Most popular grout types that you need to know
You’ll encounter several types of grouts in the construction industry. So, in this section, you’ll learn about the properties of these grout types.
Sanded Grout
This is the most popular choice for tiling projects. It is a mix of silica sand and Portland cement.
Un-sanded Grout
This type of grout only contains powdered pigments and cement. There is no sand in this type.
Polymer Grout
Very similar to epoxy grout. It contains cement and polymer. Also, it has a high chemical resistance level.
Furan Grout
This furan grout contains filler powders and furan resin. You don’t have to add water for the installation process.
Epoxy Grout
This is the most durable grout type among all the grout types. It contains epoxy resins and filler powders. This grout can strengthen the bond between the tiles. Also, it has a high stain-proof ability.
What is epoxy grout haze and how to remove it?
Epoxy Grout Haze
As we discussed earlier, epoxy grout is a very powerful stain-proof grout. It contains epoxy resins and filler powders. Because of the powerful bond of these two chemicals, this grout is very hard to clean.
After the grouting process, some of the residue deposits on the tile floor. This residue is called epoxy grout haze. If you want to clean this grout haze, you need to act quickly. Otherwise, this haze will form a cement deposit on your floor that is very hard to remove.
So, first, we’ll talk about how to remove epoxy grout haze after the installation.
How to remove epoxy grout haze?
Cleaning the haze with grout cleaner
For this method to work, you need to clean the haze within 24 hours. If the haze gets settled, it is very difficult to clean.
Materials – Grout cleaner, clean water, a scrub pad, a sponge, a clean towel
Step 1
First, mix the grout cleaner with some clean water. The mixing ratio will change according to the product. So, read the instruction on the container very carefully.
Step 2
Then apply the mixed grout cleaner on the tiles. For this process, use a scrub pad and try to make less contact with tile grout. Remember in this cleaning process, we are removing the haze, not the grout.
Step 3
Then use a sponge to pick up the residue and dirt.
Step 4
Let the tile surface dry. Repeat the step 2 and 3 if it is necessary.
How to Clean Epoxy Grout?
When it comes to cleaning epoxy grout, you need some strong chemicals to clean these grout. Today we’ll discuss two methods for cleaning epoxy grout. One for colored tiles and one for white tiles. Some of the products like bleach cannot be used for cleaning colored grout. For that, you’ll need to find another way to clean the grout. So, in this session, we are talking about both of these methods in detail.
Method 01 – Colored grout cleaning
In this method, we’ll talk about how to clean colored grout. For colored grout, most of the chemical products are not suitable. For this method, you’ll need warm water, White vinegar, a dishwashing liquid, a spray bottle, a scrub brush, a clean towel.
Step 1
Mix one cup of white vinegar, one cup of warm water & one tablespoon of detergent. Put the mixture in a spray bottle.
Step 2
Then spray the solution on the grout. And let it sit on the grout for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3
After 15 minutes, scrub the grout using a scrub brush or grout brush. Use a circular motion while scrubbing.
Step 4
Rinse the tile floor two or three times. Then dry the surface using a clean towel. If needed, repeat the process.
Method 02 – White grout cleaning
For cleaning white grout, use a bleach solution. For this process, you’ll need a dishwashing liquid, warm water, bleach, a soft brush, a sponge, and a clean towel.
Step 1
Because you are using the bleach solution, you need to be very careful. So, take the necessary protective measures. Keep the windows and doors open. Wear protective gear before starting the cleaning process.
Step 2
Mix 03 cups of warm water, 01 cup of bleach, and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.
Note – Bleach is a powerful grout cleaner, therefore you should never use it on color grout. If you use it the color might fade away.
Step 3
Use a soft brush to apply the bleach solution to the grout. Make sure you apply it to all the epoxy grout.
Step 4
Rinse the surface with a wet sponge. Don’t let the bleach sit on the surface for a long time. Repeat the process if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is bleach good for colored grout?
No. Bleach is a powerful grout cleaner. So, it will wash away the color from the grout.
I have installed my new tile floor today. How long should I wait to remove the epoxy grout haze?
At least 24 hours. Sometimes, depending on the weather condition 48 hours. Don’t let it dry for a long time, if that happens, removing epoxy grout haze is very difficult.
Final Takeaways
When you are cleaning epoxy grout, you should be very careful. Sometimes it is very hard to clean this epoxy grout. So, it is better if you clean it on a regular basis. We hope that we were able to enhance your knowledge when it comes to how to clean epoxy grout.