QUESTION

I have a 7-year-old shower tile floor that is stained. I think it is from hair color. I have tried bleach, vinegar and soft scrub. Is there any way to remove this? I am attaching the picture she sent.

Given that I have already tried products at both ends of the pH scale, would it be likely that the stain is permanent? Do you think the tile is already etched? Would a professional have access to more powerful cleaners or scrubbing machines that could make a difference?

I realize that when tiles is already etched, nothing can restore the glaze. But one thing I’ve always wondered is whether scrubbing in that case with something fairly aggressive followed by a penetrating sealer and wax might help?

ANSWER

ANSWER - I saw the photo.  I couldn't zoom in to get a good look at the tile.  It looks to either be an unglazed porcelain or ceramic tile mosaic or it is a natural stone mosaic.

The yellow type of staining makes me think it might be a natural stone as this is a condition that occurs with some natural stones on shower floors.  If it is a natural stone, this condition can be caused by compounding issues.   Some natural stones naturally contain ferrous oxide that can lead to rusting causing a yellow to orange tone stain if it is subjected to excessive moisture.

Often shower pans are constructed improperly not allowing the residual water to drain away.  This can be because the drain weep holes are plugged and/or that there is not a pre-slopped surface toward drain under the waterproof membrane.

The rust staining could also be due to metal embedded in the mortar under the natural stone that has rusted, due to the excessive moisture condition, that then migrated up through the stone.

There are poultices that can be used to remove the stains or partially remove the stains that can be purchased online or from stone suppliers.   If the stain is migrating up from the bottom it might be difficult if not impossible to remove.  Of course if there are underlying problems then removing the stain is treating the symptom of the problem and not the problem, so it will likely reoccur.

On the other hand, if the tile is an unglazed porcelain or ceramic tile it is a very dense if not impervious product by definition.  Although these products can have microscopic pores that can trap stains.  These would be more surface stains.  If the tile was etched from an acidic substance then they should be able to feel a texture in those spots.  But etched surfaces normally only occur with glazed tiles and it can't be repaired.  The stains can possibly be removed using poultices if it is an unglazed tile.

Poultices come with different mixtures depending what type of stain you want to remove.  Follow the poultice manufacturer's recommendations to select the correct poultice.   They should always approach the remediation with caution and do test the poultice in an isolated spot to make sure they get the results that they want.

There are professional stone restoration companies who can be hired to attempt to remove the stains, but again they might only be treating the symptom of the problem and not repairing the problem.  They are more equipped and experienced at knowing what to do.

After the tile floor is cleaned to your satisfaction, it would be wise to seal it with a penetrating sealer.  Never use wax on a tile surface as it can trap in moisture causing other problems.  It would require more maintenance, and it might make the floor more slippery depending on what type of wax product you use.