Cleaning Stored Tile

It is entirely common for home owners to purchase some tile and set them aside for later use. This is usually done when you don't have enough money to do a complete overhaul of a bathroom or kitchen all at one time, and you don't want to lose a particular material, pattern or style that you like. In situations such as this, the tile will be stored away, and usually only brought out when it is time to use them. When that happens, there may be a stain of some kind that has been left on the stored tile. Cleaning that stored tile, doesn't need to be as difficult as you may have thought. All you need to do is use these simple methods.

• Light scrubbing. Often, all you will need to do to clean stored tile is give it a light scrubbing. Usually this can best be accomplished by using a light abrasive (such as Barkeeper's Friend or Bon Ami) and a scrub pad. Apply the abrasive to the stain with the scrub pad, and lightly scrub the stain away. This method will require that you repeat a few times, but should get the job done.
• Use vinegar. If you are pretty certain that the stain is a mineral stain, then you can often simply use a vinegar and baking soda paste to clear away the stain. Mix a little baking soda with some water, and then spread it onto the stained portions of the tile and allow the paste to dry. Once it has dried, apply a little vinegar to the paste, and allow the mixture to react. Wipe away the residue, and clean as you normally would. This should remove the stain with no problem.
• Give them a bath. One sure fire way to clean tile is to give a quick bath in some muriatic acid. However, this method should only be used as a last resort, and only if the proper safety considerations can be followed. Muriatic acid is an acid that can, and does, eat its way through stone and concrete. By giving the stain a light soaking in a very mild form of the acid, you can remove just about any kind of stain. However, when you use this method, make sure that you have the proper safety equipment, such as safety goggles and rubber gloves, otherwise you may find yourself hurt. In addition, you should make sure that you know the proper way to dispose of the acid when you have finished using it. Remember that this is acid, and it is not something that you can simply wash down the drain.