How to Remove Efflorescence from Tile, Stone, Masonry, Grout

Efflorescence, according to www.britannica.com, is a spontaneous loss of water by a hydrated salt, which occurs when the aqueous vapor pressure of the hydrate is greater than the partial pressure of the water vapour in the air… These salts effloresce (i.e., lose all or part of their water of hydration) and their surfaces assume a powdery appearance.

This “powdery” appearance, or efflorescence, can be troublesome because it is often flagged by home inspectors, during the home sale process, as potential signs of a moisture problem. Efflorescence can be removed, and inhibited, from the surface of most natural stone, masonry, tile and grout. Before getting started, it is a good idea to investigate the source and level of moisture to determine if it is within normal range prior to treating the surface.

Treatable Surfaces:
•Natural stone (such as marble, granite, slate, travertine and limestone), porcelain, quarry, Saltillo, terra cotta, cement pavers, masonry surfaces and other porous tile and grout.
•Interior and Exterior Surfaces.
•Note: Polished stone may be dulled by the efflorescence removal process. Re-polishing may be required. Test a small, inconspicuous area before full use.

Materials:
Aqua Mix Eff-Ex, mop or sponge (depending on the application), scrub brush, clean water and bucket. Where appropriate, a high-pressure washer or scrub machine may be used.

To Remove Efflorescence:
1.Apply undiluted Aqua Mix Eff-Ex to the surface using a mop or sponge. (For best results, pre-wet the surface, avoid puddling, and remove excess water before applying Eff-Ex).
2.Allow solution to dwell on surface 30-60 minutes. Go towards the longer end of this range for more severe efflorescence. Do not allow the solution to dry on the surface. Reapply as needed. If covering a large area, you may need to work in sections.
3.Agitate with a scrub brush or scrub machine.
4.Thoroughly rinse with clean water. (High-pressure washer may be used if appropriate.)
5.Mop or wet-vac up dirty water & solution.
6.Heavily built-up efflorescence may require additional applications or longer dwell time.
7.Allow to dry 24 hours before applying Sealer or follow steps below to Inhibit Future Efflorescence.

To Inhibit Future Efflorescence:
1.After completing the removal process, apply a thin coat of Aqua Mix Eff-Ex to the surface using a mop or sponge.
2.Scrub into the surface with a scrub brush or scrub machine.
3.Wipe dry.
4.Repeating this process may be required to fully inhibit.
5.Allow to dry 24 hours before applying Sealer.

Important Notes:
•Efflorescence can be cleaned from sealed surfaces but Eff-Ex will not inhibit future efflorescence unless sealer is removed prior to treating.
•Polished stone surfaces may become etched by efflorescence removal process. Always test an inconspicuous area prior to treating full surface, regardless of surface material.
•If efflorescence has been allowed to crystallize on surface, it may be necessary to use an acidic cleaner. Check surface application prior to use because this may etch certain stone surfaces.
•Always read full product instructions prior to application.

If you need help determining the amount of product you’ll need to cover the area to be treated, call 1-877-Floorguy for assistance.