Tiles are an essential part of the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas of the house. However, after years of use, sometimes you will find that your tiles develop rust. Since rust has a dark shade, you need to make sure that you do something about it before it becomes more visible and easy to tell.
Understanding how to remove rust from ceramic tiles is a complex process that is often considered superficial and easy by many. With an understanding of a few key steps, you can remove rust from your ceramic tile materials, leaving them nice and shiny in no time.
Understanding the causes of rust
Rust is a common problem in ceramic tiles. It can be due to a number of factors, like:
- Water: If your tiles are exposed to water, they can develop rust spots. This is especially true if you have hard water and use it to clean your bathtub or shower walls.
- Metal fixtures: If you have metal fixtures in your bathroom, such as towel bars and toilet paper holders, they can also cause rust stains on your ceramic tiles. This happens because the metal fixtures are exposed to moisture. This causes oxidation, which leads to rust stains on your tiles.
- Mildew and mould: If you have mildew or mould growth on your ceramic floors, it may also cause rust stains. Significantly if those types of growth grow underneath the grout lines between the tiles or behind them, where they cannot be seen easily.
Removing rust from ceramic tile
Removing rust from ceramic tile can be a challenging task. Rust stains are tough to remove, but with patience and the right products, you can make your ceramic tiles look new. Here’s how to remove rust from ceramic tile:
Prepare the Area
First, you’ll need to prepare the area where the rust is located. Remove any furniture or other items that may get in the way when you clean up the rust stains. Then, Cover the floor with plastic sheeting to protect it from spills and splashes.
Gather Tools
You will need the following tools for this project:
- Gloves– To protect your hands from chemicals and water.
- Sponge or rag– You’ll need to wipe down the surface before and after you use the solution. You can use a sponge or a rag to clean the residue.
- Rust remover or vinegar– Vinegar removes rust stains from ceramic tile, but it may not be strong enough for some stains. You can also use any rust remover, but make sure that it doesn’t contain bleach!
- Power grinder– This is optional, but if you have one available, then go ahead and use it! It will make your job much faster and easier than scrubbing away at those stubborn stains with a scrub.
Clean the Tile
Before you start working on your tile, give it a good scrubbing with soap and water to eliminate any dirt or grime that may be stuck to it. This will help prevent rust stains when applying your rust remover later.
Apply Your Rust Remover
Once your tiles are clean and dry, you can apply the rust remover solution. Consider wearing rubber gloves for this part because it might get messy while applying it. Pour some of the rust remover solutions onto a rag or sponge and wipe it onto the rust stains on your tiles until they disappear entirely.
Use a Power Grinder
Use your power grinder to remove any remaining rust from your ceramic tiles. If you have some stubborn spots left behind, use a fine mesh metal brush attachment on your power grinder. Run it over those areas to remove them completely.
Wash and Rinse
Once all traces of rust are gone, wash the tile thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residue left by your power grinder.
Conclusion
Ceramic tile should be treated with care, but you can restore damaged tile if something terrible happens. The process of removing rust from ceramic tile is not a complex one. Regular ceramic tile cleaning can also reduce the chances of getting rust.
You just need to get the right supplies and do the work. Try to prevent rust from forming in the future by moving items away from the surface or covering them with a protective barrier.