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Home > Home & Garden > Interior Home Improvement   »   How to remove stubborn grout from tile surface

 
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Old Feb 6, 2007, 05:39 PM
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How to remove stubborn grout from tile surface

Good Evening. I recently layed a really nice porcelain floor in my new basement washroom. In my haste, I did not fully clean the grout off the surface of the tiles, and had not had time to go back to it for several days. This tile is not smooth and the grout has managed to lodge itslef firmly into it and now i can't begin to imagine how i'm ever going to get it out. We've searched online to find solutions, but i'd like to hear some true testimonials from others who've done it for real before and can tell me about it.

Thankfully most of the bathroom is ok since I was more careful after the initial part (washer and dryer section) was done, but I'd still really like to get that cleaned and I could use some ideas .

Thank-you

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Old Feb 8, 2007, 04:41 PM   #2  
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Well, PGerard, I congratulate you on your ability to lay down the floor by yourself!

I had the same problem, only I didn't do the work myself. Many years ago, I had hired someone to renovate my place. In retiling the floor, he never wiped the grout off. AT ALL. I called him to clean up the mess he made. It sat there for probably a few days before the guy finally showed. Needless to say, you know what kind of a problem that created. He used an acid wash on my floor. But, I wouldn't recommend that in your situation. You mentioned that you used porcelain and any acid wash could really damage your beautiful floor.

The best suggestion I have is to contact the manufacturer of the tile. You might want to check to see if they have a website. They will be able to advise you as to the best product to use so you don't damage the floor. They may very well sell a product that is specifically designed for this problem. A lot of tile manufacturers do that.

Hope this helped.
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Old Feb 9, 2007, 06:24 AM   #3  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RubyPitbull
Well, PGerard, I congratulate you on your ability to lay down the floor by yourself!

I had the same problem, only I didn't do the work myself. Many years ago, I had hired someone to renovate my place. In retiling the floor, he never wiped the grout off. AT ALL. I called him to clean up the mess he made. It sat there for probably a few days before the guy finally showed. Needless to say, you know what kind of a problem that created. He used an acid wash on my floor. But, I wouldn't recommend that in your situation. You mentioned that you used porcelain and any acid wash could really damage your beautiful floor.

The best suggestion I have is to contact the manufacturer of the tile. You might want to check to see if they have a website. They will be able to advise you as to the best product to use so you don't damage the floor. They may very well sell a product that is specifically designed for this problem. A lot of tile manufacturers do that.

Hope this helped.
Thanks Ruby. We will go to Home depot later today and check it out. The tile is "Granito Cotto"....my wife did go to the website and they recommended an acid wash as well...but did mention that we should be very careful with it. This grout is also non-sanded Polymer grout, which means it's less porous than standard sanded grout, and this makes it even more of a challenge to clean up...oh well

Anyways, thanks for your response...I have to admit I wasn't expecting a miraculous solution....

Pat.
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Old Feb 9, 2007, 06:27 AM   #4  
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You are welcome Pat. Although I am not a "professional" I noticed no one answered your question and didn't want you to feel ignored. And, since this did happen to me,....

Just be very, very careful with the acid wash. Follow all directions to a T. If it doesn't mention it in the instructions, use rubber work gloves to protect your skin and make sure there is ventilation -- open a window.
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Old Feb 12, 2007, 04:29 PM   #5  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RubyPitbull
You are welcome Pat. Although I am not a "professional" I noticed no one answered your question and didn't want you to feel ignored. And, since this did happen to me,....

Just be very, very careful with the acid wash. Follow all directions to a T. If it doesn't mention it in the instructions, use rubber work gloves to protect your skin and make sure there is ventilation -- open a window.
Hey, I bought this stuff called "GroutBuster". It worked really well, and yes, we wore gloves and glasses to protect our eyes from splashing.

Good Night...
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Old Feb 12, 2007, 04:33 PM   #6  
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Thanks for letting me know the outcome! Sometimes we are left wondering what happened. I will remember the GroutBuster. Thanks!
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