Zido efflorescence remover.
Directions – shower floor application.
Why do I have efflorescence? Understanding the issue first.
Efflorescence grows on the shower floor because of an installation error with the shower pan. If you notice the top image, the shower pan is laying flat on the substrate so the water gets stagnant and can’t drain. The second image shows a pre-slope under the shower pan and then the mud bed is installed on top. The water can pass through the tiles and then it will drain thru the weep holes keeping the mud bed dry. Acid sensitive stones such as marble, travertine and limestone will etch the surface if Zido is applied. In most cases the stone is already in bad shape so the damage may not be noticeable. After understanding the issue, our goal now is to remove the efflorescence and seal the shower floor preventing water from passing the tiles. This page will discuss prevention of natural stone and ceramic showers. We list all the steps below:
1: Remove the shower drain. Cleaning of the pipes is key.
You will notice in the image efflorescence has taken over the drain and the grout joints on the shower floor. Zido packs heavy-duty performance into just an 8 oz container to help you work your way through the mineral and calcium deposits. More bottles will have to be purchased if the shower drain is full of calcium. Hair and other soil will bond to the sides of the pipe because of the efflorescence build-up. Wear all approved PPE before applying Zido.
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2: Cleaning the shower drain.
Start with the shower drain first and pour the zido around the top perimeter. The zido will foam up, once the foam goes down repeat process until all the efflorescence is gone. If there is heavy build-up you may want to scrape the edges with a screw driver while applying Zido. With Zido’s attacking power, the results are positively jaw dropping. The drain cover can be cleaned with Zido as well, note always perform a test spot to assure no reaction then proceed to clean the rest of the drain cover. Leave the access Zido on the shower floor and head to step 3.
3. One for all, all in one. Now apply Zido over the area.
With heavy build-up, a scraper maybe used to remove the majority of the efflorescence. Apply Zido across the shower floor on all the areas with efflorescence present. You will notice in the image that Zido fizzes up over the affected areas like Hydrogen Peroxide on a wound. This reaction is caused when Zido is attacking the calcium. Reapply the same process above until all calcium is gone. Zido works fast and results can be seen within 2-4 minutes. Re-apply within 2-4 minutes and wash down all residue with water when results are achieved.
4. Preventing efflorescence. Ceramic or porcelain tile.
pFOkUS has formulated an entire product line to prevent efflorescence from returning. After the Zido application, remove all the caulk around the shower floor, deep clean the shower with Imperia, repair all the missing grout lines and replace all the caulked areas with Sentura (any 90 degree angle), then color seal all the grout lines and Sentura with Caponi two part color seal. This will waterproof the entire shower floor preventing water from penetrating the surface.
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5. Preventing Efflorescence. Natural stone tile.
For those who have natural stone showers – after the Zido application, remove all the caulk around the shower floor, deep clean the shower with Imperia. With Sentura – repair all the missing grout lines, repair any damage stone and replace all the caulked areas (any 90 degree angle). Finally color seal all the grout lines and Sentura with Caponi two part color seal and then spray a heavy coat of Celine over the entire shower floor. This will waterproof the entire shower floor preventing water from penetrating the surface.
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Questions?
We have answers.
Does Caponi come in colors?
Color is premixed in ‘part A’ with the pigments and we have over 40 colors. You will mix part B with part A.
How much Zido do I need?
Most shower floors take one 8 oz bottle of Zido. It is always a good idea to purchase one extra.
If I don’t purchase the kit, how long will it take for efflorescence to grow back?
Its hard to give an exact time – usually 6 months to one year.
Will Zido damage the grout?
Most of the grout will be embedded with efflorescence. The grout will be etched and some porosity will be visible. It is recommended to touch up the grout with Sentura to prevent feature issues or regular grout can be used.
How long will the process take to remove the efflorescence?
Less than 30 minutes.
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