How to Remove Acid Stains from Floor Tiles [Quickly & Easily]

Acid is a powerful substance used for a wide range of things, including cleaning different surfaces. Nevertheless, since its acidity levels range from mild to extremely strong, it can be a double-edged sword. In other words, instead of assisting you in removing the stains, it may cause damage to the surface you clean, such as some floor tiles. The main disadvantage of acid is that the harm it does is often irreversible. So how to remove acid stains from floor tiles?

Leaving acid on a tile for an extensive period increases the chances of causing some severe damage, which dramatically reduces the attractiveness of your floor. As a result, you must deal with it as soon as possible. Here are the products we recommend using to remove acid stains from floor tiles.

How to Remove Acid Stains from Floor Tiles

Baking Soda

Baking soda is the best way to remove fresh acid stains. It’s a low-cost ingredient with an alkaline pH that can quickly neutralize acidity. Simply sprinkle a large amount of this powder all over the stain and allow it to do the trick. After that, leave it to absorb the acid for a few minutes before wiping it away with a broom or clean towel.

We recommend using baking soda differently for stains that have had time to settle. Instead of sprinkling this ingredient, combine it with water to make a thick paste. Afterward, put the paste on the acid and wait a bit before removing it.

For stubborn acid stains that resist both baking soda applications, adding a small amount of 10% ammonia can effectively remove the stain. Just like baking soda, ammonia also has alkaline properties. In other words, this product is also an excellent option for neutralizing acid stains.

Remark: Since acid is corrosive, it’s thus dangerous for our skins. That’s why it’s recommended to wear gloves when dealing with it.

A Commercial Neutralizer

If you know the type of acid you have on the floor tile, then you can easily find a commercial product to neutralize it. I know that this one might take time, but you got no other option if you don’t want or can’t use baking soda.

There are several products available to remove the acid stain; simply select the appropriate one and follow the product’s instructions.

Colored Wax

In some cases, the damage you’ll see on the floor tiles will look like a white blotch. This occurs because the acidic substance has chemically altered the surface. In this situation, experts recommend using colored wax.

In order to hide the damaged area, you’ll have to choose a colored wax that is identical to the rest of your floor tiles’ color. Then follow this guide to apply the wax to the affected spot properly.

I understand that this technique will not restore the tile’s original look. However, at this point, you, unfortunately, have two options: wax the area or replace the tile.

How to Remove Acid Stains from Marble Floor

For marble, you’ll have to act as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely your marble floor will be damaged.

The thing is, since marble is a natural stone composed mostly of calcium carbonate, it can easily be damaged (etched) by acidic substances such as vinegar.

So, in this situation, you’ll have to absorb as much spilled vinegar as possible. After that, sprinkle a good amount of baking soda all over the affected area and leave it to absorb the remaining acid solution.

Finally, use a soft brush or broom to remove the baking soda and rinse the area with water. Water is an excellent option for this situation since it will neutralize the pH of the vinegar, preventing it from damaging your lovely floor.

Things You Need to Know Before Removing Acid Stains

• When dealing with an acidic stain, always keep the space well ventilated.
• Always wear rubber gloves and cover your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling the toxic vapor.
• Don’t add water to the acid for the sake of diluting it. This action will result in an exothermic reaction that releases heat and may boil very violently, causing the substance to splatter and splash.
• Regardless of the type of floor tiles you get, never let the acid sit for a long period of time on the surface. This activity will more likely cause the damage that we’ve mentioned above.
• For best results, we recommend tackling the acid stain as fast as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do You Leave Baking Soda on Tiles?

We recommend leaving baking soda on the acidic stain for around 10 minutes before removing it.

Which Acid is Best for Cleaning Tiles?

Hydrochloric acid is the best acid for cleaning floor tiles.

Conclusion

Acid is a powerful cleaning substance that can produce remarkable results or cause massive damage. As a result, it is advised that you use it with caution and in accordance with the product’s instructions. And if the spilled acid was not intended for cleaning but anything else, simply act quickly, and you should be able to remove it successfully.

We hope the few tips mentioned above have helped you acquire the proper knowledge on how to remove acid stains from floor tiles. If you got another practical advice we didn’t say above, please share it with us in the comment section below.

We’ve also recently published a helpful guide on how to clean oil off the floor. The tips mentioned in that article are almost inexpensive and can be done with household products. So, do not miss such an opportunity!!!