Church kitchen pavers

[hogjowl]

Several years ago I tried to clean a floor just like this at another church with dismal results. Now I have this floor another church is wanting me to clean. I’m asking not for tool advice but I’m looking for chemical advice on what to use.

 

[Mikey P]

The fact that you're calling those pavers tells me you need to tell them to call a professional...

 

[Mikey P]

But if you want to give it a shot using extreme alkaline like Sager tsunami with a lot of agitation and dwell time but low pressure maybe 6 00 or so through your two jet wand..

Then use a strong acid to brighten it up such as prochems or sagers or whoever else's just mix it couldn't strong..

Then put down as many fans as you got and watch the efflorescence occur which is a given it'll happen in random spots in the grout as well as some areas on the tile itself let it dry for a few days then come back and try and brush it all off or pad clean it but if you get it wet again it's going to start all over


Just tell them this is all going to happen so there's no surprises or finger pointing it's just a fact of life when you're cleaning terracotta clay tiles that are super absorbent and get over mopped virtually every night..

 

[hogjowl]

It quarry tile … right?

 

[hogjowl]

Can I use an acid cleaner on this @Jim Pemberton ?

 

[Jim Pemberton]

But if you want to give it a shot using extreme alkaline like Sager tsunami with a lot of agitation and dwell time but low pressure maybe 6 00 or so through your two jet wand..

Then use a strong acid to brighten it up such as prochems or sagers or whoever else's just mix it couldn't strong..

Then put down as many fans as you got and watch the efflorescence occur which is a given it'll happen in random spots in the grout as well as some areas on the tile itself let it dry for a few days then come back and try and brush it all off or pad clean it but if you get it wet again it's going to start all over


Just tell them this is all going to happen so there's no surprises or finger pointing it's just a fact of life when you're cleaning terracotta clay tiles that are super absorbent and get over mopped virtually every night..

What Mike said....less his earlier unkindness.

Can I use an acid cleaner on this @Jim Pemberton ?

Acids can help after your high pH cleaner removes grease and other soils. They will help to brighten the grout as they "etch"/remove a microlayer of the grout itself, leaving "new" grout showing. But alone, acid treatments are not themselves good cleaners of the type(s) of soils you routinely find here.

The efflorescence of which Mike speaks is an annoying and probably expected problem on these types of floors, so forewarn them.

 

[Mikey P]

Cleaning clay or terracotta pavers in a commercial kitchen presents unique challenges, especially when dealing with efflorescence—the white, powdery residue that forms as salts migrate to the surface during or after cleaning. A professional cleaner should follow a careful and systematic approach:

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1. Inspection and Testing​

• Identify the surface: Confirm that the flooring is unglazed terracotta or clay pavers.
• Check for sealers or coatings: Determine if a prior sealer is present, which may affect chemical choice and cleaning methods.
• Test area: Always do a small test area first to observe how the tile and grout react.

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2. Pre-Cleaning Prep​

• Clear the area of equipment, mats, and debris.
• Vacuum or sweep thoroughly to remove dry soil before introducing moisture.
• Protect surrounding areas like stainless steel or painted surfaces from alkaline or acid chemicals.

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3. Initial Cleaning​

• Apply a high-pH degreaser to break down kitchen grease and buildup. Use hot water if possible.
• Agitate using a rotary floor machine or CRB with appropriate brushes—not too stiff to avoid gouging.
• Dwell time: Allow 5–10 minutes but don't let it dry on the surface.
• Extract thoroughly using a wet vac or auto scrubber with fresh water.

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4. Rinse and Neutralize​

• Rinse the floor with clean water to remove chemical residues.
• Use an acid-based rinse (mild phosphoric or sulfamic acid) to:
  • Neutralize the alkaline cleaner
  • Begin addressing efflorescence (some will come out here)

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5. Efflorescence Treatment​

• Allow floor to dry thoroughly, ideally 24–48 hours with air movers or dehumidification.
• Once dry, inspect for efflorescence, which may have risen to the surface.
• If present:
  • Dry brush or vacuum the powder
  • Follow with a light acid wash (e.g., 1:10 sulfamic acid solution)
  • Rinse again and allow to dry

Never use hydrochloric/muriatic acid indoors—it is too harsh and can damage surfaces and metal fixtures.

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6. Optional: Sealing​

• Only after complete drying and efflorescence has stopped.
• Use breathable penetrating sealers (silane/siloxane based), especially in commercial kitchens, to allow moisture vapor to escape while protecting from staining.

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7. Final Notes​

• Educate the client that efflorescence may continue in cycles if moisture remains beneath the tile.
• Recommend long-term dehumidification or ventilation improvements if sub-slab moisture is an ongoing issue.
• Document the process and communicate that efflorescence is not dirt—it’s a natural mineral process.

 

[they live]

I like this. Mix with hot water in a bucket or jug and poor it on the floor. I usually just use a grout brush on a long handle. Occasionally the crb.
The longer it soaks the better the grout lines come out due to the powdered peroxide.
The only rinse I use is odorcide.

https://www.aramsco.com/hydro-force-hard-surface-cleaner-viper-venom-powder-w-citrus-solv-6-lbs.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqSQQ1lkEM_OJqjdHWMiP8pO6baHJtywhQk4fT2dLmKhDaGrWVr

 

[hogjowl]

No salt?

 

[they live]

In my water.