How to Remove Grout Haze and Seal Grout on Tile

You need to clean the tile properly after installation.

If your tile looks hazy after installation, there are commercial cleaners that you can use, but you most likely don't need them. Basic household products can clean the tile effectively. Once you get the gunk off that tile, you need to seal it so that grout is more stain and mold resistant.

Things You'll Need

• Scouring pad
• Vinegar
• Bucket
• Putty knife
• Wire brush
• Grout sealant
• Soft cloth
• Tile sealant

Instructions

1. Try clear water first. Fill a bucket with temperate water and use the scrub pad to remove the grout haze.

2. Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water, if the clear water doesn't remove the grout haze off the tile. Scrub the tile using this solution.

3. Smooth out any extra grout with a wire brush. Smooth the grout out evenly by scrubbing it one section at a time. If the grout is still fresh, be gentle.

4. Slide the putty knife along the tile edges to get rid of excess grout that may have been pushed up.

5. Wash the tile again with the vinegar solution 30 to 40 minutes after smoothing the grout and removing excess.

6. Seal the grout. Basic glazed ceramic tile only requires the grout joints to be sealed. You should wait before doing this so the grout has a chance to thoroughly set. Look at your grout label to determine the drying time -- it could be from 48 to 72 hours. Apply a water-based silicone grout sealer to the joints. As long as the tile is glazed it's fine if you get some sealer on the tile surface, but wipe it off before it dries with a soft, dry cloth.

7. Seal the surface of the tiles to prevent them from getting stained if you are using porous tiles like slate or terra cotta. Apply an acrylic topcoat on the tile surface. You'll have to reseal the tile occasionally as it wears off. Don't use any cleaners with ammonia on the tile because it will strip the sealer off.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using one of the porous types of tile, seal it FIRST so the haze is not permanent!

• All products are different, read the suggestions for whatever sealant you are using!

• If this is fresh grout, you need to wait 30-40 minutes to do this!

References

• Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Ceramic Tile, Third Edition : Includes Stone, Porcelain, Glass Tile & More; Carter Glass
• Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques; James C. Watkins, et al.