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How to remove chalky marks!

Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 11:06 pm
by philip1301
Hi,
I've recently had our bathroom tiled and I'd chosen some black tiles for the floor and parts of the wall. When I chose these tiles they were completely black but since they've been laid there are white streaks on many of them, similar in appearance to chalk, but regardless of what I've used I can't seem to get rid of the marks. So far I've tried soap and water and bleach but neither seem to be making any difference whatsoever. Has anyone any ideas what these marks may be and what I can use to remove them as it's spoiling the whole appearance of the tiles.
Thanks!!

Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 7:23 am
by tictic

Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 8:07 am
by Simon Site Manager
Phil, can you post a picture of them?

S

Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 9:30 am
by tictic
sounds like grout haze.
what colour of grout was used...white?

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:51 am
by philip1301
Thanks for the speedy responses!

I've attached a photo to show you the marks. The colour of the grout used was grey.

Many thanks,
Philip.

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2010 12:43 pm
by tictic
grout haze/residue

click on the link i posted an look thro..you will get a cleaner there.

remember when cleaning follow the m.i. and try it on a small area first..i.e.behind door or behind the pee pot.. :lol:

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2010 1:06 pm
by tictic
looking at your pic again there, it may be efflorescence from your grout also,may be wise to get the tiler back?
hard to tell from pic mate.

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2010 6:52 pm
by royaloakcarpentry
Those tiles have got a riven finish. bet the tiler only wiped them over a couple of times with a sponge and not got into all the nooks and crannies of the tile face.

The stuff tic put the link in for will clean them. Water is only going to dillute the grout down and you would need to clean a few times to remove all residue. be quick as a flash with the proper stuff.

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 9:09 pm
by philip1301
Thanks very much for all your help! My Dad suggested vinegar which I tried yesterday. Made very little difference to the surface of the tiles just managed to stink the house out!!! :-)
I'll buy the products suggested and hopefully this will do the trick.
Thanks again!