Removal methods of spots and stains vary widely. When one method fails completely, a second or third might do the job quite effectively. Although stains and spots are not a common problem on ceramic tile surfaces, they do at times occur. Since the identity of a particular spill or stain is sometimes unclear, its removal may take perseverance and patience. To provide assistance in stain removal, separate data sheets are included as part of this maintenance guide.

Stains should be treated as soon as possible, as they become more difficult to remove when they have dried. But, no one should attempt to remove stains unless he knows what the stain is and why a certain type of remover is being used. Only as a last resort should chemicals be used to remove stains. Stain removers either dissolve the substance that causes the stain, absorb the stain; or act as a bleaching agent. Thus stain removers fall into three general classes.

1. Solvents such as mineral spirits, xylene, or chlorinated solvents which dissolve grease, chewing gum, lipstick, etc.
2. Absorbents such as chalk, talcum powder, blotting paper or cotton, which absorb fresh grease or moist stains.
3. Bleaches such as household ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid or lemon juice, which discolour stains.

In removing stains with chemicals, directions should be carefully followed. For example, when the procedure specifies treatment with a solvent before cleaning, it may be that if this was reversed, the alkali in the soap would set the stain and make it impossible to remove.

Appreciate the importance of knowing the surface to be treated and the nature of the stain before trying to remove it. The maintenance staff should ask these questions:

1. Is it a water base stain? If so, water will remove it.
2. Is it an alcohol base stain? If so, alcohol will remove it.
3. Is it a stain from an acid? Use an alkali to neutralize it.
4. Is it a stain from alkali? Use an acid to neutralize it.
5. Is it a stain from grease? If so, use soap or degreaser.
6. Does the stain contain albumin, as in milk or blood? If so, do not use hot solution. It will cook the albumin.

The recommended procedures for removing some common types of stains from ceramic tile, terrazzo and marble are included in this guide.

CAUTION:The treatments recommended herein for stain removal should be used by trained and experienced personnel. Improper use may result in bleaching the grout, if a colour dye had been added.

Always perform a test in an inconspicuous area first to determine the results.

Maintenance Guide for Stain Removal

INK STAINS

Different inks require different treatments. Ordinary writing inks may etch concrete due to acid content. To remove a stain of this type, mix a solution of sodium perborate in hot water and add whiting, mix a thick paste, apply in 6.3 mm (1/4") layer, and leave until dry. If some of the blue colour is visible after poultice is removed, repeat. Sodium perborate may be obtained from a druggist. CAUTION: Sodium perborate may cause skin irritation. Use rubber gloves and wash affected areas with water immediately.

Many red, green, violet and other bright coloured inks are water solutions of synthetic dyes. The sodium perborate poultice described above can usually remove stains made by this type of ink. Often the stain can be removed by applying ammonia water, or mixed to a paste with whiting and applied as a poultice. A mixture of equal parts of chlorinated lime and whiting reduced to a paste with water may also be used as a poulticing material.

Some blue ink contains Prussian blue, a ferrocyanide of iron. These stains cannot be removed by the perborate poultice, Javelle (Calcium or Sodium Hypochlorite) water, or chlorinated lime poultice. Such stains yield to treatment of ammonia water applied on a layer of cotton batting. Strong soap solution applied the same way may also be effective.

Indelible ink often consists entirely of synthetic dyes. Stains may be treated as outlined above for that type. However, some indelible ink contains silver salts, which cause a black stain. This may be removed with ammonia water applied by bandage.

LUBRICATING OIL

Lubrication oil may penetrate concrete and portland cement and portland cement readily. It should be mopped off immediately, covering the spot with Fuller's earth or dry powdered material such as hydrated lime, whiting or dry portland cement. If treated soon enough, there will be no stain. However, when the oil has remained for some time, other methods will be necessary.

Saturate white Canton flannel in a mixture of equal parts of acetone and amyl acetate and place over stain. Cover with slab of concrete or pane of glass. If stain is on a vertical surface, improvise means to hold cloth and covering place. Keep the cloth saturated until the stain is removed. If the solvent tends to spread the stain, a larger cloth should be used. Covering saturated cloth with glass drives the stain into the concrete, while dry slab of concrete draws some oil into it. Scrubbing with mineral spirits or other organic solvents will often remove oil stains. Caution should be taken when using organic solvents as inhalation of the vapour and prolonged skin contact with the liquid may lead to unpleasant health effects.

TOBACCO STAINS

The following formula is usually effective: dissolve 900-g (2 lbs.) of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) crystals in 4.5 L (1 gal.) hot water. Mix 340 g (12 ounces) of chlorinated lime to a paste in a shallow enameled pan by adding water slowly and mashing the lumps. Pour this and the tri-sodium phosphate solution into a 9L (2-gal) stoneware jar and add water until full. Stir well, cover the jar, and allow time to settle, To use, and add some of the liquid to powered talc until thick paste is obtained. Apply with trowel as a 6.3mm (1/4") poultice. To apply with a brush, add about one teaspoon of sugar to each 454g (1 lb.) of powdered talc.

When dry, scrape off with wooden paddle or trowel. This mixture is a strong bleaching agent and is corrosive to metals. Care should be taken not to drop it on colored fabrics or metal fixtures.

CAUTION: TSP and lime are corrosive. Use rubber gloves. Wash skin that has had contact with this material immediately.

This method is valuable for treating other stains. Tri-sodium phosphate may be purchased at drug stores; chemical supply or laundry supplies houses. If the stain is not bad, grit scrubbing powders, commonly used on terrazzo, tile and marble floors are satisfactory as poulticing material. Stir powder into hot water until mortar consistency is obtained. Mix thoroughly, then apply to stained surface in a 12.5-mm (1/2") layer. Leave until dry. In most cases, two or more applications will be necessary.

COFFEE STAINS

Coffee stains can be removed by applying a cloth saturated in glyerine diluted with four times its volume of water. Javelle water, or the solution used on iron stains, is also effective.

IODINE STAINS

An iodine stain will gradually disappear of its own accord. It may be removed quickly by applying alcohol and covering with whiting or talcum. If on a vertical wall, mix talcum to paste with alcohol. Apply some alcohol to the stain, then cover with paste.

BLOOD STAINS

Bloodstains can be removed by the following method:

• Apply solution of cold water and tri-sodium-phosphate (TSP) crystals.
• Agitate with stiff scrubbing brush or nylon scouring pad.
• Rinse with clear, cool water. Dry with clean cloth pad or paper towel.

CHEWING GUM

Chewing gum can be removed by the following method:

• Apply ice to harden gum.
• Scrape off with putty knife or razor blade.
• Remove remaining traces by scrubbing with nylon scouring pad saturated with trichloroethylene.

Caution should be used when using trichloroethylene as inhalation of the vapour and prolonged skin contact with the liquid may lead to unpleasant health effects.

GREASE

Method for removal of grease, fat, butter, salad dressing or milk varies with the conditions. Two methods are recommended:

Method 1

• Use strong solution of high alkaline cleaner (TSP, etc) and very hot water.
• Agitate with stiff scrubbing brush.
• Rinse thoroughly with very hot water.

Method 2

• Apply 6.3-mm (1/4") thick paste of non-bleaching cleanser, which will not discolour grout joints (pumice powder).
  Note: Other absorbents are corn meal, corn starch, talcum powder, Fuller's earth, and French chalk.
• Next morning agitate with scrubbing brush or nylon scouring pad.
• Rinse thoroughly with very hot water.

CAUTION: TSP is corrosive; use rubber gloves. Wash skin that has had contact with this material immediately. The use of TSP is intended for stubborn stain removal only. Other stain removal products are available through TTMAC members. Always perform a test in an inconspicuous area first.