How to Remove Grout Haze?

Having your floors tiles is an exciting experience, unfortunately some howners are dissapointed when they see the finished product is sometimes covered in a white colored haze “grout haze”. This is the leftovergrout during the installation process, and can be very frustrating to see. During the installation process, the entire surface of the tile is coated with grout (the sand-like material that holds tiles together). What is left usually dries up and turns into a hazy, white layer. Fresh grout haze can easily be removed with a wet cloth, but it some cases may need special cleaning. The type of grout used will also play a part in which cleaning solution/method is best for you. Continue below to learn how to get rid and prevent this nuissance with tiled flooring.

What Causes Grout Haze?

In orer to make grout, a combination of minerals and cement are mixed with water. The leftover minerals on the tile surface after installing will leave a thin layer, and this is known as grout haze.

Various Ways To Remove Grout Haze

Although this leftover haze tends to frustrated homeowners, it is easy to remove from a variety of techniques. We have listed 4 different methods that are proven to help you 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:

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

Before Starting The Removal Process

Before trying to remove any haze, make sure your tile surface is totally dry. Usuallythis takes about 24 hours. Be sure to remove grout haze as soon as it’s done drying though, or you may need more powerful specialized removers. Check your grout to see if it contains epoxy, as this will make it a bit more difficult to remove. Epoxy-based resin is built for maximum strength and also repellant against stains. Also figure out which kind of tile you’re working with. Smoother tiles such as ceramic or porcelain can be cleaned with an acidic cleaner, such as vinegar. More porous material such as stone or slate should be avoided of higher acidity cleaning products.

1. Use A Professional Grout Haze Remover

Choose a solution that is made to treat whatever material of tile you are working with (such as a product made specifically for slate or stone tile, versus ceramic or porcelain). A professional solution will remove both epoxy-based, and non epoxy-based grout, for that extra stubborn leftover material. If you’re using a strong chemical cleaner, protect yourself from any toxins and be sure to wear rubber gloves and a mask. Whatever solution do you decide on, be sure to read the instructions carefully to ensure you don’t damage the surface of your tiles. Before applying the product directly, it may be a good idea to dilute with water (50/50). Spray the tile with water and then apply the cleaner. Make sure to let this sit for about 10-15 minutes.
After returning to your sprayed tile, swirl the cleaner over the surface and remove the haze with a nylon pad. Use a mop to remove any extra cleaner leftover before rinsing the area. Simply pat dry with a towel and check to make sure the haze is removed from the entire surface area.

2. Water & Cheesecloth

A cheese cloth is a durable cloth, made for heavy scrubbing and getting rid of dirt abrasion. Using rubber gloves to protect your hands, wet your cheese cloth and rinse thoroughly so it’t not soaked. Use the moist cheese cloth to clean the tile service. It will gently reactivate the grout haze and lift from the tile easily.

3. A Rubber Grout Float

A float is a tool used to install tile and grout. When removing haze, the rubber float can be extremely useful, almost similar to a squeegee for tile grout. It has a paddle-shaped handle and a flat rubber head that is easy to use. The float’s edge should be able to pull the grout minerals that have become stuck to the tile surface as you pull the edge in your direction. Continue until all the haze has been cleared.You can also use a moist tiling sponge to go over the area once again. Use a terry cloth or cheesecloth to buff the entire region and simply pat dry.

4. Diluted Vinegar And Nylon Scrub ( For Porcelain Or Ceramic Tiles)

To get rid of grout haze on porcelain or ceramic tiles, use a vinegar solution. Dilute 50/50 water and vinegar in a spray bottle or bucket. You can always strengthen the solution by adding more vinegar.
Using a mop or a nylon pad, gently scrub the grout haze from the surface of the tile. After using the vinegar-water combination, thoroughly rinse the area with warm water.

These 4 methods are some of the most beneficial at helping you to remove grout haze. Of course, if these still don’t work you can use a professional grout haze remover or speak with the service that installed your tile flooring for more options.