Removing Trafficmaster grout excess

[trishac]

Thanks ahead of time for your help.
I have a recently installed porcelain (I think) tile floor in my kitchen. Recently actually means it was installed approx 1 year ago. My problem is that Trafficmaster grout was used and the grout was not completely cleaned from the surface after installation. It's not a HUGE amount of excess, but there are definitely spots of grout that are large enough to be noticeable in numerous areas of the floor. Can you recommend a product to use to clean up this excess? Water, vinegar....don't do a thing. I should mention that other than this "sloppy" install problem....the Trafficmaster grout actually looks great!

Again...thanks for any help you can offer.
Trisha

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[Davestone]

Well here's their website but it doesn't say much about your problem, i would think a grout haze remover like the one from Aquamix , and a scrub pad would work....http://www.trafficmasterstainproofgrout.com/index.php?customernumber=85956989622284&pr=FAQ&PHPSESSID=77f8c29b1da6802188abde20f541bba0

[joh]

With a natural hear brush and http://www.tileyourworld.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=14&products_id=60 you may be able to remove grout from the surface of the tile.

[doitright]

Hi Trisha, Welcome! :)

I suggest you call their tech department.

Here's a list of their Do's and Don'ts:



Do

Use sanded product for larger joint lines.

Use cool, clean water

Use hydrophilic sponge

Use as little pressure as possible on sponge during initial cleaning--wipe lightly

Use sealers for porous tiles

Clean grout with soap and water or mild household cleaners

Wait 5 days after installation before attempting to remove new stains


Don't

Use smooth product for grout joints over 1/8"

Fail to change water frequently

Use common household sponge

Apply too much pressure with sponge and dig grout from grout line

Use too much water during cleaning

Apply grout on unsealed porous tile

Use traditional cement grout chemical haze removers

Use acids, vinegar or bleach to clean grout

Attempt to clean new stains before grout has fully cured



It's possible that a razor scraper will get the big stuff off. You may need some type of solvent to remove the rest. This is a premixed product, so typical grout & haze cleaning methods won't work.

[jay f]

Using great care, and only on the tile itself, I might try TSP in a small inconspicuous area, like a closet, behind the toilet, etc. I have had success in the past using TSP as a caulk remover, which in essence is what your grout is, to the best of my knowledge. :sick:

[joh]

Jay, what is TSP?

[sgrandjean]

I'm thinking Tri Sodium Phosphate? :shrug:

[jay f]

That's correct, available at any hardware store in powder form, in the cleaner aisle. :nod:

[joh]

Jay can you please tell me more about TSP, this and stuff like this is all that I could find:


PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS...

TSP is a strong base and can cause severe eye damage and can burn unprotected skin.

Wear suitable clothing and eye protection. Keep away from skin and out of gloves.

Any foliage near where TSP is to be used should be soaked with plain water prior to the application of TSP, and rinsed down afterward. Be sure to read and follow all warnings on the product's packaging.

TSP is not recommended for cleaning in bathrooms... TSP can cause staining to metals such as shower doors, chromed drains and plumbing fixtures, and can also etch the glazing on ceramic tile if left in contact too long. It can also attack the grout... it is an ingredient in products used to remove dried grout from tile surfaces in new installations.

If you think the TSP is going to perform a miracle on your tile grout that you can't accomplish with regular cleansers, bleaches, and scum removers, you will be disappointed and possibly make the situation worse.


http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/inftsp.shtm