When adding or replacing grout around tiles in our floor, some of the cement grout gets left behind, and not in the way that we want. In these cases, a homemade grout haze remover is the perfect solution. You don’t want to use harmful chemicals that will hurt the grout or your floor tiles.
You also realize that cement grout is not a simple substance to remove once it’s hooked its claws into your floor. Finding a grout stain remover that is both safe and powerful makes your task ten times easier. So where do you start?
Depending on how far after a tile installation the grout haze formed, or what type of grout was used, will determine the best method for removing grout haze. You will also want to take into account the material of the tiles since certain cleaners will damage marble or travertine tiles. To find the DIY grout haze remover perfect for your home, choose from one of the examples below.
Fantastic DIY Grout Haze Remover Recipes for Tile Floors
As with most cleaning solutions, you want to start with the gentlest option to avoid unnecessary damage to your floors or shower walls when getting rid of grout haze. In this case, using cheesecloth is your first step. This will work on fresh tile grout that has not had time to harden completely.
When cleaning grout haze utilizing this method, scrub the surface of the tiles with the dry cloth. This method is a safe, easy way to clean up tiles and remove excess grout.
Use Cheesecloth for Mild Grout Haze
It is essential to keep in mind, however, that allowing the grout lines to harden before cleaning may spare you extra time in the home improvement area. If you don’t allow new tile grout to harden after the first application, then cleaning with cheesecloth may also remove some of the grout used to fill the space in between tiles.
Some homeowners choose to wait and use an acidic cleaner to complete the task so it is easier to learn how to remove cement from tiles without worrying about taking away grout in the process.
DIY Grout Haze Remover with an Acidic Base
Most homeowners agree that the best way to remove cement grout haze from ceramic or porcelain tile is to use an acidic cleaner. Not only does this recipe act as an excellent grout haze remover, but it also serves as an effective shower grout cleaner for dirty, stained grout.
The acids will not affect the grout since it has already hardened and is beyond the reach of cleaning with a cheesecloth. If you used a sealer to protect your grout, this will protect it from powerful acidic cleaners like vinegar, too. For the very best homemade tile grout cleaner, the following heavy-duty recipe is the one to try.
To create this grout haze cleaner that can also be used as a paint remover for floor tiles, mix the ingredients thoroughly, then add them to a spray bottle for easy distribution. Spray the tile surface, cleaning one small area at a time. Let the cleaning solution soak for approximately five minutes before scrubbing the surface with a nylon scrub pad.
Using a little elbow grease, work the grout residue off the tile, then rinse with clean water and dry. This method is best on ceramic tiles and is an excellent solution to clean bathroom grout that has stains, as well.
Do not use it on easily damaged material, however, such as natural stone or marble. Many of the ingredients listed in this option also make an excellent descaler solution, which is double the reason for you to stand by this homemade cleaner.
This home remedy, in addition to being great for removing grout haze, is ideal to get rid of mold in shower grout. If you encounter a mold problem in the bathroom, try this cleaner.
Spritz it on the soiled grout and let it sit for up to half an hour, and then scrub away the mold with an old toothbrush. It’s never been easier to clean mildew from shower tiles and grout.
Use Aqua Mix Grout Stain Remover for Stone Tiles
What can you use on stone tiles? To remove grout haze from tiling made with more sensitive materials, use Aqua Mix. Aqua Mix is a premixed tile grout haze remover that cleans everything from lime deposits to water stains. If you are looking for a wonderful DIY universal cleaning solution for tiles, this product works for almost every occasion.
Some tile installers use epoxy grout, which is virtually impossible to remove. However, Aqua Mix uses full strength haze remover to rid your tile of epoxy grout. To use this method, pour some of the cleaners onto the floor for an excellent epoxy grout remover.
Rub the Aqua Mix into the floor, and let the area soak for at least 15 minutes. Tougher stains on the tiles may need soaking for up to one hour and a little scrubbing may be necessary for cleaning grout stains. After the time frame has passed, use a damp sponge in circular motions to wipe away the cleaner. Dry when finished to leave the tiles shiny once again.
Homemade Grout Haze Remover with Essential Oils
After you remove grout from floor tiles and replace it with new grout, it is important to get rid of that nasty haze that can dull the tile surface. The final recipe for grout haze removal uses a household favorite to remove stains and grout haze.
This cleaner is safe to use on grouting, though applying sealants may offer grout lines added protection. Either way, this tile cleaner requires just a little bit of elbow grease to provide amazing results. In addition, the aroma of the essential oils leaves behind a pleasant scent.
Use the above recipe to create a paste to remove dry grout from tiles where it doesn’t belong. Apply this to your tiles and scrub using a soft bristle brush or even a toothbrush. Wipe each tile clean using a damp sponge and dry. Remember to remove all the soapy residue from the floor, or you will be right back where you started in the first place.
With these solutions to clean grout haze, making your tile floors shine has never been easier. Many of these ingredients are already in the pantry or under your sink and can be used for far more than cleaning grout haze.
Recipe for Homemade Grout Haze Remover
Homemade Grout Haze Remover
Get rid of grout film on your tiles with simple ingredients.
Materials
- 28 ounces water
- 1/8 cup vinegar
- 2 tbsp + 2 tsp ammonia
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- Fresh water
Tools
- 32-ounce spray bottle
- Nylon scrubber
- Measuring cup
- Tablespoon
- Teaspoon
- Towel
Instructions
- Pour the ingredients into the sprayer and shake gently to combine.
- Spritz one area of grout haze at a time.
- Let the cleaner sit for about 5 minutes.
- Rub with the scrubber.
- Rinse with fresh water.
- Dry with a clean towel.
Notes
Do not use on natural stone.
Because everyone deserves sparkling clean tile floors free from grout haze, it’s the perfect opportunity to offer these ideas to others. Feel free to share these homemade grout haze remover recipes with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook.