Cleaning Grout Haze
We always tend to tile the walls of our bathroom as well as the floors and many times the walls of our kitchen. I am sure you must have heard about the grouting process of tiles. Grouting tile floors is a very common and an essential process without which the tiles won't remain fixed. Grouting holds the tiles together by filling the gaps between them. Grout is basically a cementing mixture made up of cement, sand and color. Often, grouting process of tiles is accompanied by haze formation. Haze is a cloudy, turbid film which covers the tiles, after drying of the grout.
If you are finding it difficult in removing grout haze from tiles at home, I am elaborating some ideas which will help you for the same. Removing grout haze from the tiles is a pre-requisite as it destroys the beauty of the tiles.
Removing Grout Haze Off Tile
- Firstly, make sure that the grouting has taken place properly. Let the grout dry completely. One would think that wiping with a wet sponge or a rag will do. But that's not the case in grout haze. It will tend to increase every time you try wet wiping. So you might just give up if you are trying this one out.
- Use a dry sponge or rag to clean the grout haze. Rub the tiles so that the haze gets removed off the tiles. Do not rub harshly. You might just end up getting scratches on the tiles which you wouldn't want.
- Try to remove as much grout haze as you can, with the help of rubber float.
- Also, you can wipe the tiles with a wet sponge 2-3 hrs after the application of grout. You will have to repeat the process 3-4 times a day.
- Use ready-made grout haze cleaner. Do not mistaken it with the grout cleaner. Use the former to clean the haze. Mix the cleaner with appropriate amounts of water and then apply on the tiles diagonally, using a terry cloth. Wipe the tiles immediately with wet sponge. Grout haze remover is popularly used to clean the grout haze from tiles. Go in for it, as it's highly effective. The grout haze cleaner is readily available in the nearby tile shops.
- In case, the grout haze is too hard to remove, go for dry or wet vacuum cleaning of the tiles after application of the grout haze cleaner. The vacuum not only sucks the haze but helps dirt removal from grout as well. Later, wipe the floor as usual with wet sponge.
- Treatment with acids like the sulphamic acids or crystals of the same dissolved in water is recommended. Apply and then wipe with wet sponge. You can make use of pumice stone in place of acid as well. These two are precisely used for cleaning grout off ceramic tile along with the above methods.
- Always read the instructions written on the grout haze remover or cleaner or acids and pumice stone as well, before using them.
- Make sure you test the grout haze remover before putting it into actual use.
- While you are doing the above activities, make sure you wear hand gloves and protect your eyes with the help of an eye protector. Keep in mind that you are dealing with harmful chemicals.
- Use grout sealers of good brands to prevent dirt settling on the pores of grout. This will enhance the shiny appearance of your tile floors.
- Rinse the used sponge properly with water after every wiping.
- What you need to do is just mix up vinegar, ammonia, baking soda and water and spray onto the tiles. Wipe it off with a damp rag or sponge or scouring pad later. Make sure you use right amounts of the above ingredients for better results.
- Also, sugar dissolved in water can be applied onto the tiles with the help of paper towels. Let the towels stay onto the tiles for 2-3 hrs. Clean later, with a wet sponge.
