Compiled by Alli Magidsohn with the help of fellow Jangloers.
I need to get 40 years of dirt off of original tiles in my apartment and asked the list for help. Like always, wonderful generous people came to my rescue - thank gd for taanglo and janglo! -I thought if any one else had this problem that it would be beneficial to post the results - haven't tried anything yet, but there are some good ideas here:
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First of all try washing with a solution of hot water and economica (which is bleach) in many cases this helps but be careful not to get it on your clothes but it is strong bleach. If this fails there are companies that come in and do what is called "Leetush" - but if the tiles are super old it may not pay - that is something you have to decide when you ask them the price.
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I was faced with the same problem. I used oven cleaner, and it worked well. But not well enough for me. Then I used the stuff you clean Kum-Kum (electric Kettles) with. The stuff that cleans limestone. It did the trick. Pour let soak and scrub up. We had an apt, with 60 year old tiles, all in great shape, except for the dirt, so I tried to clean them before thinking about replacing them, and I'm very pleased with the results. Good Luck!
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In my first apartment I had the same problem with old tiles. I asked about it at a Home Center store, and was advised to clean the tiles with a salicylic acid/water solution. The tiles became very clean - extremely clean! The acid ate right through the glossy finish, leaving the tiles sparkling white, but even more porous! Be very careful if you attempt anything to get rid of the dark shadows on your tiles, and indeed, if you can afford it, leave it to be done by a professional!
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There are professional services that charge an arm and a leg. Before you go that route I recommend what we did. Use Cillit toilet bowl cleaner, let it ssit a few minutes, pour some water onit and scrub with a scrub brush. Since it does not have the nicest scent, when you are done, clean with a regular pleasantly scented floor cleaner. This is not recommended on a regular basis to be used on the floor tiles as it eats at the grout, however, to get the massive grunge off, it was very effective.
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use 00 the toilet cleaner (use with glves, its very strong acid)or call tutti brothers or any house cleaners in the phone book
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