There have been a number of questions in recent months regarding the removal of grout haze from tiled surfaces.
One of the biggest issues in this area is the removal of Grout Haze from Slate & Porcelain tiles be they polished or unpolished. but especially when the surface is riven.
Let's first look at the problem itself:
All grout is sand and cement based with the exception to the rule being an Epoxy Grout. Consequently most grouts today are flexible (Polymer Modified). If grout haze is left on tiles it causes two problems if it is modified.
In most cases it has been over washed in an attempt to remove the haze/bloom by the Tiler / Fixer and consequently the problem is exacerbated because the polymers have risen to the surface forming a skin over the haze. In order to get at the cementitious properties this skin has to be broken through first. The method employed by most people is the use of an acid. However, this does not normally work with polymer modified (Flexible) Grouts.
Our advice is to use Aqua Mix Sealing & Coating Remover first. Allow it to dwell then agitate it to break down the polymer skin! Then add Aqua Mix Phosphoric Acid Substitute diluted to break down the cementitious properties and then finally add Aqua Mix NanoScrub or Aqua Seal Microscrub. This process works on all stone that is not Acid Sensitive. If however you are dealing with a stone that is Acid Sensitive then we advise the same method but we skip the step of the Phosphoric Acid and just use Aqua Mix NanoScrub or Aqua Seal MicroScrub. This means instead of using a chemical to remove the cementitious properties you are using an abrasive coupled with an Emulsifying Pad. This method almost always works on Porcelain tiles that have transit wax on as well.
I will say at this juncture that No manufacturer advises the mixing of products even their own.
However, when all said and done we have used this process on dozens of floors and have always achieved perfect results.
Marble Life Ltd are not chemists and neither do we pretend we are but in the real World the above process works and until someone can come up with an alternative solution we will continue to use this method.
I hope this helps anyone with Grout Haze Problems.
Kind regards
Kev Martin
Marblelife Ltd
