If they can't be cleaned enough to look decent again, you could consider epoxy coating them, which would be much cheaper than a new tile job.

Hi,

I see a flaky kind of situation that makes me think it's really heavy soap scum. You can't get the best soap scum remover in stores any longer, but it's still available on Amazon.

After that, if there is still yellowness, I would suspect iron staining, and the chemical to dissolve that is oxalic acid.

Clorox bleach actually can lock certain kinds of stains in, because it's molecule prevents any subsequent cleaner from entering a porous surface. It should therefore be used as a last resort.

what if its not clorox?

Do tell: What is the best soap scum remover?

" What is the best soap scum remover?"

A single edge razor blade scraper. It will peel soap off regardles how old and thick. If it's not scum I seriously doubt anything will remove the stain. Are the tile not glazed? I've never seen stain penitrate glaze and stain tile underneath.

The tilex ss remover is no longer on the shelves, but I just ordered some from Amazon. (not tilex brand either, but I rely on their sanguine assignations that it's the same formula).

I have really hard water as well, so scrubbing bubbles will not cut it. I seem to recall that the soap scum cleaner contained a type of ether, a powerful solvent in its own right.

aha: Tetra sodium EDTA, Tetrahydrate
Lauramine Oxide
Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Propylene Glycol n-butyl Ether
Water

The EDTA is for organic stains, the ethers dissolve the soap scum.

Casey

I would like to ask if this remover will also take out cat urine in the 30 year old white porcelain tub? The cat started this about a year ago in a guest bathroom!! Also Sombreill will you be specific as to which Tilex product you are referring to on Amazon. Thanks

telluwhat,

primarily for coating removal, this works well on ceramics/grouts and deep stains , yes it is a bit knoxious to work with.. but its the dwell time on vertical surfaces that is ideal. you may also tryThis

Renting a "professional grade steam/vapor" cleaner in conjunction cant hurt. real steam cleaners

a bit hard to choke down but just maybe youre ready for a new tile job, the problem is unless its your'e home and tile job originally you have no idea who and whats been done prior to now.

UM, do note that a professional grade steam unit like the one above will blast steam vapor right thru your grout. If you have a poorly built shower with say drywall behind it you are injecting moisture into the substrate so there is a risk involved.....

First, I assume this is ceramic tile and grout. If it were my house, I would start with something simple like Comet spray bathroom cleaner, and follow the directions on the bottle: spray and leave it set for a while, and by this, I mean, look at a clock and time it. This is the mistake many people make - they spray and wipe too soon, and they don't leave the product on long enough to work.

If that didn't do it, I would move to the professional products. I like the StoneTech line of products, and they have one called the Restore Acid Cleaner, which I used - very carefully - on a shower that I could not get clean. It is amazing! I had to tape off some metal in the shower because it etches. I am sure there are similar products out there from other companies, but this has worked for me.
StoneTech Restore Acid Cleaner

The Tilex I ordered IS the old formula, and it takes off soap scum, even in my hard water, like it just melts away.

http://www.amazon.com/35604-Commercial-Solutions-Remover-Trigger/dp/B002XJYBT2

Casey

If it is mostly soap buildup, a cleaner like Mr Clean or an abrasive cleaner like Comet will work. Wet down the tile, sprinkle or splash on the cleanser, let sit, and then use an abrasive sponge

I'm guessing it is efflorescence.

I don't know what it is, but I used a 80/20 Water/Clorox mix and they are as good as new :) !!!!!

And yes I had to leave it on the tiles overnight otherwise it was not ready to come off...

Thank you all for your suggestions and contributions...

A strong Dirtex solution also works on dirty grout and tile.

Zep tub and tile cleaner is actually very good..Lime Away...Comet.I use these products all the time with tremendous success.... I also have this stuff called One Restore that is an acid but is very destructive if not used correctly.It'll actually etch some tiles. It's for removing hard water from windows and for some other stuff. Pumice stick "scouring stick" is something I use for porcelain to get impossible stains from toilets and tubs. It's very cheap and you can clean a lot with it before needing a new one.