Natural stone in your home: cleaning and care. Cement cleaner - cement remover How to clean decorative stone from glue

New residents end up paying for the construction workers' careless work.

When starting cleaning, you need to understand whether the surface on which the cement remains is hard and strong, or whether mechanical stress can lead to chips and cracks.

When conducting construction work, foremen always think about the delivery of the object, ordinary workers often think about what can be stolen from the site, and masons think about the weather. Being outside all day, exhausted by the heat in summer, rain in autumn and snow in winter, you inevitably begin to monitor the weather forecast. You often have to rush, and it’s not always possible to do everything carefully. So the cement blots remain. Washing off cement later causes headaches for building owners.

There are two ways to cope with the task of washing off cement.

To do this you may need the following tools:

• metal brush;
• spatula;
• chisel;
• geological hammer;
• trowel;
• an ordinary hammer and chisel;
• grinder or whetstone;
• axe;
• liquid for removing cement.

Mechanical removal

First, cement is removed mechanically. Growths and stains are removed by regular knocking. Use a spatula, trowel, wire brush or hammer and chisel. A hammer and chisel are used to knock down large pieces of dried mixture. Sometimes it is better to use a chisel. It is convenient due to the uneven sharpening of the sides and the small angle. But do not forget that the chisel is not intended for such work and removing the hardened cement solution will quickly dull it.

It is good to remove cement from glass and ceramics with a kitchen scraper.

People who advise using a nail or chisel are a little wrong when they say that these tools are best solution problems. The conical working part removes the cement in a narrow path, resulting in a countless number of depressions, dashes and chips on the surface. Such tools are very suitable for removing excess cement from joints.

Put away old cement from glass is possible using a scraper designed for cleaning kitchen stoves. This type of scraper can be found in every hardware store. A brush for cleaning windows is also suitable. The main thing before starting work is to wet the glass generously with water. The cement is then scraped and washed with a brush. In extreme cases, you can use a razor blade. Cleaning should be done not with the corner of the blade, but with the entire plane. In this case there will be no scratches.

If dried cement needs to be removed from a brick for reuse, then there is no better solution than a geological hammer.

If hardened cement needs to be removed from a brick that is not in the masonry, that is, used, for secondary use, then you will not find anything better than a geological hammer. It looks like a small pickaxe, but both working parts are not sharpened. If such a tool is not available, a simple hammer and ax will do.

Before starting work, be sure to thoroughly moisten any surface. The water should soften the cement mixture, which will then aid in removal. It is necessary to moisten the brick until it no longer accepts moisture.
Impacts should be applied along the plane (sliding), this minimizes the possibility of damage to the surface. You can clean the surface of cement using a sharpening stone or grinder. The grinder requires careful and precise work, otherwise the surface will have deep cuts. It is most often used when removing large “blunders”. It is better not to completely clean off the cement with it; the residue is moistened with water and scraped off with a metal brush.

The work of a sharpening stone is more accurate compared to a grinder, but it takes more time.

Solvent preparation

In the second option, cleaning is carried out using chemicals based on hydrochloric, phosphoric or sulfuric acids. Acid and water penetrate into the solution and destroy it.

But there are some nuances, for example, white silicate brick does not tolerate acid treatment at all, it simply begins to collapse. This does not happen with ceramic bricks.

Acid-based removers (phosphoric or hydrochloric) will quickly deal with old cement splashes.

If you haven’t forgotten the theoretical course in school chemistry and you have sulfuric acid in stock, and for ordinary people- the electrolyte that is used to refill the battery in a car, you can make the solvent yourself. The acid should have a concentration of approximately 10-15%. If the concentration is higher, corrosion of the surface under the cement may occur; if lower, the level of effectiveness will decrease significantly.

The area to be cleaned must be coated with the prepared solvent and wait about half an hour. During this period of time, the area will be completely saturated. After this, the dried cement is removed manually using the same tools: a metal brush, spatula, trowel, hammer, etc. Then the surface must be thoroughly washed with water; sulfuric acid loses its properties in it and disintegrates.

In specialized stores you can always find products that are designed to clean concrete surfaces from cement.

If you intend to purchase a product for cleaning old cement, then take your time when choosing. Most solvents contain the above-mentioned acids, but there are also less harmful samples. Before buying a product, consult a specialist or a store salesperson. The range of chemicals offered is very large, and some of them, in contact with tiles, metal, wood, plastic and other materials, can damage their surface. WITH special attention read the instructions. Operating conditions can vary greatly from a smooth and completely dry surface to heavy soaking with water. The advantage of chemicals is lower costs physical strength, but you still have to work hard.

Cleaning bricks from cement

Another problem with brick is salt deposits. white, which occurs due to the removal of salts present in the brick and mortar. Plaque is formed due to the abundance of precipitation (often appears in the spring) and violation of waterproofing standards during construction. In addition to the violation of aesthetics appearance, plaque also has a negative impact on the brick itself. Its main component is sodium sulfate. It, in reaction with water, can increase in volume by 1000%, destroying the outer layer, which, falling off, opens a new portion of sulfate that comes into contact with water. Everyone has probably seen such crumbling brick walls at some point.

Cleaners are applied to the wall surface using a brush, brush, roller or spray and left for some time.

Facade cleaners consist of an aqueous solution of acid salts, antiseptics and various additional components. When applied, solvent substances interact with salts and dissolve them. Step by step instructions and directions for use are usually indicated on the label.

To wash off plaque, it is necessary to carry out work in the following order:

• the concentrated cleaner is diluted with water to a concentration of 5-15% (depending on the level of surface contamination);
• The resulting solution covers the wall. We carry out this work with a brush or roller;
• leave the surface for some time (3-20 minutes). We wait until the solvent interacts with the salts;
• the solution must be thoroughly rinsed with water. The brickwork is wiped with a medium-hard polymer brush.

The components used in facade cleaners are harmful to health, so when working with them it is necessary to use personal protective equipment. If there are small children in the family, then, with some effort, you can find solvents without an acid component. They are safer, but less effective and require several surface treatments.

Consolidation of results

After all excess solution and white salt stains have been removed, the surface must be secured. Otherwise, closer to summer, the appearance of the house may deteriorate again. It is necessary to interrupt the contact of the walls with water. To do this, you will need a water repellent - a product for coating artificial and natural surfaces (concrete, brick, marble, foam concrete, granite, stone, plaster, etc.).

The water-repellent coating has excellent vapor-permeable and water-repellent properties. As a result, the surface stops absorbing moisture. The manufacturers of this coating claim that it is completely harmless.

The natural stone that you bought to decorate your home or elegantly decorate your office is an investment for for many years, which will help create an atmosphere of comfort and coziness, so important for both relaxation and productive work. It is important to remember that a stone is natural material who requires appropriate care. Simple and easy maintenance procedures will help you preserve its beauty for a long time.

Following simple precautions will help you avoid many unpleasant problems. Use coasters for glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juice. The fact is that many quite ordinary foods and juices contain acids, the effect of which on a polished stone surface can be negative.

Coasters will also come in handy for a variety of hot items, such as plates or frying pans. Also try to place napkins under porcelain, ceramic or silverware, as well as under any other objects that could scratch the surface of the stone.

Let's say the stone is still contaminated. What is the fastest and easiest way to return it to cleanliness? Let's look at a few of the most typical situations.

When cleaning floors, rinse the cloth frequently or change the attachment of a special mop. Dirt often contains abrasive materials, such as sand, which, when in intense contact with the surface of a granite or marble floor, can leave micro-scratches, ruining the attractive polish. Mats and rugs at the front door will help reduce the amount of dirt that gets into the room, as it usually only takes a few vigorous steps to clean the soles of shoes. Use vacuum cleaners with special care: their metal or plastic parts, and especially the wheels, can also scratch the delicate surface of the floor.

Do not use soap or gasoline-based detergents to clean stone floors; over time, they will dull the surface of the polished stone. It is much better to sweep away dry debris with a clean, dry mop, and then simply rinse the floor with hot water using a clean cotton rag. You can add a few drops of neutral detergent, special soap or mild liquid dishwashing detergent to the washing water. Specialty soaps are no less affordable than other cleaning products - they can be purchased at hardware stores or directly from suppliers natural stone. We recommend that you refrain from using abrasive powders or pastes - these products contain abrasive particles and can scratch the surface. However, no matter what product you use, the water needs to be changed more often. Excess cleaning products or soap can leave a film or streaks on the stone surface, so do not skimp on water and wipe the floors with a dry cloth after washing.

In bathrooms and other damp areas, soap scum often forms a residue on marble tiles, which can be removed with a rubber scraper. In addition, a special, acid-free solution or an aqueous solution of ammonia (1/2 cup of ammonia per 4 liters of water) will help in solving this problem. But you should not overuse this method, since frequent use of ammonia can ultimately lead to tarnishing of the surface of the stone.

In order for your bathroom countertop to serve you for many years, continuing to delight the eye with the beauty of the clean surface of natural stone, it is recommended to treat it with a special sealant. For questions about choosing a specific product, it is better to contact the specialists who installed the countertop. In a good way Treatment with marble wax or non-yellowing car wax will prevent the formation of water stains.

The kitchen environment is very similar to the bathroom environment in terms of the degree of aggressive impact on natural stone, so measures to ensure the protection of countertops in both cases will be almost identical. But the situation with the kitchen also has its own important specifics. For example, the sealant must be non-toxic so that it can be safely used on surfaces in contact with food products. If you have any doubts about this issue, it is better to postpone stone processing and seek advice from specialists or representatives of the manufacturer of this sealant.

Remember that although before installing natural stone products, their surfaces must undergo appropriate treatment, the sealant layer must still be updated from time to time. Firstly, sooner or later it wears out, and secondly, different types of stones have different porosity, which directly affects the necessary frequency of preventive protective measures. For example, countertops made of marble or limestone are more susceptible to stains than granite, which, due to its greater resistance to external influences, is the most popular material for products decorating the bathroom or kitchen.

In outdoor pools and patio areas, natural stone should be washed with clean water, using a mild bleach to remove algae.

Let us briefly formulate the main features of cleaning natural stone.

What to do:
. Sweep the floor regularly;
. Wash the stone surface only with mild detergents or special soap for natural stone;
. After using cleaning products, rinse the surface of the stone again with clean water and wipe dry with cotton napkins;
. Do not leave the stone wet;
. Protect stone floors with non-slip mats or rugs, and countertops with wax, trivets (for hot dishes) and napkins.
...and what you should never do:
. Do not use vinegar, lemon juice or other acidic products when treating natural stone surfaces.
. Do not use cleaning products that contain acids, such as toilet cleaners, tile cleaners, construction cleaners, or drain cleaners.
. Do not use abrasive cleaning products - dry powders and pastes.
. Do not mix ammonia and bleach; their chemical reaction produces a deadly toxic gas.

Polished surfaces become dull over time

Very often, the facades of houses, offices and apartments are faced with natural stone. This finish is considered durable, and proper care can last for decades.

But over time, the polished surface begins to lose its shine, scratches, various stains, and cracks appear. In order for natural stone cleaning to be effective and safe, it is necessary to choose the right care products.

There are 3 different cleaning methods:

1. using acids and acidic compounds;
2. combined methods;
3. sandblasting.

Cleaning natural stone using acids and acidic compounds.

• Cleaning natural stone using acids and acidic compounds is used only for outdoor work. The method is inexpensive and good result on moderately dirty surfaces (for example, residues of lime, mortar, rust are easily removed). Organic acids are used, as well as hydrochloric, phosphoric and others. The surface to be treated must be moistened generously with acid, previously diluted with water, and left for some time. After this, rinse with clean water. Use this method with extreme caution when cleaning marble and limestone.
• Cleaning natural stone using alkali. Used in case of heavy contamination. Has a degreasing effect. Particularly effective for removing organic contaminants, traces of dirt and soot. Suitable for limestone. Should not be used to clean rust or cement stains.
• Cleaning natural stone using pastes. Used to remove the following contaminants: mold, algae, moss, etc. Suitable for removing grease and oil stains, paint, resin. The method of application is to apply the paste to the surface to be treated for up to three days.

Cleaning natural stone using a combined method

Most often it is already used when the surface needs to be further cleaned by other methods. In this case, grinding is used with both mechanical abrasive and diamond tools. The main disadvantage of this method of removing contaminants is that it can cause damage to stone products.

Using sandblasting method

This type of cleaning is used only for external work. With this method, contaminated surfaces are treated with special fine sand under high pressure. It is necessary to carry out cleaning away from glass, wood and plastered surfaces, as this method can lead to damage to them.

• always carefully read the instructions for use to avoid damage;
• start cleaning the surface from dirt with a less concentrated solution and only then with a more concentrated one;
• test the product on an inconspicuous area.

Before handing over the object, all cement stains must be washed off.

Natural stone masonry always looks attractive, however, it is not always possible to do it carefully.

Cement stains are the main problem that one has to face during the commissioning of a project.

Of course, the customer is unlikely to like contaminated areas, and he probably won’t pay for such work.

Therefore, it is advisable to think in advance about how best to clean the finished object from such contamination, so that problems do not arise later.

Cleaning natural stone from cement

Cleaning natural stone from cement is not difficult in principle. It is important to choose the right method to use for this. There are only two of these methods - mechanical cleaning and chemical treatment.

Mechanical cleaning

This method involves manual processing of contaminated areas.

Cement stains can simply be knocked off the surface using any available tool - a spatula, chisel or any other device. Then the residues are rubbed off with a wire brush or sandpaper.

The main disadvantage of the method is that, like any mechanical processing, it is a rather complex, labor-intensive and time-consuming process.

Of course, you can slightly moisten the hardened cement to make your task at least a little easier, but this will not have much effect. In addition, if the impact is too intense, the surface of the stone can be damaged.

Chemical treatment

Such cleaning of natural stone from cement is possible in several options:

• Acid cleaning. For these purposes, hydrochloric, phosphorus or acetic acid, which are diluted in the required proportion. Cement is quite easily removed from the surface, but there is no guarantee that, by reacting with natural stone, the acid will not subsequently form various stains on its surface. In addition, working with such aggressive substances is quite dangerous.
• Alkali cleaning. Alkaline compounds do not corrode the surface of natural stone and do not leave marks on it, but at the same time they are practically useless in the fight against cement stains, since they have practically no effect on the pollutant.
• Cleaning with special cleaners. Cleaning natural stone from cement using modern chemicals is very effective and does not take much time. Of course, cleaners are also based on the same hydrochloric and phosphoric acid, but they also contain special substances that neutralize unused acid residues, which prevents the subsequent formation of defects. A big advantage of the compositions is their ease of use. The product is applied liberally to the dirt, left for some time, and then the softened cement is easily removed with a spatula. At the end of the work, the surface is washed well with clean water. Now your masonry looks just perfect, but to maintain this result for a long time, cover the surface with a good water repellent, otherwise salt stains cannot be avoided when the rains come.

Products made from artificial stone are becoming increasingly popular. The hygienic and environmentally friendly material allows you to create original sinks and countertops for the kitchen space. The pleasure of purchasing such a practical and fashionable item will last if you know how to maintain it in its original condition.

The first condition that must be observed to maintain a decent appearance of the product is to remove dirt as quickly as possible. Artificial stone does not absorb quickly, but old stains from dyes can ruin the look and require considerable effort from the owner.

A type of artificial stone

The answer to how to wash artificial stone depends on whether the product has a matte or glossy surface. The matte finish is more resistant to various household abrasive detergents and hard sponges. A glossy sink or countertop has increased protection against stains from grease, tea and coffee, but requires careful cleaning with mild, creamy or foaming detergents.

How not to wash artificial stone

Before giving a list of effective and safe means To clean artificial stone, we will compile a list of prohibited substances.

1. High concentration vinegar.
2. Alkaline compounds.
3. Solvents.
4. Degreasers.
5. Acetone.
6. Aggressive abrasives.

Products containing chlorine, or chlorine itself pure form, is assessed ambiguously. On the one hand, a weak chlorine solution perfectly disinfects the surface of a countertop or sink. On the other hand, there is a danger of using too strong a concentrate of the substance (or accidentally exceeding the exposure time of the solution) on the material, which can cause damage to the appearance.

How to wash an artificial stone sink

The best cleaning solution for the sink is dish detergent and a soft, porous sponge. It will quickly remove grease and fresh stains. In second place - special means for cleaning artificial stone. They cost a little more, but have a safe material composition that will preserve the color and integrity of the sink surface.

Artificial stone sink

There are also specialized products for removing lime deposits from the sink, but weak vinegar (no more than 2.5%) can also help. Folk remedies made from scrap materials (soda, mustard, lemon juice) are also effective when used correctly.

Detergents for artificial stone

The most available funds- These are a variety of liquid or creamy compositions for cleaning kitchen surfaces. They are easy to use - apply the composition with a sponge to contaminated areas, rub with a sponge and rinse with water. Products with a light abrasive (Comet powders, PemoLux, Soda Effect) are also applicable.

When using, apply the powder moistened with water to the area and leave to act (for a while). You cannot rub this mixture, because there is a risk of small scratches, into which dirt will begin to clog over time. After 5-10 minutes, the mixture is washed off with warm water, and only then treated with a damp sponge.

How to clean an artificial stone countertop

All of the above methods are applicable for the countertop. But one more question remains: how can you wash artificial stone if there are forgotten traces of dyes on it?

Artificial stone countertop

1. General purpose bleach.
2. Melamine sponge.
3. Colorless toothpaste in the form of a gel.

Immediately after cleaning, wipe the surface of the tabletop dry so that the light color continues to remain uniform.

Bleach should be used with caution on dark countertop surfaces. For light-colored countertops, bleach is not dangerous, but there is another danger - ordinary moisture stains remaining after treatment.