Introduction

You're undoubtedly eager to see the stunning completed product of a new wall or floor after setting out your new tiles or pavers. Sadly, a lot of individuals are shocked and more than a little let down by the completed product of their job since, upon initial inspection, the tiles or wall will be covered in a white coloured haze. This haze is the leftover grout during tiling or flooring installation.

When installing tiles, the entire surface is coated with grout, which results in grout haze. What little is left will soon dry up and become a dull, white mineral layer if the surplus has not been completely removed from the tile surface. While some fresh grout haze may be cleaned with a moist cloth, some cases could be too difficult and need specialized cleaners. The type of tile and grout you've used will determine the best cleaning method for you.

What Causes Grout Haze?

Minerals and cement are combined with water to make grout. Minerals are left on the tile surface once the water dries. This is an expected aspect of tiling. The tile eventually becomes completely coated in grout because grouting entails spreading grout with a rubber float across the tile. The majority of the grout is removed by the float, but a thin layer called grout haze will persist.

Different Ways To Remove Grout Haze

To complete the task, you can choose from four primary tools. The techniques listed above describe how to eliminate grout haze using:

• A professional grout haze remover
• Water and cheesecloth
• A rubber grout float
• Diluted vinegar and a nylon scrub pad (only for porcelain or ceramic tiles)

To begin with grout haze removal

• Before trying to remove any haze, make sure your tile surface is totally dry. About 24 hours are usually needed for this. To find out how long it will take, check with your installation specialist or, if you did it yourself, the grout's package.
• However, you shouldn't leave grout haze on for longer than 10 days. If you do, more abrasive, powerful removers can be needed.
• Analyze the grout to see if it contains epoxy or not. It will be more difficult to clear the haze that accumulates since this type of grout is made for maximum strength and stain-repellent. A professional cleaning product will probably be necessary  If you have any inquiries regarding the finest kind of cleaning, get in touch with the grout's maker.
• Find out what kind of tile it is. This will also affect the kind of cleaner you may use. Smooth ceramic and porcelain tiles may be cleaned with acidic products like vinegar, while porous stone and slate tiles shouldn't be. As a result, removing the haze is a little more challenging but still achievable. The best results come from utilizing a specialized cleaner.

Method 1: A Professional Grout Haze Remover

Prior to choosing a product, first consider the following two factors:

1. Choose a solution made to treat the more difficult grout haze if your grout is epoxy-based. Heck, even if your grout was not epoxy-based, using a professional solution to assist remove stubborn grout haze may be beneficial.
2. Always select a product made specifically for slate or stone if your tile is any of those materials.

Wear rubber gloves and a protective mask if you're utilizing a chemical cleaning. Pay close attention to the product's instructions and read them thoroughly. Before applying the product to your tile surface, you might want to dilute it with water (50/50): Spray a little water on the tile surface before using your professional cleaner. Take a break for a while.

Swirl the cleaner over the surface and remove the grout haze with a nylon scour pad. Utilizing a mop, remove any extra cleaner before thoroughly rinsing the area. Dry off with a soft towel or piece of terry cloth before using a flashlight to double-check your work.

Method 2: Water And Cheesecloth

Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands and wet your cheesecloth. Because too much water can harm grout, wring thoroughly. Next, use the moist cheesecloth or towel to clean the tile surface. By "reactivating" the grout haze with this technique, it will be lifted from the surface.

Method 3: A Rubber Grout Float

When removing haze, the rubber grout float that is used to press grout into tile fractures might be useful. It has a paddle-shaped handle and a flat, generally firm rubber cushion similar to a specialist squeegee. The float's soft edge should be able to drag the grout minerals that have become adhered to the tile surface as you pull the edge in your direction without damaging the tile or the newly installed grout. Continue until all the haze has been cleared.

Use a moist tiling sponge, which is a bigger, denser version of the dish sponge, to go over the area once again.

Use terry cloth or cheesecloth to buff the entire region. Check the tile's surface with a flashlight to determine whether any streaky, dull residue is still there.

Method 4: Diluted Vinegar and a Nylon Scrub Pad (Only For Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles)

To get rid of grout haze on porcelain or ceramic tiles, use a vinegar solution. In a big spray bottle or bucket, combine one part white vinegar with four parts water. For enhanced strength, more vinegar can be used.

Use a mop or a soft nylon pad depending on the surface you need to clean. After using the vinegar-water combination, thoroughly rinse the area with clean water.

You can switch to a commercial cleaner if this is unable to completely clear the haze.

Some Exclusive Tips To Prevent Grout Haze

Depending on the type of tiles, the grout, and how persistent the contamination is, you can use several techniques.

Cleaning the tiles with a scouring pad and warm water is the first thing to attempt. If this doesn't totally solve the problem, try a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. The lime deposits that make up a grout haze are dissolved by the acid. The same idea is applied by specialized grout haze removers, which you may get at a tile shop or hardware store.

These items need to be diluted with water since they have a high acid content. Depending on how stubborn the issue is, you may need to dilute them a bit. Typically, it is advised to use 1 part for every 10 to 20 parts of water. Use a brush to apply the grout haze remover. Using gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself is also a good idea.

It might be required to use a window scraper to scratch the tiles if the grout haze has been allowed to sit for too long. Scratch the residue slowly and carefully to remove it without damaging the tiles.

Related Blogs

HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL A TILE FLOOR

QUESTIONS ON MIXING MORTARS & GROUTS

FAQs About Removing Grout Haze From Tiles

Can You Remove Dried Grout Haze?

Yes, It is possible to remove dried grout haze, but the task will get considerably harder. Therefore, it is best to remove the dried grout graze within 24 hours as leaving it for more than 10 days is not a good idea.

Will Grout Haze Eventually Go Away?

Yes, eventually grout haze goes away but you need to take special measures. Just by diligently wiping down the surface with a wet sponge, the haze will remain and won't come off.

Will Vinegar Remove Grout Haze?

Yes, vinegar remove grout haze.

Does Sugar Remove Grout Haze?

Yes, sugar solution removes grout haze.

How Do You Get Grout Off Tile After It Dries?

Tile grout may be removed using the Sugar-Water Method once it has dried:

• 1 cup of white granulated sugar and 1 gallon of boiling water should be combined. Stir the sugar until it completely melts.
• Pour the mixture over the grout, or use a sponge to apply it to vertical surfaces. Give the grout roughly two hours to absorb the sugar water. This gives the grout's adhesion to the tile some time to release from the solution.
• Use a wooden paint stick to scrape off big pieces of grout. Scrub the remaining grout with nylon scrubber and sugar water.
• As you work, keep the grout moist using the sugar and water mixture.
• To get rid of the sugar solution, rinse the tile with fresh water.
• To ensure that all of the grout has been removed, dry the tile with a clean cloth. Repeat the sugar water cleaning if any grout is still visible