Above: Cement tile with effloresence.
Below: Cement tile treated for effloresence.
WHAT IS EFFLORESCENCE?
Efflorescence is a cloudy haze that can affect the surface of cement, brick, stone, and other porous masonry surfaces. When material isn’t properly sealed, over time water can seep into the tile body and push naturally occurring salts and minerals to the surface. This most commonly occurs in interior wet or outdoor installations.
While efflorescence won’t damage the structure of your tile, the cloudy residue can affect its visual appeal, and in some cases even indicate a leak or water issue that should be addressed. Unfortunately, regular scrubbing and cleaning products don’t treat efflorescence.
THE FIX
Thankfully, there’s a solution! Step one is to determine why efflorescence is occurring in the first place. Were your tiles installed without sealing? Are your tiles in a location that could be affected by a hidden leak? Is it an unlevel floor that allows water to pool, or an exterior wall that should have flashing to prevent rain from seeping behind the tile? Addressing hidden water issues will help prevent reoccurrence in the future, although sometimes the source isn’t clear.
Once the cause has been sleuthed out and remedied, you’re ready to get cleaning. What you’ll need:
- SealGreen Efflorescence Remover
- Sponge brushes
- Soft bristle tile brush
- Multi-purpose terrycloth / microfiber cloths (regular paper towels can shed when wiping)
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, dilute SealGreen to the desired degree with water. Begin in an inconspicuous area, and using the sponge brush paint a layer of SealGreen across the face of a test tile. Allow to sit for about five minutes, and using a damp terrycloth wipe the surface clean. Efflorescence should be visibly reduced. This process can be repeated several times, and a soft bristle tile brush can be used to scrub stubborn areas. Wipe your tile surface with a clean, damp rag between cycles to reduce pigment staining.
PREVENTING FUTURE EFFLORESCENCE
Once your tiles have been refinished with SealGreen, give them a good wash with a pH-neutral cleaner (we like Tile Armor Aphrodite’s Daily Cleaner). Allow your floor to dry fully, at least 24 hours, and then reseal using your preferred cement tile sealant. For a list of our favorites, visit our Cement Tile Installation Guide under Sealing, Grouting, & Waxing. For added protection on indoor projects, a light coat of wax or polish is recommended.