Effective methods to remove dry cement without damaging the surfaces
Cement is an essential material in any building work, but once it dries and sticks to something it shouldn’t, it becomes a real headache. There are several ways to remove dry cement from different surfaces and leave them like new.
- Soften the dry cement first (without aggressive products)
- Hot water and soap: moisten the area with a wet cloth dampened in hot water and soap for 30 minutes or more. This will help soften the surface of the cement so as to be able to remove it manually.
- White vinegar or citric acid (natural): for resistant surfaces such as glass, ceramic or metal, we can apply hot vinegar or a citric acid solution (2 spoonfuls in 1 litre of water). Leave it to work for a few minutes and then scrape off using a plastic tool.
- Gentle mechanical scraping (avoid scratching)
- Plastic, rubber or wooden spatulas (never metal ones on delicate surfaces): these implements are ideal for glass, ceramic, marble and varnished wood. You should use them gently at a low angle.
- Stiff brush (plastic or natural fibre bristles): very useful on porous surfaces such as stone or brick.
- Use of safe commercially available products
- Specific cement cleaners (pH neutral or acid free): many of these products are designed to be effective but non-corrosive. There are also some biodegradable products, or others labelled as “safe for delicate surfaces”.
- Gentle cement remover (citrus or enzymatic based): these are an organic alternative to muriatic acid.
How to remove cement step-by-step
- Remove any loose remains
Use a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or loose cement particles.
- Scrape the dry cement
Using a plastic spatula or rubber scraper, carefully remove as much of the dry cement as possible. If the floor is sufficiently hard (concrete or ceramic), you can use a metal scraper, taking care not to scratch the surface.
- Soften the cement
Prepare a mixture of hot water and white vinegar (or use a specific cement remover). Apply the mixture to the cement using a cloth or sponge, and allow it to work for 20-30 minutes.
- Brush the area
Use a stiff-bristle brush (if the floor is a rough texture) or a softer one if the floor is a delicate material. This will help loosen any softened particles.
- Clean with clean water
Wipe a damp cloth moistened in water to remove the dissolved cement and any other remains of vinegar or other cleaning product.
You can repeat the process if necessary on any stubborn stains, or try a commercially available cement remover, always checking that it is suitable for the type of floor.
Techniques to get rid of cement from porous surfaces without damaging them
Removing cement from porous floors such as natural stone, terracotta or untreated concrete requires special care to avoid damaging the surfaces.
It is best to start off by scraping gently, using a plastic spatula or stiff-bristle brush in order to avoid using metal that could chip or scratch the surface. We then recommend applying a pH neutral or citrus-based cement cleaner, specially designed for delicate surfaces, allowing it to work for the time recommended by the manufacturer. Instead of vinegar or strong acids (which can stain or corrode the pores), mild solutions that do not alter the structure of the material should be used. After applying the product, scrub it using a suitable brush and then rinse the area with plenty of clean water, making sure no residues are left behind.
It is always advisable to test the product on a small out-of-sight area before treating the entire floor. If the stain is very stubborn, you may need to repeat the process or check with a cleaning specialist.
How to clean cement off tiles properly
Floor and wall tiles are very common surfaces on which there can be cement remains, particularly after home improvements. The way to get rid of it is very similar to other surfaces. We should use a plastic spatula to remove as much as we can and then apply a cloth soaked in white vinegar and hot water to the area to soften the cement. Finally, scrub the area with a soft bristle scrubbing brush and clean with a damp cloth, leaving the area clean without any cement remains.
Recommended products to get rid of cement
There are many products available to clean off dry cement. For example, acid cement removers containing hydrochloric, phosphoric or sulfamic acid all dissolve hardened cement remains. There are also organic, citric-based cement removers made from biodegradable ingredients such as citric acid or enzymes. Neutral or acid-free cleaners (pH neutral) are designed to clean off remains without damaging delicate surfaces.
Moreover, they are available in gel or paste forms, which because they are thicker are suitable for walls or small areas since they stick to the surface and do not drip or run.
