Which grout haze remover is best? First one didn't work.

[Bob H.]

I recently installed some black ceramic tile with white grout. I realize now that the high contrast between the tile and grout makes any haze particularly noticeable.

The tile surface is smooth, with a silky texture. When installing the grout, I had little trouble scraping it off with a float, leaving nice straight joint lines. I did notice, though, that a light gray haze was forming. After scrubbing this without much success, I decided to try a haze remover.

I installed the grout over two days. The following day I tried Miracle Sealants Heavy-Duty Acidic Cleaner. I diluted it according to the instructions and even tried it full strength in a few spots, being careful not to get it on the grout joints.

The effect was barely noticeable. There still is a light haze on a lot of the tile.

The label of the Miracle Sealants product says it contains hydrochloric acid.

Another product, Aqua Mix Cement Grout Haze Remover by Custom Products, contains phosphoric acid, as does Deterdek Cementitious Grout Haze Remover by Fila.

Another option is Aqua Mix Sulfamic Acid Crystals by Custom Products.

I also have seen recommendations for using acetone to remove grout haze.

I want to get this right with one more cleaning, and I don't want to stain or damage the grout in the joints. Which of these products do you recommend, based on experience with them?

[Mike Reynolds]

Here is the problem. You didn't clean it all off on the install. Even if you have to change the water 1000 times a day it is better than dealing with grout haze. So next install remember to change the water frequently and clean those sponges real good. 

I am not being mean, I am getting to a point here. 

Now, you are having the same issue. When you use the chemical cleaner it re-activates the grout causing it to smear again. It hasnt come up because it looks clean after you wipe it but when it dries it's back. Try using one of those sponges you buy in the tile dept that has an abrasive side. Scrub it while dry and see if that works. If not then use the chemical stuff again and use a different sponge to remove the excess. This may take a while but it is doable. You can also try vinegar or green rubbing alcohol. The green wont stain it. I have used it on white carpet on the advice of my MIL and thought she was crazy. 

Well, she is crazy but it did work with no stains.