Help!: Grout residue/film over black porcelain tiles

[amit]

Hi,

I just had a my bathroom floor tiled recently with fairly expensive black porcelain tiles (Lyra Nero Black - from Elite Tiles in Hendon, London).

However, the tiler seems to have done an horrible job. The tiles now look a bit grey instead of black which appears due to the grout residue on the tiles. The minute they are wet the colour looks closer to when purchased. The tiles seem to be unpolished porcelain with microscopic pores (they do have a slight shine though). I have been using the bathroom for over two weeks now and being in a hardwater area can also see limescale settling on the tiles. Could someone please give me advice on:

1) How to remove the grout film make the tiles look new!

2) Do i need to seal the tiles, if yes what is a suitable product?

3) Is this a DIY job or would need to get in a professional tiler (I dont want to call the tiler whi finihed the job cause he has alreadyy mesed up and i dont want him back)

4) Roughly how much should look at paying a professional tiler for cleaning / sealing? Roughly 3-3.5 sq metres floor are only.

5) best way to maintain the floor in the future (considering hardwater area and a toddler around).

6) Is any local tiler in the area interested?

Many Thanks,
Amit.

[Scott]

You should get him back to put it right as its his responsibility.

However you can clean it down with a mix of watered down grimex that should do it

http://www.stonedeals.co.uk/pdfs/Gri...le-Cleaner.pdf

Edit: Admin that link is only to a PDF

[amit]

Scott - Thanks for the quick response.
Do i need to seal the tiles once they have been cleaned?

[Scott]

Not familiar with those tiles in particular but if they are unpolished then no.

[amit]

Hi Scott,

I could not find Grimex at my local B&Q store. They recommended "HG Cement, Mortar & Efflorescence Remover (Limex)"
Would that do the job, or is better to order the one you recommended earlier online?

Many Thanks,
Amit.

[poynton phil]

I personally dont use the hg cement remover any more as it bleached the grout. If you have a tile giant near you, i would go there, and ask for some lpg, grout residue remover, I can swear by that.

[justjaney369]

I had the same problem with grout on my my black porcelain tiles and a mixture of water and vinegar got it off a treat, believe it or not!!!! Cheap too. Hope this helps.

[kilty55]

hello,i would call the tiler back to remove the haze for you at his expense as it was part of his job,
at least let him know and see what his response is

as above with the advice from other posters i would steer clear of hg as well

hope it works out well for you