Efflorescence Remover: How to Remove and Prevent Efflorescence
Efflorescence is the white, powdery or crusty salt deposit that appears on grout, tiles, pavers, brickwork, concrete and natural stone. Water moving through cement-based materials dissolves natural salts and carries them to the surface. When the water evaporates, the salts are left behind. It is common on new installations, around pools and on outdoor areas after rain.
The EFF-CONTROL+ system
Our EFF-CONTROL+ system gives you a product for each stage: prevent, treat and clean.
- PREVENT – Eff-Shield+: a No VOC, water-based hydrophobic admixture added to the mixing water of cement-based grout, screed, adhesive, mortar and render. It helps reduce water absorption and with it the efflorescence and picture framing that water brings to the surface. Clean water only: don't combine it with other boosters or latex additives.
- TREAT – Eff-Ective+: a non-acidic efflorescence cleaner and inhibitor for all surfaces, including acid-sensitive stone. To order, call +61 2 9521-4000 or email support@sealersonline.com.au.
- CLEAN – OxiTreat+ and Oxi Gel+: heavy duty acid cleaners that help remove efflorescence, grout haze, cement smear and mineral deposits. OxiTreat+ suits floors and Oxi Gel+ clings to walls and vertical surfaces.
Which efflorescence remover for which surface?
OxiTreat+ and Oxi Gel+ are only for acid-resistant surfaces: porcelain, ceramic and tessellated tiles, clay pavers and bricks, terracotta, engineered stone, and acid-resistant natural stone such as granite, quartzite, sandstone and slate.
Never use acid products on acid-sensitive surfaces: marble, limestone, travertine, terrazzo, concrete, bluestone, basalt, shellstone, encaustic tiles and saltillo. On these, dry-brush off as much of the salt as you can and ask us about Eff-Ective+.
How to remove efflorescence
- Dry-brush and vacuum loose salts. Don't wash them back into the surface with lots of water.
- Pre-wet the area with clean water so the cleaner works on the surface.
- Apply diluted OxiTreat+ (or Oxi Gel+ on walls), agitate with a stiff brush or Scrub'N'Clean Kit, and keep wet for the time on the label.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let the area dry fully.
- Seal with Aqua-Seal Gold+, which helps reduce water absorption and efflorescence, or consolidate soft surfaces with Condense Plus.
Help reduce efflorescence on new work
Add Eff-Shield+ to the grout and bedding mix, and pre-seal or six-sided seal porous pavers, stone and tiles with Condense Plus or Ultra-Block. Efflorescence is driven by moisture, so good falls and drainage matter too.
Always test a small, inconspicuous area first. Browse the full Efflorescence Control collection or Shop by surface.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best efflorescence remover for tiles and grout?
On porcelain and ceramic tiles and cement grout, OxiTreat+ for floors and Oxi Gel+ for walls help remove efflorescence. Test a small area first and rinse well.
Can I use OxiTreat+ on marble, travertine or concrete?
No. They are acid-sensitive, and acid cleaners can etch them. Dry-brush the salts and contact us about Eff-Ective+, our non-acidic efflorescence cleaner.
Will efflorescence come back?
It can, while moisture keeps moving through the substrate. Sealing helps reduce water absorption, and Eff-Shield+ in new grout and screed helps reduce efflorescence from the start.
Is efflorescence harmful?
It is usually a cosmetic salt deposit. Heavy, ongoing salt build-up can damage soft stone over time, so it is worth treating and managing moisture.
What is Eff-Shield+?
Eff-Shield+ is a No VOC, water-based admixture added to cement-based grout, screed, adhesive, mortar and render mixes to help reduce water absorption and efflorescence.
Questions? Our team can help: call +61 2 9521-4000 or email support@sealersonline.com.au. Australian made at Kurnell, NSW, with fast shipping Australia-wide.