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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
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    Ohio
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    Default Grout haze on new tile

    A friend, whom I help with projects, just had new tile laid throughout the house.
    There is grout dust everywhere and grout on the tiles. We have tried to vacuum and mop but there is still a haze and grout where it does not belong. We have been on our hands an knees for 3 days. There has got to be a better way. Any ideas?

    OREP Insurance

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Capistrano Beach, CA
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    Default

    Hi Julianne Rudisell and welcome to InspectionNews!

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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    New York
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    869

    Default Re: Grout haze on new tile

    Wipe with dry rag.

    Steven Turetsky, UID #16000002314
    homeinspectionsnewyork.com
    eifsinspectionsnewyork.com

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Orlando, FL
    Posts
    1,592

    Default Re: Grout haze on new tile

    Grout that has allowed to dry is difficult to remove. They make special cleaners to help, check out a nearby tile store or ask the installers who made the mess clean it up for you...

    Dom.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Grout haze on new tile

    Seems I remember using a plastic mesh (kind of like a brillo pad) ball that would cut through the worst of the haze and then follow with a dry rag.
    Wet mopping just makes it worse.
    By the way, that should be part of the tile guys job. Call 'em back.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    No. San Diego Co., CA
    Posts
    562

    Default Re: Grout haze on new tile

    There are products on the market, available at HD, Lowes and most any tile shop, specifically for this purpose. Either way, still requires elbow grease but a floor buffer might make the job go a little easier, especially over a large area.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    2,809

    Default Re: Grout haze on new tile

    The tile installers are responsible for the haze. Get them back to do the job.

    If that is not possible then the haze needs to be buffed off. A dry rag with a lot of effort usually gets the job done. Else use a pot/sponge scrubber such as Lysol Heavy Duty Scrubber Sponges (4-Pack)-57507-4-1 - The Home Depot or a sponge that has the green backing on the sponge,but be careful that you rinse often, you do not want to scratch the tile which can happen as you loosen the haze and it acts as an abrasive.


    Have fun and whistle while you work or turn it into a family bonding quality time project.


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    High Springs, Florida
    Posts
    174

    Default Re: Grout haze on new tile

    Try white vinegar if it isn't real bad.
    Quote Originally Posted by Julianne Rudisell View Post
    A friend, whom I help with projects, just had new tile laid throughout the house.
    There is grout dust everywhere and grout on the tiles. We have tried to vacuum and mop but there is still a haze and grout where it does not belong. We have been on our hands an knees for 3 days. There has got to be a better way. Any ideas?



    www.1stproinspection.com

    Certified Master Inspector
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Fl
    Posts
    17

    Default Re: Grout haze on new tile

    Use Sulfumic acid - it's a crystal, the hotter the water, the more aggressive it is. Use rubber gloves & glasses. Keep a clean bucket of water & sponge ready to retard the action & clean up the sludge. Do not use scouring pads - test a small area, some tiles (like cheap sun baked Mexican tile) could be adversely affected.


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Grout haze on new tile

    Jul: 2 weeks ago, I re-grouted the 40 year old tile around our bath tub and generated hazing on all of them. Went to Home Depot 3 times and bought various liquids with acid content and they didn't work. On 4th trip, bought a 4" sisal wheel, (should have used 6"), and used the electric drill adjusted to higher rpm and cleaned all the tile in less than 1/2 hour. Wear a dust mask, you're generating fine silica dust. Try to hold drill so you spin dust downward into tub rather than upward and generating a cloud--and more cleanup. But I'd still go back to the tile installer first in your case.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Jul: 2 weeks ago, I re-grouted the 40 year old tile around our bath tub and generated hazing on all of them. Went to Home Depot 3 times and bought various liquids with acid content and they didn't work. On 4th trip, bought a 4" sisal wheel, (should have used 6"), and used the electric drill adjusted to higher rpm and cleaned all the tile in less than 1/2 hour. Wear a dust mask, you're generating fine silica dust. Try to hold drill so you spin dust downward into tub rather than upward and generating a cloud--and more cleanup. But I'd still go back to the tile installer first in your case.


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