Red Mud Stains on Tile - HELP!!

[Camelot 68]

I do flatwork for a builder that has an outdoor tile patio with red mud staining along some of the grout lines...not in the grout lines, but adjacent to them (and some on the tiles themselves). I tried as much pressure as I could do without causing damage and I tried xjetting some oxalic with the fan spray attachment (it's a large patio). Neither worked and the builder wants the stains removed. If anyone can offer some fast suggestions I would appreciate it. I'm wondering if my oxalic ratio was too weak (4lbs to a 5er, but it was xjetted).

There is also a section where someone dripped what I think is mastic of some sort (black, gooey, and caulk-like). This is also on the tile and causing me a nightmare. Thanks guys for any help!

- John

[Camelot 68]

Anyone? Please guys, I'm dying here...LOL...

[newlook 265]

Hey John...did you notice if the tiles have a sealant on them?

[Camelot 68]

Hi Carlos - there is definitely no sealant...

- John

[MMI Enterprises 289]

maybe try deisal or kerosene on the black stuff...

Did ya try clr on the stains?

Maybe try oxalic sprayed straight from a pump up or trigger sprayer at about 6 to 10 oz per gal..could take awhile to show..

If brave try test spot of muratic 1:10 with water and a quik rinse.

[Camelot 68]

Thanks for the input Kevin...I appreciate it! I'll try both...

[MMI Enterprises 289]

Think the clr uses glycolic acid.. I've sweetened it stronger with oxalic. At some point you'll start to take dye out of cheap colored grout.

For tile it helps to have a scrub brush attached to a low speed buffer. I use stratagrit but note that it can be a bit too strong on shiny ceramics if that is what yer dealing with.

[john@AEC 37]

G'day John

To get rid of the gooey stuff try Orange oil (lots of commercially made products available) or if you can get it Eucalyptus oil. Apply straight and lightly scrub, then wipe up with detergent/degreaser on cloth.

If acid won't remove the mud stains, an alkali that I've had a lot of success with at removing/bleaching difficult organic stains is Potassium Hydroxide, I get it as a specialist tile cleaner or commercial dishwashing machine liquid.

Aren't the worst stains always for an important client!!!!

Good luck with it

[Camelot 68]

John - Thanks for the tips...I have easier access to the diesel and oxalic, so I'll try those first...if they don't work, I'll be sure to give your methods a shot! I appreciate the advice very much!

- John