Cleaning One Wk. Old Grouted Tile

[Bayougirl]

Hello to everyone, I got a link here through Garden Web and I'm so glad, there is a lot to read. Here's my question:

We had our master bath tile (porcelain) laid and grouted over a wk ago by our GC (a friend, but we treat this as business -- he has a small 4 man crew but he does the tile himself). We were out of town at the time (unavoidable) and though the install looks OK, he did not clean the mess after it dried (they are still working in the bathroom installing part of the vanity, hutch, lighting etc). Let me add, he has 3 jobs going at once so they do not work exclusively on ours.

Today they came to install the toilet and I asked that they clean the area around the base first. The toilet guy rubbed the tile w/ plain bottled vinegar on a cloth but honestly it did not clean up well, or at all. We may be better off to just clean the stuff ourselves.

Exactly what should we use -- is straight vinegar the best thing? Should we scrub it with a brush? Rinse w/ water? Will it damage the grout (unsealed at this point)?

I'd be grateful for any advice. Thanks!
Susan

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[doitright]

Hi Susan, Welcome! :)

It sounds like you'll need to go to the next step (stronger than vinegar). I suggest you pick up some Sulfamic acid crystals or phosphoric acid. Neither one of these will damage your tile or grout.

Could you post a picture? :shades:

[Bayougirl]

OK John you just worried me with the word *acid*. I'm not sure I'm ready to go that route...I should have known we were in trouble when we returned and saw our tiles completely covered with the mess.

We've made some missteps in this remodel (thank heavens it's a bath and not the kitchen!) and perhaps not specifically asking about cleaning was one of those, though I didn't think of it, I just assumed. :rolleyes:

Think I will try the straight vinegar with a nylon scrubbie (?) on one tile only and see how it goes. I will try to post photos later today if I can figure out how.

BTW, if it matters -- the tile is Mohawk Borghesi, it's a porcelain glazed tile and the grout is C-Cure (sanded) Sandstone on the floor, with the same grout in non-sanded on the tub surround. Thanks!

Susan

[Davestone]

Believe me sulfamic crystals are about the least abusive product you can use and still see results,John is tenderly steering you right. :D

[Bayougirl]

Thanks Dave & John. The GC was here today and he cleaned the tile himself, using vinegar and scrubbing pads. I am not sure it is done adequately, so in case I want to follow up with the sulfamic acid, where would I find that? And would I scrub the tile with it undiluted, full strength? Thanks!
Susan ~

[doitright]

Hi Susan :)

Most big box stores will carry it, as well as many tile distributors. Follow the label directions.