How to Clean Joint Compound off a Tile Floor

Wet Joint Compound

Step 1

Scoop up wet joint compound from the tile floor by pushing it into a dust pan. Use wet paper toweling and dispose of it in the trash.

Step 2

Dip a sponge into clean warm water and squeeze it slightly. For small spills, use a hand sponge and for larger areas, use a sponge mop.

Step 3

Move the sponge over the remaining joint compound. Allow the water from the sponge to wet the compound.

Step 4

Wipe over the compound and rinse out the sponge.

Step 5

Dip the sponge again into clean warm water and wipe up as much compound as you can. Repeat until you have the tile cleaned to your satisfaction.

Step 6

Rinse the sponge and wipe the cleaned tile as dry as possible. Finish drying the spill with an old towel or paper towels, or let it air dry.

Dried Joint Compound

Step 1

Dampen the dried joint compound and attempt to soften it with warm water.

Step 2

Wipe away any peripheral bits of softened compound that you can with paper towels. Small amounts of the compound will dissolve in the warm water.

Step 3

Use a putty knife at a 45-degree angle to coax the dried joint compound from the tile. As the putty knife works to separate the compound from the tile, keep the area dampened.

Step 4

Work the dried compound loose gently and sponge any remaining residue from the tile. Let the area dry naturally or wipe it down with a soft cloth or paper towel.