Cleaning Grout Haze From Ceramic Tile Surfaces
Posted 09-26-2009 at 05:34 PM by Bud Cline
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Grout haze is what remains after a grout installation is tooled and cleaned. Not all tiles will develop a grout haze. Glazed ceramic tiles are the least likely to develop a challenging grout haze removal problem and can usually be finally cleaned after the grout has dried thoroughly simply by using a bath towel type fabric to polish the tiles.
The more course-surfaced unglazed tiles and stone mimicking tiles are the ones that are likely to develop a haze [that will be to some] challenging to remove. If care is taken during the grout-cleaning stage of the installation, and clean water is used and replenished frequently, you stand a much better chance of less frustrations.
There are many types of grouts on the market today. Depending on which grout is used the haze removal process varies. Typically most of the old fashion style grouts used today contain Portland cement. Portland cement is normally the product that is creating the issue. A mild acid that will attack Portland cement is plain ole white vinegar. Mixed 50/50 with water it can be used to remove some light grout haze stains.
In addition and one step above vinegar is Sulfamic Acid. Sulfamic Acid comes in crystal form and is sold at all home centers and most major chain hardware stores. Mix it with warm water following the instructions on the label.
Either of the two above-mentioned acids should have more than enough power to clean any Portland cement grout haze.
Sometimes a scrubbie type pad may be required along with a clean sponge. Wet the scrubbie and rub the floor in a circular fashion. Then wet the sponge and draw it across the floor ONE TIME and one time only. Turn the sponge over to the clean side and draw it across the next path ONE TIME and one time only. Then rinse the sponge and repeat the process. To swish and swirl in random fashion with the sponge accomplishes little and will not clean the haze productively. Keep the sponge rinsed and use one side to make only one swipe.
With stone-type finished tiles it may be necessary to also use a tooth brush to get into some of the nooks and crannies of the tiles surface.
In all cases the use of safety equipment is required. You should use rubber gloves and safety glasses. In the case of Sulfamic Acid you should read and follow the instructions explicity.
The more course-surfaced unglazed tiles and stone mimicking tiles are the ones that are likely to develop a haze [that will be to some] challenging to remove. If care is taken during the grout-cleaning stage of the installation, and clean water is used and replenished frequently, you stand a much better chance of less frustrations.
There are many types of grouts on the market today. Depending on which grout is used the haze removal process varies. Typically most of the old fashion style grouts used today contain Portland cement. Portland cement is normally the product that is creating the issue. A mild acid that will attack Portland cement is plain ole white vinegar. Mixed 50/50 with water it can be used to remove some light grout haze stains.
In addition and one step above vinegar is Sulfamic Acid. Sulfamic Acid comes in crystal form and is sold at all home centers and most major chain hardware stores. Mix it with warm water following the instructions on the label.
Either of the two above-mentioned acids should have more than enough power to clean any Portland cement grout haze.
Sometimes a scrubbie type pad may be required along with a clean sponge. Wet the scrubbie and rub the floor in a circular fashion. Then wet the sponge and draw it across the floor ONE TIME and one time only. Turn the sponge over to the clean side and draw it across the next path ONE TIME and one time only. Then rinse the sponge and repeat the process. To swish and swirl in random fashion with the sponge accomplishes little and will not clean the haze productively. Keep the sponge rinsed and use one side to make only one swipe.
With stone-type finished tiles it may be necessary to also use a tooth brush to get into some of the nooks and crannies of the tiles surface.
In all cases the use of safety equipment is required. You should use rubber gloves and safety glasses. In the case of Sulfamic Acid you should read and follow the instructions explicity.
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I love reading anything you write.......Have you every thought of writing a book.....seriously......Posted 09-29-2009 at 01:34 AM by yummy mummy
