Tiles are durable and can weather lots of ups and downs; therefore they happen to be the most cherished option when it comes to kitchen and bathroom flooring. But we have to admit that it is not simple to keep clean as it dirties easily due to exposure to all kinds of weather and in part tends to lose its original warm hues. Summer is just around the corner and with it comes a desire to spend time in the garden. The best way to clean terracotta and / or Saltillo tiles is on your hands and knees using brass tipped bristles and green scrubber (steel will scratch and damage). Tile Doctor Acid Gel pH1 blend of Phosphoric and Hydrochloric acids in a gel form for the treatment of grout haze (grout smears) and efflorescence on wall and floor tiles. For cleaning of lighter-colored bricks, use a mixture of 1 part acid to 10 parts water. The ancient Romans used a variety of terracotta tiles in their villas and palaces for many centuries. Will muric acid cause any damage? Terracotta tiles are thicker than most modern tiles … The gel is especially effective on vertical or sloped surface where where more dwell time is required. Cleaning Terracotta Tiles. A discussion started in 2001 but continuing through 2018. Good luck!–Joe T. Do not use bleach based or acid based products as these may damage the surface of the tile. Also, note that muriatic acid should be used only after exhausting all other options, including scouring powders and diluted bleach. Use extreme caution when mixing, so that the solution does not splash on you. glazed Tile Its exclusive acid-free formula eliminates the white marks and nourishes the floor tiles in depth. Never mix other chemicals with this acid … Q. I recently had ceramic tile installed and have been told to clean up residue grout and to bring out color using "muric acid" as a cleaner. However, don’t use it on hand-painted tile; the acid might remove the paint. Terracotta Tiles have been around in certain parts of the world for over two millennia, in fact the word Terracotta means burned earth. When mixing, add the acid to the water, not water to acid. This product can be used for regular cleaning if the the white veils persist. However, acid stains from toilet cleaners or battery acids can badly damage your tiles. When such aggressive cleaning is necessary, use sulfamic acid per the manufacturer’s instructions with caution and only in the methods prescribed. 2001. Terracotta Tiles – Cleaning and Sealing. with hydrochloric acid (also commonly referred to as muriatic acid), hydrofluoric acid, or acetic acid (vinegar) because they are harsh and can damage both the tile and the grout surfaces. it is recommended for terracotta and red tiles because it intensifies their shade. For darker bricks, use 1 part acid to 20 parts water. Yes, Sally, this cleaning solution will work on any glazed tile. The ancient Romans used a variety of terracotta tiles in their villas and palaces for many centuries. Terracotta Tiles require regular cleaning with a PH neutral cleaner. Ceramic Tile Cleaning with muriatic acid. Tiles with a rough or textured surface may benefit from the use of a doodlebug rather than a mop for a more effective clean. Terracotta Tiles have been around in certain parts of the world for over two millennia, in fact the word Terracotta means burned earth. Thanks, Nancy Turner Terracotta is definitely one of the most beautiful materials used outside. Do I rinse it off after cleaning. On top of that, I’ve seen the surface blasted off the Saltillo terracotta tiles, obviously creating irreversible damage. Muriatic acid and hydrochloric acid are the same compound (aqueous HCl) and are generally used for cleaning mortar and cement products off of brick or to prepare concrete (etch) for painting. The acid is very strong and has a very powerful odor. The most important part is the acid cleaning solution.