How to Remove Tile Grout Haze

Grout can leave behind a film on tiles.

Grout, the hard substance packed between tiles, is actually a form of cement. Tiny particles of this cement can stick to the top of tiles, creating a film or dullness over your tiles that is referred to as grout haze. Grout begins to cure after three days and finishes curing after three weeks. Depending on how long the haze has been on the tiles, you can remove it in one of a few ways.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Water
• Scouring pads
• Lint-free cloths
• Sugar

Instructions

1. Crumple a piece of dry paper towel into a ball. Use this paper towel to dust the surface of tiles on which haze is less than three days old. Fresh haze has not yet stuck to the tiles, and often can be brushed away.

2. Pour water on grout haze that is more than three days old, and scrub it with a scouring pad. Rub the pad in small circles over the surface of the tile, taking care not to disturb the grout joints. Rinse frequently with warm water to observe the progress and determine when to stop scrubbing. Dry the tiles with a lint-free cloth when done.

3. Dissolve 1 cup sugar into 1 gallon warm water, and pour this water over grout haze that is more than three weeks old. Allow the sugar water to remain in contact with the haze for up to two hours. Pour fresh water over the tiles and dry them thoroughly to remove the sugar water and the haze.

References

• Ask the Builder: Excess Grout Removal