Tile Grout Haze & Residue
The cleaning of tiles during installation is a critical part of the installation process. Tile grout haze and residue has increasingly became an issue due to the evolving polymer modification of cementitous grouts.
What is grout haze?
Grout haze is what remains after tiles have been grouted and causes materials such as dirt and grime to stick to the surface of the tiles. The heavily modified polymers of grout are manufactured and designed to adhere to the 0.5% porosity of porcelain while allowing flexibility in joints.
When grout is not cleaned off the surface properly then anything dropped on the surface will stick to the grout haze (polymer). Polymer acts like a glue.
Why did my tiler not see the grout haze?
Grout Haze is simply residue that has been left to dry on the surface of the tiles after grouting. Grout Haze is often not picked up during installation as the moisture during the clean process momentarily masks the latex and cement deposits.
How do you clean grout haze?
Before starting, please bear in mind that if you are using a grout that is the same colour as the tile, the haze might not be visible. This means the tile may look dirty, stained or accumulating grime but in fact it is the grout polymer / grout haze of the same colour which is causing the build up of dirt. Glazed tiles are NOT porous and it will be the grout haze that is causing your issue unless there is an unlikely manufacturing defect in the tile.
Steps to cleaning
Commercial grade and safe to use on tile grout haze removal products are available for more difficult to remove grout haze after installation.
What is grout haze?
Grout haze is what remains after tiles have been grouted and causes materials such as dirt and grime to stick to the surface of the tiles. The heavily modified polymers of grout are manufactured and designed to adhere to the 0.5% porosity of porcelain while allowing flexibility in joints.
When grout is not cleaned off the surface properly then anything dropped on the surface will stick to the grout haze (polymer). Polymer acts like a glue.
Why did my tiler not see the grout haze?
Grout Haze is simply residue that has been left to dry on the surface of the tiles after grouting. Grout Haze is often not picked up during installation as the moisture during the clean process momentarily masks the latex and cement deposits.
How do you clean grout haze?
Before starting, please bear in mind that if you are using a grout that is the same colour as the tile, the haze might not be visible. This means the tile may look dirty, stained or accumulating grime but in fact it is the grout polymer / grout haze of the same colour which is causing the build up of dirt. Glazed tiles are NOT porous and it will be the grout haze that is causing your issue unless there is an unlikely manufacturing defect in the tile.
Steps to cleaning
- Vacuum or sweep excess mud and dirt off the tiles before grouting.
- We recommend grouting 3-4m² at once and do not let grout sit on the surface for more than 15 minutes (Otherwise refer to product instructions).
- After the grout is applied, use clean water to seal the joints and remove all excess grout.
- Change to clean water for a final wipe and make sure the sponges are always clean.
- Water should be changed regularly to keep clean, as well as the sponges, especially when applying smaller tiles which require more grout in general.
- Once the surface is dry, buff with a microfibre cloth.
- If the grout haze is stubborn, apply tile and grout cleaners with white scourer pads. Please note, the cleaners should be left on the surface to soak for at least 5 minutes (or follow product instructions). Melamine sponges (Magic Sponge) soaked in water are recommended for wiping-off, as well as for spot cleaning. Do not use acid products to clean hazing as they don’t work and may cause permanent damage to the tile glaze.
- Rinse the surface with clean water and mop-off water and residues. Note: Never leave any residue on cleaned tiles.
- Cover the cleaned tile area to keep the surface away from muds, paints, glues, chemicals and other products used on job sites
Commercial grade and safe to use on tile grout haze removal products are available for more difficult to remove grout haze after installation.
