Yet again another HAZE problem

[Scottmel]

I read and reread many a threads on this and felt like I had it under control. Did the sponge and water rinse x 2. Let it try. Hand buffed each shower tile. Still had a haze. Bought AQUA MIX Haze remover - shower looks nice - my problem is this - sOME of the porcelian tiles are grooved and the grout is hard and sitting in the the little groves. This is day 3 since the grout. Can I do the aqua mix stuff AGAIN - last time I diluted it in water and just went over every tile and "rinsed" each tile. There is a light dusting of haze remaining but not bad really. It is the stuff IN The little crevices that is making me nuts. Could i dig it out with a razor tip??? Thanks! Melissa

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[doitright]

Hi Melissa :)

There's quite a difference between grout haze vs. grout in crevices. You have a couple of options, but they are both tedious and time consuming. First I recommend just as you suggested, a sharp object picking at the grout. Extreme caution needs to be utilized, while also being conscientious to leaving metal marks behind.

Option two is to follow with a acid solution with a stiff brush. Some of the problems associated with this practice would be streaking the grout joints if the acid is allowed to drip/run down the vertical surface.

Prewetting the grout joints followed by frequent rinsing will help prevent this. There is hope, but not without a price.

[Scottmel]

Thanks John! I am going to try the sharp razor approach. If this does little or not much - would this grout in crevices eventually wear away over time or are they baked in for good? Did I harm my tile using the HAZE product if I did NOT have a bad haze product? Thanks for the time. Melissa

[doitright]

Hi Melissa :)

As long as you follow label directions you should be ok. Try to keep your expectations down with this issue going away over time, as I don't think it will happen in my lifetime or yours. Grout has a tendency to strengthen each and every day from when it is applied.

As for the the haze remover used, I'm confident you have a quality one. Aqua Mix is one of the industry leaders for ceramic tile and natural stone cleaners & sealers. You may want to try using it with a stiff bristle grout brush after you remove the mass of the excess grout. You may want to do a rinse with 1 part ammonia and 3 parts water to help neutralize.

[Scottmel]

Well I scraped with my fingernails and laugh not I got a lot of it out! Naturally it is impossible to get it ALLL out but between my nails and the tip of a straight edge razor, it looks good! I only had 3 12 x 12 tiles that were driving me crazy so I feel like I got them to the point that they don't jump out at my anymore. No product that I used seem to soften the hardened grout - it was more just elbow grease and prying it out of the crevice that worked for me...Thanks for the help. Melissa