Just Grouted My Stone Tile Countertops...Have HAZE That Won't Clean Off. HELP!

by Ellie
(Auburn, AL)

I cleaned the grout with grout cleaner & brush. Applied mixed sand grout & lightly wiped as directed.

Still had some haze left but had to let grout dry before wiping with wetter rag.

Next morning, haze worse (white) and even after scraping/wiping/scrubbing/using white vinegar...there is still white haze on most of the terra cotta colored tiles.

WHAT CAN I DO?! I thought these were ceramic tiles when they were laid...no glaze on top.

Perhaps porous?

No one has a solution. Grouted 30 hrs ago so letting grout set for several days before sealing but don't want to seal until I get rid of the haze.



Ellie,

It seems from your description, that the tile that was laid may have been porous, which means the grout may have absorbed into the tile.

It may have been prudent to have sealed the tiles before grouting. Usually the tile setter would have sealed them before grouting.

If the tiles are not marble, limestone, travertine or any other calcium based stone, you can try another acidic cleaner to try to remove the grout.

Go to a tile store and ask for a grout haze remover, which should be acidic. You can also try straight vinegar, no diluting.

I'm sorry I can't be more help, but grout haze can be a problem. If it absorbed into the tile, you may always have some degree of the haze.

Keep trying acidic cleaners until you're satisfied with the results before sealing.

Pedro