a spatula or any other tool, gently clean the compound from the tile surface. The scraper is placed with a tip to the solidified mass. You can help yourself with a hammer by hitting the handle of the spatula.
- Remove the remnants of glue with a sander, sandpaper or a brush.
The good thing about mechanical glue removal is that it allows you to get rid of even a thick layer of glue.
Professional household chemicals
Manufacturers of household chemicals offer to purchase professional compositions for removing glue stains from tile surfaces. Such tools are popular as:
- Label Off... The liquid is produced in vials equipped with a spray. Citric acid acts as the main cleaning component. The agent is applied to the stain, left to act for 4-10 minutes, and then removed with a rag. If a trace remains, the procedure is repeated. The main disadvantage of the cleaning agent is its high cost. The price of a 0.5 liter package is 680 rubles.
- Mellerud: means for removing traces of glue. The cleaning agent is based on hydrocarbons and surfactants.To remove the glue, a suitable cloth is impregnated with a liquid, which is used to treat the contaminated tile. After 5-10 minutes, the softened material is removed with light movements. The cost of a 0.25 liter bottle is 450 rubles.
- Spray cleaner Tesa... To get rid of the glue on the tile, the spray is applied to the stain, left for 10 minutes, and then removed with a rag. The solution has a pleasant smell, has the ability to cope with stubborn stains, but the price is very high. The cost of a 0.5 ml bottle is 1200 rubles.
Helpful information
Tips to take into account before starting work:
- Do not rub the tiles too vigorously with abrasive compounds. Otherwise, it will be scratched.
- You need to start removing the glue immediately after applying it. The longer it stays on the surface, the more difficult it is to get rid of it.
- When applying the solvent, you need to act as accurately as possible. Do not allow it to hit the seams.
- If there are doubts about the safety of the chosen product, it must be tested in an inconspicuous area. This will ensure that the composition will not spoil the appearance of the tiles.
Related videos
How to clean the tile from traces of glue, the video will tell you:
Conclusion
It is not difficult to remove the adhesive from the tile surface if you choose the right product. The longer it is in contact with air, the more aggressive the solvent must be. The simplest and safest help in getting rid of glue is a steam generator.