After laying the covering, there is almost always some residue left: cement slurry on the surface of the tiles, grout residue in the stone texture, installation grease on the edges. Removing these is not the job of a general household cleaner — but of a professional tile cleaner with the appropriate composition.
First cleaning after installation: After grouting, grout residue and cement slurry remain on the surface of the tiles. If these are not removed with a suitable acidic or neutral cleaner within the first few days, the residues harden and require mechanical removal.
Cement residue and lime slurry: Can be dissolved with an acidic tile cleaner that chemically breaks down the cement residue without damaging the ceramic surface. On acid-sensitive stone surfaces (limestone, marble), acidic cleaners cannot be used — a neutral or mildly alkaline version is required.
Grease and oil stains: Can be dissolved with an alkaline cleaner, especially in kitchens, restaurants, and food industry areas.
Biological coatings (algae, moss, fungi): Can be treated with a biocide-containing, special outdoor tile cleaner. This is a recurring problem especially on shaded outdoor terrace and pavement surfaces.
Acid-sensitive surfaces (limestone, marble, travertine, onyx): Acidic cleaners are prohibited — they dissolve the stone surface and damage the polish. A neutral or mildly alkaline cleaner developed for stone surfaces is necessary.
Acid-resistant surfaces (granite, slate, porcelain): Acidic cement residue removers can be used, but the surface sensitivity and the grout material must always be taken into account.
Impregnated surfaces: Depending on the type of impregnating layer, only cleaners compatible with the impregnator can be used — strong acidic or alkaline cleaners can damage the impregnating layer.
Browse our tile cleaners or request advice to select the cleaner suitable for your covering material and type of contamination.
The Kerakoll Color Collection is an integrated project that includes innovative materials - resin, cement, handcrafted wood, microcoatings, paints, and glazes - coordinated on a single color palette.
