What is a good ph neutral cleaning product for Spectralock Pro grouted tile?

[glandry130]

I just had ceramic tile put in my family room this past week. Per the great advice I received on this board, I had the installer use Spectralock Pro epoxy grout.

The instructions that come with the grout say to use only a ph neutral cleaning product. Does anyone have any specific product names that fit that description? My preferred cleaner is Pine Sol (used in sinks, etc.) but I was told that it is not good for any grout.

Thanks.

Gary

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[Davestone]

Pine sol is pretty alkaline and wouldn't be good for everyday cleaning.Aquamix,Dupont,Stonetech,Mk,all have neutral cleaners.

[scuttlebuttrp]

TEC's "Everyday" cleaner.

http://www.tecspecialty.com/content/products.aspx?product_id=64

[ddmoit]

SpectraLOCK's own cleaning instructions aside, I'm under the impression that epoxy grouts are more tolerant of acidic cleaners than portland-based grouts. I have on occasion used some pretty harsh cleaners to remove rust stains from my SpectraLOCK and glass mosaic shower. Best I can tell, the grout is no worse for the wear. Perhaps I am asking for trouble down the road though. :uhh:

[Brian in San Diego]

I thought the same thing, Dan! We have some high mineral content in our water here in Southern California and no matter how well one wipes down the shower after use, the lower course of wall tile and the floor grout near the perimeter takes on a white look after a couple of months. I have used CLR (calcium, lime, rust) cleaner which is acidic to remove the mineral deposits. I have a steam cleaner and that alone won't remove the deposits. Might be interesting to see what happens long term.

Brian

[ddmoit]

Brian, I have once used the CLR when I couldn't find my favorite product called "The Works". The CLR that I bought had lactic acid as its active ingredient. The Works uses oxalic and sulfamic acids. Both products are effective on soap scum, lime, and rust. I would not use them with any regularity on portland-based grout.

[Jim wood]

Somewhere in Laticrete's info it say to use Soft Scrub with bleach.:talk:

[hbrothberg]

There are various pH neutral cleaners manufactured by Miracle Sealants (e.g. MiraClean #1), Aqua Mix (AquaKleen), Stone Tech (e.g. Stone Tech Revitalizer), etc….

Even “clear colored” household liquid cleaners can work well for daily cleaning (e.g. Mr. Clean).


Henry

[SABoyt]

If you decide to follow the instructions and only use neutral cleaners use 4 oz of Windex to a gallon of water or dawn dish washing detergent and water - both neutral and readily available.

I think the problem with acid or heavy alkalines is not that it will damage the integrity of the grout but that it will cause the grout to discolor and turn yellow if used too often.

Best solution is to never use any water on the grout unless absolutely necessary. Dry vacuum and/or microfiber mop it often. Using water will allow the dirt that is emulsified on the surface of the tile to be deposited into the grout line where the water evaporates and leaves the crud on top of your grout.

[glandry130]

Sounds like Mr. Clean is the way to go.

I am confused by one thing, tho. How can I mop the tile and not get water on the grout??

Gary

[glandry130]

I'm new to this board and dont' fully understand how things work. On two occasions, I've seen that one of my posts was moved. But where to? How do I find the thread to which it was moved?

Gary

[SABoyt]

Why do you need to mop the tile? Are you spilling wet things on the tile? It shouldn't need a wet mop to keep the dust and dirt off of it. If cleaned often enough, the dirt will be loose and can be vacuumed away. If you spill something on it, wipe it up with a cloth or paper towel.

I have 5000 sf of tile and stone in my house and almost never mop it. It stays clean because we don't mop it! (my grout is color sealed also and that helps)

[glandry130]

the dogs go in and out of the house several times a day. They track in grass, etc. Plus, they sometimes drool on the tile. And, the tile is a light colored one. Here is a photo (with the Spectralock Pro epoxy grout):

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/glandry113/3770247353/" title="New bulldog puppy 22nd set 056 by glandry113, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3770247353_9377bb06a1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="New bulldog puppy 22nd set 056" /></a>

Thus, if a tile like this went without mopping for even six months, much less 5years, it would look pretty dirty.

[SABoyt]

Gary, that being the case, i would just mop with as little water as is necessary. The more water you use the more problem you will have. Animals create a whole different situation so i understand what you are saying. Hard to teach your dogs to wipe their feet!

[glandry130]

I have two English Bulldogs, and they are sort of a special case. They don't drool a whole lot, but when they drink water, it tends to drip from their jowls and leave a trail as they walk away from the water bowls. Thus, I will definitely have to have the tile regularly cleaned. I'm thinking about getting a Hoover Floormate, but I need to research it first and make sure it won't mess up the Spectralock Pro grout.

Thanks for the advice.

Gary

P.S. BTW, how does the grout job look in the photo I posted above?

[MDS]

Stay with neutral cleaners and avoid very hot water.

Like Steve said;
"I think the problem with acid or heavy alkalines is not that it will damage the integrity of the grout but that it will cause the grout to discolor and turn yellow if used too often."

You would indeed have trouble destroying the integrity of the epoxy grout with chemicals, but the cosmetics are much more fragile. Epoxies have all sorts of wonderful physical properties but it is tough to keep the surface looking pretty. They are prone to yellowing and chalking. They have pretty good alkaline resistance but very modest acid resistance. They also start to soften at about 140 F at which point they are much more susceptible to chemical attack.