9480 Removing Nasty Stains

We have had some very helpful hints regarding cleaning in another thread (old iron locks) under this same question and I have a big problem at the old mill we purchased; however, I do not want to hijack the other thread, so here goes my request for help.
Our floors are cotto tiles which have not been treated or sealed. In a very small room, kind of an alcove, previous tenants had installed a laundry. I am not going to do that, as I have the two apartments which were all part of the old mill although they were rented separately and I am going to use the second kitchen as a kind of kitchenette-laundry. On the other hand, I want to use that room-alcove as a guest room. Only problem, there are a few rust stains on the floor left possibly by an old sink or laundry tub cupboard. Can you suggest any good product to remove them? I know that if this is impossible I can always throw a rug and cover them, but I will know they are there....
I have thought of trying white vinegar, lemon juice and now that it has been mentioned the old Coca-Cola. Any other ideas greatly appreciated.

Category
Building/Renovation

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/02/2008 - 15:26

Ah see my thread Gala from last year - [url]http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/building-renovation/6051-cleaning-old-floor-tiles.html[/url] Lots of useful information there. I tried every remedy suggested and bought very expensive specialist cleaning product to no avail alas.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/02/2008 - 17:02

Try a paste made with biological (non bio won't work) washing powder, just mix with water, warm is best, paint it onto the offending stain leave for a bit, overnight if you can. Also very good for cleaning baked on dirt on oven trays.
:yes:

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/03/2008 - 02:30

what about soda caustica? that's what is generally usedto clean old cotto tiles..but be careful with it, its very strong, use gloves and googles while applying it.

Paola

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/03/2008 - 03:17

Mille grazie, I will try all that and let you know how I go. I promise I will wear gloves and a mask all the time, particularly with soda caustica.
If everytthing fails, I will have to find a nice rug.....

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/03/2008 - 03:37

I certainly trust all your advice and, as I said, I will put it into practice; however, I found this site with very interesting information, as I need to get rid of some stains on an old white linen tablecloth. Have a look at their solutions:

[url=http://www.chemistry.co.nz/stain_frame.htm]Stain Removal Guide[/url]

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/03/2008 - 05:08

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[IMG]http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z294/sallydonaldson/images.jpg[/IMG]

A name that springs to mind to keep in your Italian house for reference Gala - [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Mrs-Beetons-Household-Tips/dp/0304368288]Amazon.co.uk: The Best of Mrs Beeton's Household Tips: Isabella Beeton: Books[/url].

You can also access her Book of Household Management online - [url=http://www.mrsbeeton.com/]Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management - www.mrsbeeton.com[/url]

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 08:56

You may find that Brick cleaning liquid from the building trade may do it, but be very careful, as it's dilute hydrochloric acid.

Borrow some from your builder and try a small area first.

Gloves and goggles again!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/26/2008 - 07:47

I thought that you would like to know what happened with the stains. Well.... I managed to remove them. First I tried the milder products, with little success, I´m afraid. Then, I got sick of all the scrubbing and I followed Neil T´s advice. I got myself a bottle of industrial strength cleaner for cotto floors from the Leroy Merlin shop at I Gigli. Something called K6.... I can't remember the exact name. Armed with all the necessary protection I proceeded to attack the stains. Magic! All removed with minimal effort. It was so great, I washed the whole floor with some more of it diluted in water and the results were spectacular. It did not smell very nicely for a couple of days but with crossed ventilation I managed to get rid of the strong odour. After that, it only needed a coat of the regular cleaner for cotto floors. Anyway, thank you again everyone for your input. It is great to see the tiles looking like new.:yes: