Grout discolouration - Tile Advice

[Paul R Cox]

Hi,
I've grouted approx 50m2 using Ardex Cast Iron FS and it has dried patchy with white deposits. The customer is refusing to pay until this has been sorted.
Conditions are pretty normal and I don't think I've over-wet it so not sure why this has happened but my question is can this be rectified? The tile shop has recommended eflorencence remover or possibly a grout dye. Can anyone advise and has anyone managed to rectify this before?

Cheers.

 

[Tile Shop]

If its light patches, it is effloresence. The shop are right. Something like a diluted solution of the LTP Grout Stain Remover or the Lithofin Cement-Away will sort that out.

(do a test area first before doing the whole area and follow the manufacturers instructions to the letter.)

 

[Lithofin BOB]

Sorry Paul and Paul , do not use lithofin cement away on an internal floor ,

this is hydrochloric acid and will produce a vapour, this can affect stainless fittings , trim or such. If this is for use around a porcelain tile, you didnt state which type of tile you had ,Test a diluted phosphoric based as above ltp or we have lithofin cement residue remover, with either ,as Paul test one tile
Pre wet the joint first with water and then flash clean for 1-2 mins only, as you do not want this on for the stated 10-15 mins when flushing efflorescence . Then rinse and let dry , work timed ,controlled sections to complete the area.

 

[Tile Shop]

Wow...... good save @Lithofin BOB.

Someone feel free to shoot me for typing the wrong product

 

[Lithofin BOB]

No worries , great to see you "testing " this along with me
They rip the ... Out of me for that

 

[jobdone]

Had the same problem with ardex fs. Tried washing which worked on on job. The other which had light and dark patches ended up using fuga freshca by mapai which left it perfect.

 

[Paul R Cox]

Thank you everyone for your advise. Customer has paid the majority of the bill now (phew) but still holding me accountable so need to go back and have a go at cleaning. She's going to buy the product and is asking me to recommend. It's porcelain and on a floor so not too much of a problem but I guess no need to use hydrochloric anyway when phosphoric is available.