Has this ever happened to you? You decide to clean your grout. You think you are doing a great job, but within minutes a haze starts to form leaving the tiling looking even worse than it did before you cleaned it. So, what is one to do about this problem?
Well, a good step is figuring out what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. This article will explore the reason the haze is appearing and the solutions that will help you get the great look you are after. Read on for more tips and tricks to preventing efflorescence.
What’s Causing It?
The haze you are seeing can be due to efflorescence. Efflorescence is the migration of salt to the surface of a porous material. It settles on the surface to form a coating. It will appear as a powder on the grout.
Efflorescence occurs when there is moisture on the grout and it often appears after cleaning.
How to Prevent It
There are several ways to prevent efflorescence. Here are a few suggestions.
- Use air-movers to dry tiling quickly after it has been cleaned.
- After tiling has dried, seal grout lines and porous tiles. This will keep moisture from infiltrating the grout. A breathable seal will help any existing moisture escape.
- A sealer with a solvent carrier will help reduce the moisture in the grout.
How to Remove Efflorescence
Despite your best efforts, efflorescence may still occur. Fortunately, there are ways to remove it. Here are some methods you can try.
If efflorescence is appearing on floor tiles, foot traffic will probably remove it over time. However, if you want to get rid of it immediately or if it is appearing on wall tiling, you can use a stiff brush to remove it.
If the brush does not work, acid products might be effective. Try using acidic grout and tile cleaners. You can also use muriatic acid at a ratio of 10 ounces per 1 gallon of water.
There are also a variety of cleaning products specifically designed to get rid of efflorescence on the market. For best results, apply acid to tile with a damp sponge or mop. Minimize the use of water as water increases the risk of efflorescence.
It is also important to protect yourself when using acidic cleaners by wearing gloves and goggles.
Find the Method That Is Best for You
It may take some time before you are able to come up with the right cleaning method to use to fight efflorescence. However, in time, you will find a solution that is right for you. Perfect a method you can use on ceramic and porcelain tile before moving on to stone.
Cleaning grout will give your tiling a fresh look. Do not let efflorescence ruin it. Good luck using these methods to find out which works best to provide a great result in your home.
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