cleaning tree sap off of Porcelain tile??

[Elkski]

well the lemon and lime trees had to go.
Had the bad case of scale a terrible tough insect to control. Wasted way to much time hand picking them last spring when they went outside and just wasn't going to take care of it this winter inside.. Anyway the result of these insects on the citrus tree is a large amount of sap being dropped by the trees.
This is all over the tile. I did put down a drop cloth to protect most areas but after some occured.
I have been tying paint thinner and mineral spirits.. Not like anything will be easy but will this be ok for the tile? what about the grout and grout sealer??
any other ideas? I probably should have tested this in a small area in the corner. I think hot soapy water will wash off the paint thinner effect?
TIA

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[Tool Guy - Kg]

Welcome to the forum, Teddy. :wave:

I'm going to move this thread over to the Cleaning, Restoration, and Sealing Forum, but before I do, I'd like to ask a couple questions so that the folks over there have a bit more info to work with. :)

So you had trees inside the house and you have sap on your tiles? And your efforts to clean with paint thinner and mineral spirits left a streaky mess? Is this right?

Finally, what kind of tiles are these.....and are they glazed or unglazed?

[Bugman]

Did you try a good neutral tile cleaner mixed with water? The honeydew that the scales drop is actually a rich sugar solution and should dissolve in a good water-based cleaner. I know it feels very sticky when it dries on a hard surface, but it is water soluble.

[Elkski]

well now I have tried acetone too. nothing cuts it real well..if at all. it is glazed good quality grade 4 porcelain tile 20" size with a chipped looking edge. the grout was sealed with 2 coats of sealer.
I have been trying to stay away from the grout lines but might want to do a more whole area wash?
does that help.
this is not large drops of sap but more of a mist and fine drops

[Bugman]

Solvents aren't going to touch a water soluble material like dried on honeydew from scale insects or aphids. At least mix up a small batch of detergent and water and just try a small area. You might need to let it soak a little or use a scrubby to help penetrate the stuff. Let us know what happens.

[Elkski]

thants what i need a bugman!!!
yes in most cases it is dried on. just dishwashing soap like joy and real hot water i will try.