How to Remove Cement from Tile

Table of Contents:

1. You Will Need 3. Steps to Remove Large Amounts or

Thick Cement
2. Steps to Remove Small Amounts or
Thin Cement 4. Additional Tips and Advice

Pam asked: After having a fireplace built on our sunporch, they got cement on my quarry tile
floor. How do I get the cement off the tile?

Ceramic tile is much harder than cement and can tolerate the
cleaning methods needed to break down and remove the cement.
For thin layers or small amounts of cement, common household
products may be sufficient for removal. However, for larger jobs,
stronger acids may be needed to get the job done. If the tile is
glazed, use caution as even a weak acid like vinegar can eat
through the glaze. Be sure to protect your skin and use good
ventilation as you work through the steps below.

You Will Need:

White vinegar (for thin layers or small spots)

Flat head screwdriver

Phosphoric Acid Cleaner (for larger spots and thicker layers)

Tampico brush or

Scotch Brite scrubbing pad or

Metal scouring pad

Sponges

Soft cloths

Water

Soap or detergent

Bucket

Protective gloves and eyewear

Small brush or old toothbrush

 Small brush or old toothbrush

Steps to Remove Small Amounts or Thin Cement:

1. For mild problems such as small spots or a thin film of cement, white vinegar
typically provides enough acidic power to loosen the bond between the
cement and the tile.

2. Use a sponge or pad to apply enough vinegar to the area to cover it

completely.

3. Allow the vinegar to set on the cement for at least an hour or two.

4. If the weather is warm and the vinegar is evaporating, reapply frequently to

keep the area moist.

5. After the cement starts to loosen, scrub the area with either a brush, Scotch
Brite pad or scouring pad.

6. It will take some elbow grease, but the vinegar will have loosened the cement
enough that it can be scrubbed away.

7. If a small amount remains, reapply vinegar and allow it to set again.

8. Scrub again until all of the cement is removed.

9. Rinse the area with water.

10. Wash the area with soap and water.

11. Rinse the area again to ensure all of the acid is removed.
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Steps to Remove Large Amounts or Thick Cement:

1. For areas with thick layers or larger spots of cement, a stronger acid will be
necessary. In these cases phosphoric acid, a commonly used acid to clean up
masonry projects, will give the necessary cleaning strength to cut through the
layers of cement. You can buy phosphoric acid cleaner online or in some
hardware stores.

2. Use a scraper, metal scrubber or flat head screwdriver to remove as much of

the cement as possible.

3. For the remaining cement, apply the phosphoric acid following the
manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Once the cement loosens, scrub the area with a scrubber until it is all removed
from the surface.

5. Rinse the area well with clean water.

6. Clean the area with soap and water to remove any remaining acid.

7. Rinse completely.

Additional Tips and Advice

Always use caution and protect yourself when using acids for cleaning
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procedures. Ensure the area has proper ventilation. Read through all of the
instructions and warnings on the package prior to use.

If the instructions say to mix the acid with water, always add the acid to the
water. Adding water to acid can create a reaction that causes the acid to
splash out everywhere. This quickly becomes a safety hazard.

There are products available to neutralize acids when the cleaning process is
completed. Applying these products at the end will ensure that there is no acid
remaining on the surface that could cause further damage.

As a last resort, hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, can be used. If
you are not familiar with these products, it is best to contact a professional
who is used to working with them. Improper handling of these acids can create
dangerous situations and cause more damage than the original cement stains.