*
I HAVE JUST INSTALLED 400 SQUARE FEET OF FLOOR TILE IN A HOME. I HAVE GROUTED THE TILES AND TRIED TO REMOVE AS MUCH OF THE EXCESS GROUT AS POSSIBLE. I HAVE ADVISED MY CUSTOMER THAT SHE WILL HAVE TO CLEAN THE FLOOR SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE ALL OF THE WHITE FILM FROM THE GROUT IS COMPLETLY REMOVED FROM THE TILES.
SHE SEEMS TO HAVE TROUBLE REMOVING THIS WHITE FILM. AFTER 5 CLEANINGS THIS WHITE FILM IS STILL NOT GONE.
THE TYPE OF TILE THAT SHE CHOSE DOES NOT HAVE A SMOOTH GLOSSY SURFACE, AND I’M WONDERING WHETHER THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT?
SOMEONE SUGGESTED USING A 5% SOLUTION OF ACID MIXED WITH WATER. WILL THIS HARM THE GROUT IN BETWEEN THE TILES AND OR DO THE TILES RUN THE RISK OF BEING DAMAGED BY THIS?
ANY HELP WITH THIS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECEATED. THANKS.
Replies
*
Dear Juan,
That sounds like a film of latex grout additive to me. It's tough to clean off. It's also a common problem when grouting in warm conditions, so your tile supplier may have a special product to get it off. Or you could try one of those latex paint removers. Don't use the acid as it will change the color of the grout and then there will be trouble.
Cordially, Fred
* Juan,
Joseph Fusco View Image
*I'm with Joe , maybe something coarse like burlap . Maybe Rich will respond , he seems to be the resident tile guru to me . Chuck
*Juan, you might try buffing the tile with the face side of some carpet remnants (dry, as Joe suggests). The carpet won't hurt the tile, and has a bit more abrasive action than a rag.Good luck, Steve
*
Joseph Fusco View Image
*My vote is for a dry pad also, no magic here.Gabe
*By your description of the film Im assuming you used a grout with a latex either mixed in dry or used a latex additive to mix the grout powder(or both). The film is eaiser to clean off while its "green" by using a damp sponge and wiping in short passes, diagonal to your grout joints, using only one side of the sponge for one pass then rinsing. Damp not wet is important, and moving the sponge along slowly. But, too late for that now. Now you've got a job ahead of you. Use a terry cloth cotton towel and be prepared to put some elbow grease into it. The haze will buff off. You can also use an electric car buffer with a similar pad. There are also alot of acidic based grout haze removers on the market but I would try buffing it out dry first as the acids can change the color of, and possibly weaken the grout joint. Good Luck.....Dave
*I think Joe's on to something(5.0). What did she use to clean the tile? It's an assumption she used only water. Also, what kind of tiles are these? From Jaun's description of the tiles, it sounds like they are a monocottura--dense body with single fired glaze--with a matte--typ for floor tile--finish. Perhaps the face is textured.Anyway, I have learned not to make even the most cursory assumption about what, why, or how people do what they do. Sheez, I wouldn't be surprised if she used paint thinner or gasoline to clean. It wouldn't be the first time.FredL guessed what I'd say. If this is not an absorptive tile, I'd say Jaun should get back with the grout mfg. and get the right cleaner.If you use a buffer as suggested by Creature, take car to not burn any spots in the glaze.
*Dear Rich,After 5 cleanings with gas, I don't think the owner would be capable of seeing a film. Anyway, dry rubbing 400 sf of haze is a bit too much grease for these elbows.Living better though chemistry, Fred
*Right on, Freddy-boy!!!
*That's why those of us, with the experience to go with our knowledge, use a floor polisher instead of elbow grease.Living better without chemicalsGabe
*Its amazing what you can clean with gas and matches!!
*
I HAVE JUST INSTALLED 400 SQUARE FEET OF FLOOR TILE IN A HOME. I HAVE GROUTED THE TILES AND TRIED TO REMOVE AS MUCH OF THE EXCESS GROUT AS POSSIBLE. I HAVE ADVISED MY CUSTOMER THAT SHE WILL HAVE TO CLEAN THE FLOOR SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE ALL OF THE WHITE FILM FROM THE GROUT IS COMPLETLY REMOVED FROM THE TILES.
SHE SEEMS TO HAVE TROUBLE REMOVING THIS WHITE FILM. AFTER 5 CLEANINGS THIS WHITE FILM IS STILL NOT GONE.
THE TYPE OF TILE THAT SHE CHOSE DOES NOT HAVE A SMOOTH GLOSSY SURFACE, AND I'M WONDERING WHETHER THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT?
SOMEONE SUGGESTED USING A 5% SOLUTION OF ACID MIXED WITH WATER. WILL THIS HARM THE GROUT IN BETWEEN THE TILES AND OR DO THE TILES RUN THE RISK OF BEING DAMAGED BY THIS?
ANY HELP WITH THIS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECEATED. THANKS.