To remove soap scum and hard water deposits from a tile wall in a bathroom, mix one part muriatic acid with five parts water. Since muriatic acid is a harsh chemical, mix it outside.
Follow the warning and instructions on the bottle, and be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Apply the mixture with a nylon scouring pad in small circles over the tile. After rinsing the solution off with cold water, the tile will look as good as new.
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joe t. Says:February 18th, 2010 at 7:23 am
Yes, Sally, this cleaning solution will work on any glazed tile. However, don’t use it on hand-painted tile; the acid might remove the paint. Also, note that muriatic acid should be used only after exhausting all other options, including scouring powders and diluted bleach. The acid is very strong and has a very powerful odor. Good luck!–Joe T.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Muriatic acid (not diluted – 100 percent strength) was used to clean the grout on floor tile in an existing bathroom and now the metal items in the room look pitted and tarnished. Is there a way to stop this and restore the items. Also the room was freshly painted and the walls look like they are being effected too. Would using vinegar or baking soda to wash the walls and metal items help?
Ben Erickson Says:May 6th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Hi Debra,
As you discovered, muriatic acid should be diluted according to the instructions on the bottle before being used for cleaning purposes. The corrosion you’re seeing was probably caused by the fumes from the acid while it was being used, which should have dissipated over time. But it would be a good idea to wash the walls and fixtures down with a sponge and plain water just to be sure all the residue has been removed. Don’t use vinegar, since it’s an acid as well, but adding baking soda to the water would be a good idea, since it’s an alkaline compound and will help to neutralize any acid.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:03 am
I prefer 20% vinegar which you can buy at a local hardwarw store for cleaning ceramic tile and grout. Muriatic acid is a dangerous substance and not worth the risk of using.
joe t. Says:June 11th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Hey Charlie, Thanks for the tip. I know that vinegar is a very effective–and nontoxic–cleaner. Muriatic acid is used as a last resort when all other cleansers have failed. Thanks for writing and good luck!–Joe T.
November 6th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Vinegar does not work!!
November 6th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
How to clean sealed mexican tile?
November 28th, 2011 at 9:34 am
Don’t try muratic acid unless you dilute it a ton karen. im looking at some royally messed up kitchen tiles because the plumber tried to use it to clean them.
November 30th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
wouldn’t lemon be stronger acide than vinegar -_- the pH is lower as well…?
i bought Hcl for my alunium home made grenade xD