Removing cement residue from tiles

Have you just tiled a floor or wall and are you suffering from a dull haze? Then you are probably dealing with cement veil. This layer of cement residue adheres to the surface of tiles and can be quite stubborn. In this article we will discuss how to remove cement veil from tiles, when it is best to do this and which (home) remedies are available. If the home remedies do not work, then we have a number of professional remedies available as a last resort.

When should you remove cement veil?

You want to remove the fine cement particles that arise after grouting as quickly as possible. However, “quickly” is not always the best choice. It may be smarter to wait until the cement has hardened. How long you have to wait depends on the type of cement and how long it has been since you grouted.

When to remove cement veil after grouting?
In many cases, you can start cleaning after 24 to 48 hours. If you wait too long, you may have to deal with removing old cement later, which is a lot more difficult.

How long should I wait to remove cement residue?
Check the instructions of the manufacturer of your grout. Sometimes it is better to let the grout harden for one or two days first, but do not wait for weeks. If cement residue hardens completely, the “removal of dried grout from tiles” becomes a tough job.

Milder solutions (first step)

Remove cement residue with soda or green soap

As a first resort, you can get started with soda or green soap . Mix warm water with soda and carefully scrub your tiles. You can also use green soap, because this agent has a degreasing effect. This can dissolve a thin veil. The advantage of this method is that it is relatively safe and friendly to most tiles.

Cement residue remover from the hardware store

You can also choose to get a cement veil remover from the hardware store. This is often a very light formulation of a weak acid, such as 10% hydrochloric acid. If you opt for this method, always read the packaging and test on an inconspicuous piece of tile to prevent damage.

Did you know? Many cement veil removers contain hydrochloric acid (10%) as the main ingredient, but are ready-to-use diluted and specially stabilized for use on tiles.

Strong acids: last resort for stubborn veil

If nothing else helps, you can opt for stronger acids such as 30% hydrochloric acid or 80% acetic acid. These agents can be very effective, but require extreme caution due to their caustic properties.

Use 30% hydrochloric acid to remove cement residue

1. Why 30%?
   • Hydrochloric acid 30% is the strongest agent for removing cement veil. This high concentration can quickly dissolve cement residues.
   • Often used in professional situations or with very thick, hardened cement veil.
2. Dilute and test
   • Preferably use a lower concentration by mixing with water. Many users go for a 10% solution as a starting point.
   • Always test on a small, inconspicuous area of the tile to see how the substrate reacts.
3. Safety precautions
   • Wear gloves, safety glasses and, if necessary, a face mask.
   • Work in a well-ventilated area or, if used outdoors, with adequate airflow.
   • Always pour the acid into the water, never the other way around (to prevent splashing).
   • After use, rinse tiles thoroughly with water to neutralise any residual hydrochloric acid.
4. Not for natural stone
   • Hydrochloric acid is not suitable for calcareous stone types (e.g. marble, travertine), because it can attack the surface.

Acetic acid 80% as an alternative

1. Dilute to ‘strong cleaning vinegar’
   • Regular cleaning vinegar usually contains 5-8% acetic acid. With 80% acetic acid you can make a stronger solution, for example 10-15% for removing stubborn cement veil.
   • Calculation example : Mix 100 ml of 80% acetic acid with ~700 ml of water to get around 10% (inform yourself well about the exact proportions).
2. Operation
   • Acetic acid is less aggressive than strong hydrochloric acid, but at 80% it is still very caustic.
   • Can be a good compromise when standard cleaning vinegar is too weak and hydrochloric acid seems too strong.
3. Safety precautions
   • Here too, wear gloves, safety glasses and ensure ventilation.
   • Be careful of splashes, and make a test piece.
   • Rinse thoroughly afterwards to remove any acid residue.

Summary

1. Start gently : Soda, green soap, or a ready-to-use cement veil remover (often based on 10% hydrochloric acid).
2. Go step by step : Is the veil still visible? Repeat or choose a stronger remedy.
3. Pay attention to your tile type : Inform yourself about the substrate (ceramic tiles vs. natural stone) and adapt the method accordingly.
4. Strong acid as a last resort : Use 30% hydrochloric acid or 80% acetic acid to remove cement veil. These agents are very effective, but also riskier. Ensure proper dilution, protection and thorough rinsing.

Tip : Looking for a reliable, concentrated acid solution for stubborn cement veil? Check out our acids and follow the safety instructions carefully.