Check out some similar questions!

askahealer · Sep 23, 2007, 06:21 AM

I purchased and old health center with tile floors.

I don't know what kind of tile it is so I can't figure out how to clean the wax build up off it and get it shiny again.

It was a health center so it's the old, brownish grey tile that they so often used in that type of building a few decades ago. The building was built in 1982.

If anyone knows how to clean that sort of tile, or how I would find out what kind of tile it is, I'd be most appreciative.

Ps. It would be a great bonus to me if you also know of eco-friendly, non-toxic solutions for cleaning that type of tile floor and for waxing it. I'm not into toxic stuff. That's one reason I bought an older building so that all the outgassing would be over. I don't want to create new outgassing problems.

glavine · Sep 23, 2007, 11:40 AM

Id bet it's that commercial grade glue down tiles. I think there is a cleaner at Lowe's or any flooring store for this, also this type floor get buffed also.

Flying Blue Eagle · Sep 27, 2007, 07:52 PM

( Good answer Glavine;, ) askahealer::::, If the tile measures ( 9"x 9" ) then it is the old asbestes type tile, it was glued down with what was called cutback, it looked like black tar. Back at that time , that's just about all they had .

askahealer · Sep 27, 2007, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by Flying Blue Eagle

( Good answer Glavine;, ) askahealer::::, If the tile measures ( 9"x 9" ) then it is the old asbestes type tile, it was glued down with what was called cutback, it looked like black tar. Back at that time , thats just about all they had .

Yikes, asbestos? I don't like the idea of that at all. Wouldn't they have had to inform me of that when I bought the building? It was built in 1982... were they still using asbestos then? These tiles are about 11 1/2" x 11 1/2" so hopefully, that's not what they are.

You didn't mention how to clean them... any info along those lines very helpful.

There is one place in the boiler room where the tile was cut away and it appears not to have anything black looking or tar looking there so maybe this is not the type of tile you referred to.

Thanks for the input.

Flying Blue Eagle · Sep 27, 2007, 08:21 PM

O.K. askahealer: I think I know just where you can find the answers to your questions.. Look in your yellow pages for a local flooring co. that has been in buness. For several years. They should be able to give you the answers you need . I don!t know what your local is or I might be able to tell you who to contact. F.B.E. I!Ve laid a lot of that tile in the old days . There is wax removers ,wax ,cleaners, For that kind of tile :::

Nutter butter · Sep 27, 2007, 11:42 PM

Beware of only 9 x 9. Not used after 79. But you can strip and buff it all you want if it was.

labman · Sep 28, 2007, 03:52 AM

It definitely sounds like the newer, asbestos free stuff. Even if it isn't the dangers of asbestos are grossly exaggerated. Yes there is a form of cancer that only people that worked around asbestos get, but it is never seen in the general public.

Do you have a floor buffer and experience using it? Maybe you should consider using a cleaning service? Buffers are expensive and a bit to handle. Likely you have plenty of other things to take care of in opening the business.

Flying Blue Eagle · Sep 28, 2007, 03:52 PM

Askahealer;;; If the floor tile measures that much then I do noy beiieve it is the old kind because it was 9"x9" . ALso to the other question , the answer is (YES) by law theyare susposed to inform the buyers of any thing like asbestes, lead paint etc. etc. When you go to a flooring co. get a small piece of the tile out of the boiler room and take it with you. ::: F.B.E.