QUESTION

How to Remove Yellow Stain in Glazed Shower Tile - The white tile (pocerlain or ceramic?)in my shower is over 35 years old. The tiles near the bottom of the shower stall are yellowed. Regular household cleaners do not work to remove the stain. What product should I use to remove the yellowing but still keep the tile glaze?

ANSWER

ANSWER - If the tiles in your shower at the bottom of the wall are glazed tiles and have turned yellow that might suggest there is a moisture problem with your shower where. The shower may have a defect where moisture is trapped in that area for one reason or another.  The only way to determine that is to remove the tiles in that area.

If in fact you do have glazed ceramic tile (porcelain tile is a type of a ceramic tile) then the staining is likely trapped in the body of the tile behind the glaze.  There is no way to remove the staining if that is the case unless you remove the tile and fix the moisture problem.

If the tile is an unglazed tile then there is a chance you can possibly remove the glaze with a poultice product and process.  Poultice stain removers are normally used on stone products but could work on an unglazed tile.  You will have to go through a trial and error process to determine what type of poultice and process works the best.  Although if the excessive moisture problem isn't repaired and if you are able to remove the stain then it is likely it will return over time.

To find a selection of tile cleaners and where to buy them, go to our website www.CTaSC.com and click Expert Answers to find Resources and select the Cleaners and Sealers option to find a list of manufacturers with links to their websites.  Good luck.