If you’ve decided to install your own tiles you’ll have to clean the tile cement or mortar from the surface. The challenge is that mortar dries quickly and without the right tools and technique, you can end up spreading the adhesive across the new tiles creating an additional mess that will demand greater investment and work to clean.
To prevent the darkening of new tiles and to make the cleanup more effortless and efficient, we look at a few steps you can take to remove mortar from tiled floors.
Let’s start with the necessary preparation…
Cleaning Tools
It is important to prepare for thorough cleaning as the tiles are installed and while the cement or tile adhesive is still moist. This makes it easier to clean the surface compared to dry and hardened mortar. Let’s look at keeping tiled floors clean and sparkling by removing wet mortar and then steps you can take to safely remove dry cement from tiles.
For effective tile cleaning Bakersfield professionals recommend that you prepare the following items:
- Warm soapy water
- Scrubbing brushes and soft sponges
- Fine textured sandpaper
- Cleaning or floor rags
- Grout scraper
When the tiles are secured onto the floor and covered with mortar, take the bucket with warm soapy water and a large sponge. Dip the sponge in the soapy solution and gently start wiping the cement from the surface. Be gentle as you don’t want to shift the newly laid tiles. You’ll also want to wring the sponge of excess water to avoid making the area wet and difficult to clean.
Once you have washed the surface, take the floor rag and wipe the area clean. Once the surface is dry, you can apply the fine sandpaper to the edges where the cement has dried. You can also use a grout scraper to achieve even lines between each of the tiles. The final step is to use a clean cloth to remove the excess dust and grit and produce an even result.
Removing Cement From Tiled Floors
In the instance that cement has dried across tiled surfaces or while working on home improvements, the mortar was spilled across the tiled floor, it is important to clean and remove the excess cement using the correct tools and methods.
You want to avoid scraping the surface with the wrong tools that would otherwise damage the tiled area. We list some of the items that you will need to remove the mortar below:
- A small bucket of water
- Sponge
- Blade or scraper
- Soft rag or cloth
The first step is to soap and wet the sponge but before you apply it to the tiles, remove the excess water until the sponge is moist but not dripping. All mortar marks and excess should be moistened with the sponge. If you find the wet sponge too awkward, you can apply a spray of water on the cement to soften it. This makes it easier to remove and minimizes possible damage to the tiles itself.
The bits of cement that cannot be removed with soap, water, and a sponge can be cleaned with a blade or scraping tool. Where you notice mortar streaks across the tiled floor or alongside grout, use the blade to gently scrape the excess away. A grout scraper makes it easier to apply precise movements at comfortable angles because of the handle. You can find grout scrapers at a local hardware store with blades of different sizes.
Professional Tile Cleaning Services Can Help
If you need tiled floors installed or cleaned, it is always a good idea to call on a professional tile cleaning service. With affordable tile cleaning Bakersfield homes can benefit from attentiveness, efficiency, and beautifully maintained tiles.
Experts in the industry will come out to your property and provide a clean to reveal sparkling and beautiful tiles that add value to your property. Professionals can prevent damage to the floors and will use compatible products that enhance and protect your new tiles. Along with removing mortar from a tiled floor, speak to professionals about a seal. Sealing tiles includes the application of a clear coat that is impervious to moisture and it will prevent stains over time.
