How to Clean Sheetrock Mud on Ceramic Floor Tile

Anytime joint compound--often referred to as Sheetrock mud or spackle--is applied to a wall, there is a good chance that something is going to fall to the floor. In the event that the compound should fall onto a ceramic floor, the clean up is easy. Even if the mud has dried to a solid mass, one secret weapon will remove it--water.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Bucket
• Sponge or towel
• Dry towels (paper or terry cloth)

Removing the Mud

1. Scoop up as much of the wet mud as soon as the spill occurs with a paper towel or plastic spatula. Do not use a metal putty knife on the ceramic tile, as it may scratch the surface.

2. Wipe the mud toward the center of the spill with a wet towel or sponge. Keep the area wet, as the mud will dissolve in the water.

3. Dry the area with paper towels or a separate terry cloth towel. If the mud remains, repeat Steps 2 and 3.

Cleaning Dried Mud

4. Wet the mud with a sponge or towel. Let it soak for several minutes. The mud will be rock hard, so avoid the temptation to strike it free from the tile. A wrong move with a blunt tool could crack the tile. Patience is the name of the game here.

5. Agitate the outer surface of the mud with a wet sponge or towel with rapid motions. The mud will begin to dissolve a layer at time.

6. Rinse the sponge or towel frequently in a bucket. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 until the mud is completely removed.

7. Dry the tile with a clean towel.

References

• Elegant Cleaning