People choose tile floors for their shine and durability. When a tile floor is clean, it appears as “showroom ready” and even when it’s not clean, it manages to still look sleek. But sometimes a tile floor is hard to keep clean and you don’t know why. No matter what you do and how you clean the tile, there is a hazy look that blankets it. It usually happens after grout has been repaired, installed, or you are renovating a tile surface.
To be more specific, it’s a hazy dust that sits on top of the floor and grout lines. It’s called grout haze and it’s a common complaint.
A tile cleaning and stone floor restoration company can fix grout haze in no time.
However, if you are feeling ambitious, it’s not too hard to address. All you need is time, a grout remover solution, and some elbow grease.
So, What is Grout Haze Exactly?
Grout haze is a thin cloud of grout deposits that lingers after grout has been applied and has begun to settle on the surface of the tiles. As it stays and settles, it can look a bit dismal because it doesn’t let the natural color of the tiles show through.
After the grout has hardened, the tiles are left with a dull surface that, contrary to the intended outcome, the tile surface looks “off”.
What Causes Grout Haze?
Grout haze is mainly a byproduct of residual grout that weakly bonds to the tile surface when the grouting procedure is under way. Grout is applied and then wiped off. Tiny particles of the grout may settle and dry on the tiles, condensing an overcast.
Imbalanced cleaning and timing are two of many factors that can cause this problem, and the overuse of water in the cleaning process is another. Haze happens if those particles are not removed completely before they dry and harden.
How Do I Get Rid of Grout Haze?
Grout haze removal involves several steps. Firstly, let the grout fully cure, usually in 24-48 hours. Then, take a dry cheesecloth or microfiber cloth and use it to wipe off all the extraneous haze. If the settled grout is hard to get rid of, you may mix a solution of one part vinegar to four parts of water and apply it in a gentle scrubbing motion on the tiles.
It is better not to add a lot of water because it may weaken the grout. Sometimes a commercial grout haze remover is necessary. Unlike regular cleaning agents, are specifically devised to chemically dissolve the residue while preserving the tiles and grout.
If you are at your wits end, a professional tile cleaning company is worth a call. They know exactly what to do and the results will last a long time making it worth the cost.
Are There Ways to Minimize Grout Haze?
Yes. Always wipe wet grout and the surrounding surface clean with a damp sponge while the grouting process is being done. Do not soak the sponge too much, as this will distribute more grout and cause more haze.
You could also start by adding a grout release agent to the grout mix to show that the grout will not stick to the tile surfaces and will be easier to clean.
For those that are not afraid to DIY, treating the tile with a natural stone sealer at the beginning of your tile project will help maintain the shininess of the tile surface.
What Type of Grout Haze Remover Should I Look For?
Depending on the type of tile you have, there are a few considerations when it comes to grout haze remover. For cleaning off a white powdered grout, use an acidic solution (with sulfamic/ phosphoric acid) that also works on porcelain. They should be washed with a neutral cleaning solution to avoid etching them. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions as well as the test of a small area for usability to be sure it will work on your unique tile.
Renovation on a tile surface can last a lifetime when properly maintained but for optimal results that will last and look amazing, a professional stone floor restoration company that specializes in tile cleaning and grout repair is your best bet.
Bring Your Tile Floors and Stone Surfaces Back to Life
Restore-A-Floor in Brighton has been transforming tile floors and surfaces for decades by revealing what’s behind the dirt, grime and stains including grout haze. Our stone floor and tile restoration services are the ultimate solution for reviving any tired-looking tile or stone surface!
We specialize in delivering quick and effective restoration services for floors, baths, and counters bringing even the dullest grout and tile back to life. From kitchens to bathrooms, every inch is meticulously polished and sealed leaving no spot unattended. Call us for a Free Estimate!