Grout not cleaned off properly..porcelain tiles

serotonin_sam

I had someone finish my tiling as I just couldnt get round to it - too much other stuff going on.

I had grouted a section - tedious but no problems - came up nice and clean. The lads that finishe my tiling have made a right mess of it by not cleaning off the grout properly.

Now I am left with expensive stained tiles. I've gone over them with a scrubbing brush and flash a few times but it doesnt seem to make any difference. The tiles areporcelain - with a textured finish - which makes cleaning them even more challenging.

Is there something that I can apply to the tiles to lift this stuff off without damaging the tiles?

<EDIT> Just noticed this stuff -BAL Epoxy Grout Remover. Has anyone ever used it? Will it do the job?

ScottishDanny

I had my bathroom tiled with the help of a friend and we had to rush off without finishing cleaning up (just ran out of time over the weekend). As a result the white grout had hardened over the tiles. My tiles have the normal shiny finish, not textured - I spent weeks trying to clean them up then I bought a fine sanding attachment for my drill. Hard to explain, but it looks like a little water wheel with lots of 1" square sheets of sanding paper that rotate. I tested it on a scrap tile (MAKE SURE YOU DO TEST THIS OUT FIRST). It worked out OK. Long story short, I got the grout off without damaging the tiles in 45 minutes - I'd been scrubbing them every night for nearly 3 weeks!

squire1

Good idea Danny, I've the same problem with some ceramic kitchen tiles. It's not too bad but I'd like to get it cleaned up. I started with a scrub and some Jif but gave up.

I assume it will work with the sanding wheel because the creamic is harder than the grout. I'll give it a go. Thanks for that.

tdtd

in woodies etc. there is a product called HG (different types) (in the cleaning products section) but they have a grout removal one that is very good, also do a thing for removing blackmarks from older grout which makes the tiles look like new again.

Gurgle

serotonin_sam wrote:

Is there something that I can apply to the tiles to lift this stuff off without damaging the tiles?

A steam cleaner with scrubbing-brush attachment will do it nicely.
As my Mrs. discovered 5 years after I tiled the kitchen floor.

CJhaughey

Grout will come off with a paint scraper and a scotchbrite pad or if the surface is textured use a small wire brush.
Don't use water or you will get streaks.

ScottishDanny

Yep, it was a sanding wheel. Again I emphasise test it first, I was happy with the result, it actually buffed up the tiles to give them a reflective shine too!

serotonin_sam

Thanks for the responses. In the meantime, I picked up a bottle of HG Extra Grout Remover. Dropped by the house this evening and have applied it to a couple of tiles that are not conspicuous. I want to make sure that 1. it works and 2. it doesnt damage the tile.


Will call back tomorrow when its dried out to see results.

serotonin_sam

Applied the HG Extra to all areas affected and its sorted the problem 100%:)