Have you noticed stubborn white marks or streaks building up on your tiles that just won’t budge, no matter how hard you scrub? These cloudy stains, especially common in bathrooms, showers, and tiled floors—are likely efflorescence.
Efflorescence is one of the most common and misunderstood tile issues, but the good news is that it can be treated effectively if you use the right process.
What Is Efflorescence?
Efflorescence (pronounced ef-lo-res-ens) is a white, powdery, sometimes crusty mineral deposit that forms when water moves through a surface like concrete, grout, or tile bedding. As the water travels, it carries salts with it. When the water evaporates, those salts are left behind on the surface.
You’ll often see it in areas with high moisture like:
-
Shower floors and walls
-
Bathroom tiles
-
Outdoor patios and balconies
-
Laundry floors
Over time, efflorescence can build up and create hazy patches or hard white streaks that look like your tiles are permanently damaged.
Why Is It So Hard to Remove?
Efflorescence isn’t just surface dirt—it’s mineral salt that has hardened. General cleaners, dish soap, or scrubbing alone won’t lift it. In fact, harsh scrubbing can sometimes make it worse by spreading the residue or damaging your tiles.
To remove it properly, you need to dissolve the mineral buildup with the right chemistry.
How to Remove Efflorescence (Even the Heavy Stuff)
1. Use an Acid-Based Cleaner (For Thick, Set-In Stains)
For white marks that have built up over years or become crusty and thick, you’ll need a commercial-grade efflorescence remover. These are acid-based products (typically made with phosphoric or sulfamic acid) specifically designed to break down salt deposits without harming your tiles.
Steps:
-
Test first on a small, hidden area.
-
Protect yourself: Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation.
-
Dilute according to instructions.
-
Apply to the stains and allow the product to sit for a few minutes.
-
Scrub using a stiff brush or a non scratch scrubber (steel scrubber)
-
Rinse thoroughly with clean water to neutralise the acid.
Avoid DIY acids like vinegar – while tempting, they’re not safe for most tile surfaces and can actually make things worse.
2. Follow Up with SHYN Paste for Polish & Protection
Once the bulk of the mineral buildup is gone, there’s often a chalky residue or dull appearance left behind.
That’s where SHYN Paste shines.
Made for lifting stubborn grime, mineral haze, and restoring shine, SHYN Paste:
-
Gently polishes tile and grout
-
Removes leftover film
-
Leaves your tiles looking like new
Simply apply a small amount, scrub in circular motions, and wipe clean with a damp SHYN Ultimate Microfibre Cloth or rinse thoroughly.
Preventing Efflorescence in the Future
Efflorescence will keep returning if moisture issues persist. Here’s how to stop it from coming back:
✅ Seal your grout and tiles with a high-quality water repellent
✅ Dry wet areas daily after use (especially showers)
✅ Ensure proper drainage and ventilation
✅ Fix leaks or water ingress early
Struggling to Fix It Yourself? We Can Help.
Efflorescence may look permanent—but it’s not. With the right cleaning method and tools, your tiles can look brand new again.
Our SHYN team has helped thousands of people restore their tiles with professional-grade results using:
-
Acid-safe tile cleaning methods
-
SHYN Paste
-
SHYN Magic Erasers
-
Ultimate Microfibre Cloths