Tile can be a beautiful, low-maintenance, and durable addition to almost any room of your home. But what about that cloudy film that appears on the surface of your new tiles?
Grout haze can be an unsightly problem you need to remove from a tiled surface. While it may be annoying to remove, the right approach can make it a lot easier.
Let’s dive into exactly what grout haze is and how to remove it from tiles.
What Is Grout Haze?
During installation, the entire tile surface is covered with grout. Sometimes, some of the excess grout is not completely removed from the surface. The remaining grout layer dries out, leaving a film of minerals. It tends to be a dull, cloudy white layer.
This is grout haze. It doesn’t appear until a few days after you have installed the grout and can appear similar to a layer of soap scum.
How to Remove Grout Haze From Tiles
Before you remove grout haze, you need to make sure the tile surface is completely dry. Your installation professional or grout’s packaging can tell you how long to wait. However, do not wait more than 10 days or it might become very difficult to remove.
Whenever you are working with grout, start by putting on gloves to protect your hands. The grout and any other chemicals can be quite damaging to exposed skin.
Sometimes, grout haze can be removed with just water. You can wipe it up with a damp cheesecloth. Wring it out well before to prevent too much water which could damage the grout.
In some circumstances, you may need to try a cleaning product as opposed to just water. If you have really stubborn grout haze, especially some that has been sitting for a while, you may need to enlist professional help.
A professional grout and tile cleaner, like Scrub N Shine Floor Care and Carpet Cleaning, can make cleaning grout haze much easier. This is a particularly good idea if your tile is porous or it’s a specialty material.
How to Choose a Grout Haze Remover
If your grout is epoxy-based, you will most likely need a commercial cleaning product. Porous stone and slate tiles should not be exposed to acidic cleaners. They may require a more specialized cleaner. You can use acidic cleaner on smooth ceramic and porcelain tiles.
A special chemical cleaner can work well for stubborn grout haze and delicate tile surfaces. A good cleaner can make the entire job easier.
Get Rid of Grout Haze Now
Grout haze can be an unsightly problem. If left too long it can become quite difficult to remove. It’s important to choose the right removal method and get to work quickly. A floor care professional can also help if you are stuck with a haze that is tough to remove.
If you found this article helpful, make sure to read our other home and garden articles too.
