How to Remove Grout Haze from Porcelain Tile & Ceramic
After the new installation of wall and floor tiles it’s not uncommon for a residue of hard grout haze to be left on the tiled surface. This grout residue doesn’t only look unsightly, but it can also harbour dirt, making general cleaning more difficult until successfully removed.
Grout haze can appear in the form of white powder, glossy patches or dull smears or streaks and is hard to remove without using the correct methods.
You might read about various hacks online including vinegar solutions, but by far the easiest and most efficient way to remove grout haze from ceramic and porcelain tiles is with a specialist cleaning solution.
In this quick guide, we will take you through a step by step process on how to remove grout haze from porcelain tiles and ceramic surfaces.
What you will need
To successfully get dried grout off ceramic tiles you will need a specialist grout haze cleaner.
The Universeal Grout Haze Remover (see prices) effortlessly removes residues such as mortar and cement grout, grout film, efflorescence, encrusted and engrained dirt, as well as natural calcium & limescale deposits. It can be used outdoors and on indoor ceramic and porcelain tiles.
It quickly and easily dissolves whilst removing any grout film or residue from the ceramic or porcelain tile surface within minutes without damaging the tiles or grouting.
Before you start
Before application, ensure you are wearing personal protection equipment including gloves, eye protection and suitable vapour mask. When using Universeal Grout Haze Remover indoors always ensure good ventilation during and after use.
How to remove grout haze from porcelain tile
1. Test on a small patch first
Dependent on degree of contamination, Universeal Grout Haze Remover can be used neat or diluted up to 1:10 with clean water.
Carry out a small test patch to understand better the required dilution rate and dwell time to achieve desired results.
2. Apply our Grout Haze Remover
Apply the solution generously with a paint brush or sponge onto the affected areas of the ceramic or porcelain tiles, allowing the solution to dwell for a 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Agitate with a stiff brush
After 5 to 10 minutes, start agitating the surface with a stiff brush. Avoid using items such as coloured sponges, as the colour may transfer onto the tiles.
4. Rinse the tiles down
Whilst agitating with your brush, simultaneously rinse the tiles off with plenty of clean water. This will rinse away the grout haze.
Once complete, also rinse again to ensure that the grout haze cleaner has been fully removed.
5. Let the tiles dry
Allow the treated ceramic and porcelain tiles to thoroughly dry to assess the results. You can then repeat the process reducing the dilution rate if necessary.
Please Note
Universeal Grout Haze Remover is not suitable for use on or around acid sensitive surfaces such as stainless steel, polished marble and limestone, etc.
Always protect these areas and test the product in an inconspicuous area on-site to determine suitability for the intended use.
If you have more questions regarding this process or any of the Universeal Sealant products please contact our sales office 01300 345898.
Additional Notes
Grout haze should be removed from porcelain tile as soon as possible. The longer the grout haze is left on porcelain and ceramic, the more difficult it is to remove.
The removal of grout haze depends on a few other factors and these include; the type of grout used, how that grout was mixed, how long the grout has had to set and the material of the tile.
Removing grout haze from smooth surfaces made from porcelain and ceramic tiles is far easier than removing it from rougher surfaces like stone.
About Universeal’s Grout Haze Remover
Universeal Grout Haze Remover can be used indoors and outdoors after the installation process or during construction of grouting wall and floors tiles. All surfaces must be acid resistant such as ceramic tiles, porcelain, brick, clay and quarry tiles.
Universeal Grout Haze Remover effortlessly removes surface residues such as mortar and cement grout, efflorescence, encrusted and engrained dirt, as well as natural calcium & limescale deposits.
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