Fine grout dust - how to remove - TilersForums.com

[mazdaq100]

Spent hours removing grout haze from porcelain tiles (don't think I changed the water in my bucket often enough) and am now left with a very fine grout dust on the tiles. Struggling to get this up - just seem to move it from one tile to the other.

Could I mop the floor now? Worried though that if i do that it will just reactivate the grout and create a haze again.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Tile Shop]

If they are glazed porcelain or matt/textured unglazed porcelain, you will need the LTP Grout Stain Remover. Dilute it, pour it on, scrub with an emusifying pad, rinse with clean water, mop it up, leave it to dry, give it a buff with a towel or micro-fibre cloth, job done.

If they are full-bodied polished porcelain, as above but with the LTP Power-stripper instead. Tiles may require a reseal with the LTP MPG Sealer when you're done.

Similar products from other manufacturers also available

 

[mazdaq100]

Thanks for your reply and the useful advice. They are unglazed matt porcelain - will give this a go.

I grouted more of the floor today and this time I went over the tiles 3 times (yesterday only twice) and I changed the water more regularly. I also followed the technique that I have read many on here use with their washboys (although I am only using a bucket and sponge):
- First wash in a circular or diagonal movement to remove the excess grout and form joints;
- Second wash - I did one movement along the tiles in one direction, rinsed my sponge and then moved on to the next area
- Third wash - same as second wash

The result once dried was vastly different to the previous day - this time I was only left with a thin grout haze and this was easily buffed up with a cloth. So much quicker and easier.

Hope that might help some other DIYers out there with not much experience, like myself.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Grouting is make or break time!

 

[Steve_Bcs]

Useful info, how long did you wait before your first wash?

 

[mazdaq100]

20-30 minutes. I basically wait for the excess grout on the tiles to dry - it looks like a matt finish once dry. I tend to mix enough grout up for an area that will take me half an hour or so to cover, and as soon as I've finished grouting the area, I go back to the start to begin the wash.

 

[Porcelainwood]

That reminds me of a customer who asked our advice on cleaning the grout of the tiles He literally went by instructions on bag to clean off after the grouting had been completed the big problem was that he did the grouting over a course of a few days and after he had finished all of the grouting he then tried to clean off the grout

 

[Lithofin BOB]

Would always recommend a test on two tiles first, pre wet the joints also, this can buffer the acidic product when applied ( don't want to discolour or lighten the joint)

Start a high dilution, test and add more product or increase the application time if req. Work with the pad,as Paul rec/ every min- test at 1-2 mins- even if the bottle states 10-15 min application ,it may have lifted. Again minimising possible damage the the grout joint. Rinse well . If test has worked, work through in small controlled sections.