Efflorescence is unsightly and can be difficult to remove. It’s common on brick walls, where it leaves a white, power-like stain or ‘bloom’ on surfaces. It can also rise through grout joints and affect tile installations and patios.
More of a process than a reaction, efflorescence is made up of soluble salts and moisture that rise, evaporate and leave a crystalline salt deposit behind. It can occur after exposure to moist or cool conditions, or more gradually, and it’s often a seasonable problem.
Standard cleaning products won’t effectively remove it and brick acid – a traditional acid cleaner – is often recommended by the building trade as a go-to solution. There are many reasons why this shouldn’tbe used. Brick acid is hazardous and corrosive. It often has ahydrochloric base which effectively strips a surface of its top layer. It’s especially damaging to acid-sensitive materials, like limestone and some sandstones, where it effectively eats away at the surface.
To allow safe, effective removal, ECOPROTEC® has developed a Cement, Grout and Salt Residue Remover which has a synthetic base. The acid-replacement treatment can be used on all types of tile and natural stone surfaces, except those with a polished finish. This means that it can be safely applied to unpolished acid-sensitive surfaces, including limestone and travertine, as well as all types of masonry. It can also be used on porcelain, glazed ceramics, quarry tiles and terracotta, slate, sandstone, granite and unpolished natural stone – indoors and outside. The treatment also removes rising salt caused by substrate moisture and spot fixing – as well as cement and grout residues.
When using cleaning chemicals, always wear protective gloves, clothing and eye protection. Before treating a large area, always carry out a test on a small, inconspicuous area.
To remove mild staining and to treat non-absorbent surfaces dilute 1 part of the Remover with 4 parts of cool water. Always dilute the treatment by adding it to water, rather than the other way around. Apply with a watering can or light pressure sprayer. Leave to act for up to 30 minutes keeping surfaces wet with more solution if necessary. Scrub with a deck brush or nylon scrubbing pad and rinse with clean water.
For more severe staining, use a 1:1 dilution and, if necessary, agitate the surface with a deck brush, nylon scrubbing pad or rotary scrubbing machine. Leave to act for 5-10 minutes, keeping the surface wet with additional Remover. Scrub again and rinse with clean water
In extreme cases, dampen the surface with a little water and apply undiluted. Agitate with a nylon pad, scrubbing brush or mechanical scrubber. Immediately extract using a good quality sponge or wet vac and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
All ECOPROTEC® treatments are made and stocked in the UK. To shop and find out more,visit https://ecoprotec.co.uk. For further information, contact LTP on tel. 01823 666213 or email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk
