Grout hazo on granite tiles

[Steve Benton]

I installed a granite tile kitchen countertop this past Thursday, and grouted on Friday. I've noticed that there are a few spots of haze. I've tried stone tile cleaner, but it's not coming off. I would like to get this off before I seal. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

[kemguru]

Hi Steve

Vinegar is safe for use on most granites. Mix up 50/50 white vinegar and water and have at it. After you test a drop or two in an inconspicuous area or scrap piece, of course.

[Steve Benton]

Thanks Tim. I tried the vinegar/water last night but it did not do anything. I then tried soft scrub and it did the trick! Hopefully I did not damage anything, but it doesn't look like it.

I did use the Spectralock epoxy grout - in the forum, someone mentioned this might make cleanup more difficult.

Dear Steve:
No wonder the water/vinegar solution didn't do the trick! You didn't say at the beginning that you used epoxy grout! Tim's advice was good for regular sandless grout.
But all is well when it ends well!!
Ciao and good luck,
Maurizio Bertoli



MB stone - Education before any sale!

[Steve Benton]

Thanks guys. I did a lot of reading before I tackled this project (I bought the tile last March!), mostly from this forum. I think we ended up with a pretty good job, a couple of minor do-it-yourself mistakes but nothing that is glaring.

One last question - I plan on sealing this week, any advice outside the instructions on the label? Thanks.

[John Bridge]

Steve,

The only mistake you can make is to leave excess product on the surface. Make sure you use dry rags or paper towels to remove every bit of excess sealer from the surface -- as if you would cleaning windows. No streaks.

[Steve Benton]

OK, thanks.

Dear Steve:

I plan on sealing this week, any advice outside the instructions on the label?

Yes, one: did you find out if your granite needs to be sealed?
We know that your grout (epoxy) doesn't need to be sealed; therefore you have to concetrate on your granite. If you seal dark-colored granites that don't need to, you may have "mysterious" problems showing up pretty soon.
Ciao and good luck,

[Steve Benton]

I have not sealed yet - the granite is a light/medium grey speckled with black. The tile does absord water - is this a sign that it needs to be sealed?

[kemguru]

Yes sir!

[Steve Benton]

Thanks Tim.