After masonry, tiling, or other home renovation work, it is common to find cement, lime, plaster, tile adhesive, or putty residues on the floor. These residues usually leave whitish or grayish stains when they dry, with the extent depending on the preventive measures taken during the work. It is important to remove these residues not only for aesthetic reasons but also functional ones, as these materials can disintegrate over time, and since they contain sand, they could scratch and damage tile, parquet, or other surface coverings.

Materials Needed to Clean Cement from Tiles

To tackle this task correctly, you will need:

• A durable broom or brush
• A powerful vacuum cleaner
• White vinegar or a specific acidic cleaner
• Plastic or flexible spatulas
• Non-abrasive sponges
• Cloths and a clean mop
• Protective products depending on your floor type

Step-by-Step Process to Remove Stubborn Residues

Start with a thorough dry cleaning using a broom and vacuum to remove loose particles. This makes it easier to identify the most problematic areas and reduces the risk of scratching the surface during cleaning.

Do a pre-wash with warm water and vinegar (3:1 ratio) to dissolve surface stains and make hardened deposits more visible. This mild acidic solution breaks down the lime present in most mortars.

For plaster residues, it is usually sufficient to scrub vigorously using water with vinegar. More persistent residues can be carefully removed with a spatula before applying the liquid solution.

Solutions for Different Types of Surfaces and Stains

Ceramic tiles allow for more aggressive methods. You can use a medium-hard spatula followed by hot water with vinegar and a slightly abrasive sponge for the toughest residues.

Terracotta requires more care. Only use spatulas with rounded edges and more diluted solutions. After cleaning, it will be necessary to restore the specific protective treatments for each material.

For very stubborn stains on non-porous surfaces, there are special acidic cleaners that break down hardened cement. Always do a patch test in a less visible area and use personal protective equipment for safety.

Tile adhesives contain chemical components that can leave permanent stains on porous surfaces. If working with delicate materials like terracotta, be sure to protect them properly before any work.

Professional Tips for a Perfect Finish

Always finish with a thorough wash using clean water to remove any chemical residue. Once dry, apply the appropriate finishing treatments: waxes for parquet, sealants for terracotta, or polishes for ceramic tiles.

The ideal time to clean cement residues is when they are still fresh, but even hardened deposits can be removed using these techniques. With patience and the right products, your tiles will regain their original look.

For extremely difficult cases or very delicate surfaces, consider consulting a professional. The cost of specialized cleaning may be lower than replacing damaged tiles due to improper cleaning.

Always ensure the room is well-ventilated while working with chemicals and carefully read the instructions of any commercial cleaner you use.

Our Recommendations:

Hard cleaning sponge

Soft cleaning sponge