Tiles have been trendy for a while now and their popular design is attractive and durable. They enhance a home’s value, style, and credibility. Tiles are common in our bathrooms, kitchens, and sometimes all over the house.
When tiling is done, it leaves behind remains of grout that is used to fill the gaps between tiles making them appear unattractive and unclean. Grout can dry very fast and glues itself on tile surfaces. Once this happens, the stains should be removed as soon as possible. So, the question is how to remove baking soda residue from tile floor?
Here are some suggestions for removing baking soda residue from tile floors. It is necessary to keep it clean to live comfortably and guess what! You do not have to spend a fortune.
Why Does Baking Soda Leave a Residue on Tile Floors?
Backing soda is something you will find in most home kitchens. It has various uses including cleaning the floors, removing bad smells from the fridge, unclogging the drain, or even as a bee sting pain reliever. However, it does leave residue on tile floors.
Upon drying up, baking soda leaves behind a white, streaky, cloudy, and grainy residue. This makes your tiles look dirty even after cleaning them.
If left behind this residue will build up and this is why it is not advised to use baking soda on surfaces with cracks and deep grooves as the residue can be hard to remove and can easily build up.
3 Easy Ways to Remove Baking Soda Residue from Tile Floors
Here are three different ways to remove backing said from your tile floors:
1. Vinegar solution
Vinegar is an acid while baking soda is a base. This means that there will be a reaction. This acid helps remove grime and mold in addition to removing the residue on your tile flooring. to begin you will need vinegar, warm water, a spray bottle, a strong brush, and a cloth to remove the grout.
- Mix vinegar and warm water in a clean bowl in equal measures. Adding water to vinegar will keep you safe from itching if your skin is sensitive and if you have cuts and bruises on your hands.
- Take a spray bottle and add the mixture to it.
- Using the spray bottle, coat the area covered in residue and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Scrub the tiles with the brush in vigorous up-and-down movement.
- Using a clean rug or cloth, wipe off any residue that may be remaining.
When cleaning the baking soda residue from vertical surfaces, using a spray bottle will be more effective than a moistened cloth.
If the stains remain stubborn, you can try using vinegar without water. As a more powerful cleanser, it can cut through thick baking soda stains and tackle other stains on ceramic and vinyl tile and carpet with equal success.
2. Strong chemical cleaners
Keeping strong cleaners in the house is not recommended especially with children around. However, these cleaners do come in handy from time to time. Though not eco-friendly, chemical cleaners can eat away the grout.
A combination of vinegar and baking soda is a good option.
- Add baking soda into a bowl and pour in some water. Mix it up to form a smooth paste.
- Go ahead and apply the paste to the area with the baking soda residue using a dry sponge.
- Add some vinegar to a dry water spray bottle and coat the area with the baking soda paste.
- the mixture of vinegar and baking soda will bubble, resulting in the removal of the residue from the grout. With a moist rag, clean off the mixture.
3. Plain water
Plain water can work magic on your floors. This is the earliest treatment you can offer your tile floors soon as you notice the residue before considering other options.
- Take a clean sponge and soak it in warm water and then squeeze out any excess water.
- Using medium pressure, use the sponge to scrub your tiles.
- When you are done removing the residue, clean the tiles with a cloth or clean mop.
As you scrub the floor with the sponge, try and feel the grout. If smooth, it will come off completely but if it’s rough you might have to turn to more aggressive methods.
Conclusion
If the stains become a nuisance even after using all these three methods, you can always call a professional cleaning service to take the stress off your hands.
One should avoid this residue at all costs. It poses serious health risks when inhaled and is not environmental-friendly. Baking soda stains are simple to remove, and you can do it on your own and without breaking the bank.
