In construction, various binders are used to fix on the surfaces of decorative and finishing materials of a segmented type. Basically, they have a sand-cement mixture in proportions depending on the scope. Decorative and protective coatings for better adhesion with adhesive materials are made with ribbing and roughness, which, in turn, creates some discomfort when trying to clean them of excess glue.
In order not to incur losses from the carelessness of builders and not to puzzle over how to clean the tiles from tile glue, you need to worry about its timely protection with a film or cardboard. Also, during repair work, there should always be enough water in a small container, in which you need to dip the soiled tile or quickly wash the scattered solution with it. It is necessary to ensure that dry building dust and sand do not remain on the front side of the tile, since it easily scratches them when walking.
Goals and reasons for external and technological cleaning
The following can be distinguished:
- decorative cleaning from colored impurities in order to preserve the appearance of the coating;
- technological removal of building mixtures for the purpose of reusing coating segments.
If it is important not to spoil its appearance when washing tiles that are firmly fixed to the floor or wall, then by cleaning the back of the breakaway segment, you must also not damage its base.
How to clean tiles from tile adhesive after polymerization? It sometimes becomes impossible. The main reason for its immediate removal is the insolubility in most liquids.
How to wipe the tile adhesive from the tile?
Since tiles and ceramics are fragile coatings, all work must be done with caution. Tile glue in its composition contains inclusions of quartz, which is an abrasive and, when not handled carefully, leaves deep scratches on the surfaces. To avoid this, you do not need to rub the tiles with dry rags, peel off the dried drops with spatulas, and clean with old and malfunctioning technical equipment.
For work you will need:
- a set of cotton and microfiber rags;
- soft and hard wrist brushes for crevices and ribbed surfaces;
- nozzles on the grinder and drill in the form of brushes and flannel gaskets;
- stone cutting corundum disks;
- household cleaning gels;
- degreasing compounds or solvents;
- vinegar essence;
- dishware sponges.
Determination of pollution
Pollution is divided into external and internal, vertical and horizontal, depending on their position. External are located on the front side of the facing material and spoil its appearance. Internal are on the wrong side and represent an obstacle when carrying out facing works. Vertical ones cover the walls, and horizontal ones cover niches, window sills and the floor. The reason for the appearance of all types of pollution can be inaccurate storage at the construction site, peeling of the coating from the base, improper installation with a violation of the technology by unskilled workers.
What are the main methods for cleaning tiles?
When asking a question how to wash tile glue from a tile, you should know two main ways:
- Mechanical.
- Cleaning with chemicals.
Mechanical cleaning of tiles from tile adhesive consists in the removal of easily separable deposits. Adhesive layers adhering to the back should be separated with a spatula. If the cement mass has time to harden, then cross cuts are applied to it with a cutting circle on a stone fixed in a grinder. The loose bulk dirt is also cleaned with a grinder, but with a metal brush fixed in it.
As a chemical reagent, a solution of "White" is suitable. It dissolves organic compounds, which are the main adhesive components of the adhesive. Household lye is also suitable.
Features of removing adhesives of different brands
Since you need to clean the tile from the tile adhesive as soon as possible, it is important to immediately determine its type and brand. It must be remembered that the faster it is removed, the less problems there will be with the appearance of the coating, since after drying it is much more difficult to do. The most common are the simplest formulations of cement mixtures. They are supplemented with anti-mold and water-resistant additives. For cleaning contaminants with these materials, household detergents and liquids are used.
Increasingly, builders began to use polyurethane adhesives. This is a special type of material that contains polymer resins and various hardeners. To clean the tiles from such compositions of liquid soap will not be enough. To do this, industry produces specialized tools. Organic solvents and gasoline are also effective.
Since it is mechanically easier to remove the tile adhesive from the tile when wet, it must first be abundantly poured with soapy water. In addition, it protects the tiles from scratches. The cleaners contained in the soap create a surface film that reduces friction.
How to clean ceramic tiles from tile adhesive
Ceramics have excellent decorative qualities and high strength. It is pleasant to the touch and great as a floor covering due to its good grip on the sole of the shoe. However, the porous structure makes it vulnerable to contamination during installation and repair work. In order not to leave unpleasant stains and stains on the front surface of the ceramics, it is necessary to treat it with detergents as soon as possible. The sooner the glue is treated with its solvent, the less it will be deposited in the pores of the tile material.
An excellent effect is achieved by washing ceramics using the Karcher apparatus. Pressurized water rinses pores well and cleans even old spots. The main thing is to adjust the pressure and prevent the tile from peeling off. If traces of polyurethane glue remain on the ceramics, then this can be corrected with a mixture of acetone, 9% vinegar and washing powder.
Removing tile adhesive from the tile will be more effective if it is preliminarily poured with boiling water. Hot water softens fatty residues that can hold dust particles in the pores.
Fancy cleaning methods
If it is possible to use a washing vacuum cleaner, then this will be a great solution. The air flow, penetrating the detergent composition, allows you to remove the most inaccessible particles, which are impossible to get rid of in the usual way. Also, he does not reserve ugly stains, being the most careful of the described methods.
Recently, machine tool construction has been actively developing, and industrial steam generators are on sale. These devices are designed for processing various surfaces, clothing, dry cleaning cars. Using steam, very difficult spots are removed. Therefore, determining how to clean the tiles from tile glue, and if there is access to such equipment, it is better to prefer it.
Industrial solutions
On sale there are many industrial compounds and washes to remove building impurities. Means for cleaning tiles from tile adhesive should be inexpensive, effective and safe. It is better to give preference to reputable brands and their products. The most inexpensive of these funds are Cementin, Whitespirit, Shumovit.
For the best effect, you need to apply complex processing in the correct sequence. Some tools are incompatible with each other and may exacerbate the situation. To avoid this, carefully read the instructions on the packaging.
The most radical ways to remove the remains of building mixtures
If the glue had time to dry, it was stained with rust from a carelessly thrown tool and covers a large area, then the situation may be hopeless. This is likely to entail a complete replacement of the entire coating. However, there is a chance to do without it. Using more active and aggressive solvents, you can remove the most resistant stains.
Hydrochloric acid solutions have decapitating properties. By eliminating the adhesion of the films to the base, they release foreign particles that adhere to it. Since tiles and ceramics consist of inorganic compounds, they cannot suffer from this acid. But this tool should not be abused, as the surface color may suffer. After processing the tile with hydrochloric acid, it must be washed off with a solution of baking soda.
This method has several positive properties.
- Firstly, acid residues are removed, which can be harmful if left uncleaned for a long time.
- Secondly, when these components are combined, carbon dioxide is released, which pushes contaminants not associated with the main material from the pores.
You can buy such a solution in hardware stores.
A solution of hydrochloric acid (electrolyte for batteries)
This product can be purchased at the car dealership. Such a tool perfectly removes traces of colored glue, but the use of this acid is associated with a health hazard. When working with active cleaning products, do not forget about personal safety. Chemical protection gloves and respiratory protective equipment should be used. It is necessary to have a first-aid kit in case aggressive substances enter the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract.
Conclusion
So, we figured out how to clean the tiles from tile adhesive. As you can see, there are many ways. One has only to choose the most suitable. But you must always remember that the glue dries quickly and it must not be allowed to harden. Therefore, you should always keep a few liters of water to quickly remove unnecessary composition from the surface of the tile.