Grout marks on tiles

notsohandyman · Post by **notsohandyman** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 1:38 pm

Hi,

I tiled my bathroom using a ceramic tile called Padova from Topps Tiles. The tiles have a matt finish to give the effect of natural stone.

Topps gave me a BAL grout to use and all was going well until I tried to get the grout haze off the tile surface. I followed the instructions and cleaned down as I went. I then went over the tiles with Fila Extra Strong Residue Remover (twice), as recommended by TOPPS, using cleaning pads but the marks will not shift. The bathroom is fully tiled, including the floor, which took me ages but now it looks a complete mess.

Has anyone out there got any suggestions? Someone I know suggeted using a brick cleaner but I'm worried about it damaging the finish on the bathroom suite.

Any help is appreciated. Many thanks.

panlid · Post by **panlid** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:19 pm

cant you just sheet up the bathroom suite?

all you can do is try a small area with the acid to see what it does to the tile. i have had something similar with porcelain but the residue remover did the trick.

notsohandyman · Post by **notsohandyman** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:39 pm

Hi Panlid and thanks for your response.

Yes, I would cover the bath etc over but as it's recessed into the tiles along 2 walls, some of the acid is bound to seep through onto the surface no matter how well I try to seal the area. It's acrylic with a polished surface so I'd imagine that would be instant disaster!

I guess I'll have no choice but to try it if it's the only option.

Thanks,

panlid · Post by **panlid** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:46 pm

it sounds like you have npo choice. why not cut a piece of 3/4 mdf or ply etc to sit on top of the bath pushed right up to the tiles? you dont need to thrash the acid about do you? just brush it on. have a cloth ready to wipe any excess up.

good luck

bstyle · Post by **bstyle** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 7:20 pm

Padova rings a bell. Are the tiles approx 450mm x 300mm? in a kind of natural stone finish with a dark brown backing and sides?

If so then I have done these very same tiles from Topps and they are a real nuisance.

It was a while ago now but I recall using Lithofin easy care, plenty of Hot water and some very abrasive cloths.

The problem I was getting was that every time you went over them they looked clean but when dry the grout residue would lighten up and show again.

Actually, thinking about it, I think I used some HG cement residue remover for calcareous tiles (less aggresive) as I had some in the Van.

notsohandyman · Post by **notsohandyman** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:39 pm

Hi bstyle,

You're spot on, the exact same tiles and yes I'm experiencing the same thing. Clean them and they look fine for 20 mins or so but them the white powdery residue appears.

You mention HG cement residue remover. Is that it's full name and do you know if it's stocked by the large DIY stores or a specialist product?

I've spent months doing this bathroom from what was an empty shell. After all the work I've put in I'm pretty ticked off that such a stupid thing could spoil it!

Look forward to your reply - cheers.

bstyle · Post by **bstyle** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 11:14 pm

It's not something that can be bought from a DIY shop, it's specialist stuff available at tile shops.

I would just keep plugging away at cleaning, use hot water and Topps tiles also sell an abrasive cloth set for about a fiver, use the most course cloth. I do sympathise with you, tile cleaning can be a real problem.

If it's any consolation, I used a modified grout because I had a travertine mosaic border which made the grout even more stubborn!

Mudster · Post by **Mudster** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 11:27 pm

Try Lithofin MN Power Clean

If that doesn't do it, step up to Intensive cleaner.

Follow the links on my website which takes you to a distributor, who will also be able to give more detailed advice.

panlid · Post by **panlid** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 7:44 am

they always look spot on when you have just cleaned them. topps tiles even told me to put furniture polish on them as this gives it the just cleaned wet look but doesnt fade for ages.

tried it and it does work. still carried on cleaning them though as it is a bodge really.

notsohandyman · Post by **notsohandyman** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 3:13 pm

Just by way of an update, I thought I'd let you know how I've got on.

I went to a local shop and they suggested I try Spirts of Salt (carefully). So I bought a small bottle for £2.50, brushed it on to a small area at a time and washed off after 10mins and it's worked!

Mind you, only managed to do half the bathroom this weekend because this stuff is absolutely vile to work with, the fumes knock you sideways if you get a lung full so can't stay in the room for long!!

However, I looked at the link on the AT Stone website and I think I'll finish the rest with either Lithofin Cement Away or Builders Clean... and breath properly again!!!

The grout I used was BAL Superflex Wide Joint Grout, a cement based grout, so I'm not sure which of the above would be best. Any suggestions?

Thanks again :|

lynne · Post by **lynne** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 8:53 pm

Hi Have been cleaning mine by scraping gently with a stanley blade in a scraper holder bought from B&Q and then cleaning with a soft scourer. This hasn't damaged the tiles and I am very pleased with the result although I have to say one wall tiled from floor to ceiling has taken nearly two days so not a nice job!!!

BobProperty · Post by **BobProperty** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:08 am

notsohandyman wrote:Just by way of an update, I thought I'd let you know how I've got on.

I went to a local shop and they suggested I try Spirts of Salt (carefully). So I bought a small bottle for £2.50, brushed it on to a small area at a time and washed off after 10mins and it's worked!

Mind you, only managed to do half the bathroom this weekend because this stuff is absolutely vile to work with, the fumes knock you sideways if you get a lung full so can't stay in the room for long!!

However, I looked at the link on the AT Stone website and I think I'll finish the rest with either Lithofin Cement Away or Builders Clean... and breath properly again!!!

The grout I used was BAL Superflex Wide Joint Grout, a cement based grout, so I'm not sure which of the above would be best. Any suggestions?

Thanks again :|

I'm not surprised - Spirit of Salts is Hydrochloric Acid. Please anyone reading this and thinking of doing the same thing take extreme care.

bstyle · Post by **bstyle** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:15 am

Yeah, it's pretty aggresive stuff, not a patch on the drain cleaner I once used, that attacked my polo shirt whilst I was working in an office block. I had to walk through the office with my top off.

Needless to say I got a few phone numbers from admiring female office workers.

Note: some parts of my post aren't true

BobProperty · Post by **BobProperty** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:18 am

bstyle wrote:Yeah, it's pretty aggresive stuff, not a patch on the drain cleaner I once used, that attacked my polo shirt whilst I was working in an office block. I had to walk through the office with my top off.

Needless to say I got a few phone numbers from admiring female office workers.

Note: some parts of my post aren't true

Were you drinking a can of Coke too?

bstyle · Post by **bstyle** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:44 am

Yeah, wearing Levi Jeans too which had to be washed at the local Launderette