Metallic scratches on ceramic tile

[djcassidy]

I have a new ceramic tile kitchen floor - cream colored.

When moving the range back into position, I didn't realize the plastic rear feet were not keeping the metal frame off the tile. So... I now have several metallic marks, which may or may not be scratches in the tile. :bang: It looks like metal from the range is actually deposited on the tile.

I have tried scrubbing it off with soft scrub, but no good.

Any suggestions?

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[doitright]

Hi dj, welcome! :)

Sorry, I missed your 1st name. You may have keyboarded it too fast. :D

You can try Bon Ami, or a pumice stone.

Does the ceramic have a glaze? If not, you could also try using a green scotch brite pad, with the soft scrub. Just be careful, you don't want to scratch the tile.

[tileguy80]

I have this problem sometimes with aluminum. Thats why i don't buy wet saws with an aluminum tray. Actulaly somtime a plain old eraser will get it off. Try what the other guy said, a green scotch brite pad and some water. I have also on ocassion take some mixed up grout and polished the mark with it and got some marks off. I think it all depends on the finish. If you did not scratch the tile you should be able to get it off. It will just take some elbow grease

[Shaughnn]

DJ,
If your floor is a matte finished porcelain tile, I'd try the pummice stone first with some water. Most supermarkets sell them in the cleaning supply section under the brand name "Pummie". If you can't find that, you can try the Bon Ami mixed to a thick paste. I prefer using white scouring pads over the green or blue ones. And if that proves difficult to find, you can use a broken soft-bodied tile like the cheap ones they sell at Home Deopt and Lowes (4"x4"). with the tile, you will break it into pieces which fit comfortably in your *gloved* hand.
Whatever you use, test it's effects in an inconspicuous area first. Using only enough water to dampen the material, rub the floor tile in tight overlapping circles. Dry the area that you are testing and buff it with a clean towel. Then lay a flashlight down on the tile and look at the reflective quality of the finish. How does it compare to the area around where you were working? If there isn't a noticeable differance, you can go ahead and start to work on your metal marks. It's gonna take time and sweat, but the marks should come off of the tile.
Best of luck,
Shaughnn

[doitright]

Thanks Shaughnn! :)

Great advice and detail! I agree with the white pads as they don't discolor. They don't have any abrasive qualities though, only buffing (or as you suggested so they don't scratch). :)

[Shaughnn]

Yup John, The white pads don't do much of the scrubbing but they are a good vehicle for the Bon Ami to do all the work. If you can find them, Scotch-brite makes one called "Dobie" that's wrapped around a sponge. I keep a few of these in my toolbox all of the time for tough clean-ups. Between the Dobie and the Bon Ami, most marks can be pulled off of delicate tile. It will take longer than using a pummice stone, but it's much more gentle.
Shaughnn

[djcassidy]

Thanks for all your suggestions!

I will let you know how it goes.

BTW, where can Bon Ami be found? Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, etc.?

Thanks,
DJ

[Shaughnn]

Supermarket, right next to the Comet and the Softscrub. If not there, a hardware store.
Shaughnn

[Davestone]

I use tooth paste with the whiter pads,it has just enough abrasiveness, and seems to polish the tile nicely...doesn't work as well on my teeth though. :)

[Mike2]

If you can't find Bon Ami but see a brand called Bar Keepers Friend, get it instead.

[Arn]

sounds like i'm a bit late but I usually have luck using grout (sanded of course) when grouting, I put some under my finger and rub it off.
best of luck.

[djcassidy]

As part of the kitchen remodel, I also got a granite-composite sink, on which I immediately got a rust stain from a vegi can. :bang:

The sink documentation suggested Bar Keepers Friend - which worked wonders on the sink.

We tried it on the tile and the "scratehes" came right off !! :yipee: - Looks like Mike2 has had good results with BKF too.

BKF is my new best friend. :bow:

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[Shaughnn]

Congrats DJ,
Now don't do that again. :D
Shaughnn