AboutJim Carlin,csi,csms Expertise I will answer questions pertaining to ceramic and stone tile installations only. Nearly 40 yrs in construction with the last 25 yrs. as a Tile Contractor/ Consultant and Independent ceramic tile inspector. Certified Ceramic Tile Inspector, FITS certified (fitscertified.org)
Experience 39 yrs in construction with the last 25 yrs. as a Tile Contractor/ Consultant. Independent ceramic tile inspector.
Organizations Board of Directors National Tile Contractors Association, Member Construction Specifications Institute.
Education/Credentials Schools are: Certified Ceramic Tile Inspector, FITS certified, Schluter Systems Innovations Workshops for uncoupling membranes, floor drains, waterproofing shower systems, Concrete slab moisture migration, ADA Compliance and many others
Question I just finished installing porcelain tile in our bathroom. Everything looks great except the efflorescence (white haze on the grout joints. I was able to remove the haze from the tiles but can't get rid of the grout problem. I have used sulfamic acid and hydrochloric acid. First, is there anything else I can try to get rid of the white haze or do I just need to cut it out and start over. Second, what can I do next time to prevent this from happening? Thanks.
Answer Hi Jim,
In order to help you I need to know more about the grout etc. Type and color along with the cleaning procedure you used. Also the type of porcelain tile, glazed or not. I will say from the sounds of the acids you used, you “went straight for the jugular”, sorry, I digress. Sulfamic is the strongest acid you can safely use providing the tile is OK for that acid and you took precautions when using it. Hydrochloric is nasty stuff and can do serious damage if not diluted and handled properly. The vapors can corrode metal in the house and ruin your health. Now that I’ve scared the bejebies out of you that you won’t mess with that stuff again, tell me about the grout.
I don’t believe its grout haze that’s on the surface of the grout. Grout haze is a thin film left on the surface of the tiles and if cleaned correctly is actually a very fine powder that can be wiped off with a dry cloth. Based on what you are describing it sounds like any one of theses or maybe all in combination:there was too much liquid used in the mixing of the grout, cleaned too soon after applying, or using too much water in the cleanup process. Most of the time this can be corrected by waiting 10 days before using the sulfamic acid crystals as directed. Here is a link with directions. http://www.aquamix.com/for_professionals/products/pg_detail.asp?pdid=328&pgid=98...
If you scrape the surface of the grout does it show the true color? After you did the acid routine, did you rinse several times with fresh water to neutralize the acid left on the grout? I’ll look for your reply.
