What to Use-Restorer or HD Cleaner?

[naomi]

Hi,

Somehow about 6 months has passed since the installation of the porcelain tile in my kitchen/DR and I have yet to seal the grout. O.K., the idea of getting down on my hands and knees and painting all the grout joints after working all week has caused a serious case of procrastination. I've made a new year's resolution, and it's going to get done! However, I am noticing that daily use has taken a toll and that in the heavy traffic areas (lot of dirt comes in-dirt road, dogs etc.) the "wheat" colored grout is a slightly darker color of wheat! Nothing really terrible and no stains, but not it's brand new color, like it is in the corners of the room. I use the TYW neutral cleaner, which I love, but I guess I need something stronger to get back to original grout color before I seal with Stone Armour. Should I use Tile and Grout Restorer or Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper or neither?
Thanks for your help. You guys are great!

Naomi

[kemguru]

Hi Naomi

Thank you

The darkening is a mix of dirt and oil. The HD cleaner will break up the oil (from cooking…your doggy ) It’s also an excellent deep cleaner for the other dirt and grime.

IF we are dealing with some ground in dirt, and such, you will need to use the Restorer after the HD. Six months? I’m sure the HD will do it.

So…

If its dirty….HD then Armor
If its real dirty…HD then Restorer then Armor
If its beyond….HD then Restorer then Grout Stain & Seal

[doitright]

Hi Tim

Thanks for simplifying things, however I was after following label directions that call for nuetralizing the T & G Restorer with HD C & S (afterwards). Can you over simplify for me please?

Thanks

[naomi]

Thanks for the reply,Tim. I'm gonna go order now.

Naomi

[kemguru]

Thank you, Naomi

John K You bet.

Restorer has a very low pH. Most water-based sealers HATE acid. Sure…folks can rinse and rinse and rinse, but I’m not comfortable with that. Mix some alkaline HD in with their rinse water and I feel better.

[doitright]

Tim -

Thanks for clarifying that. We should modify the above post then, shouldn't we? (Yes, I have a mouse in my pocket!)

[kemguru]

Jeez…I guess you’re right. I was thinking folks would read the label…about the neutralizing.


Then again, I don’t think anyone can properly rinse.

[doitright]

Tim -

Did you say read the label?

That would then be like following the label directions!

[kemguru]

You like picking on me, or what?

Again, you’re correct. Well…as far as contractors go. Sticking a back label on a jug going to a contractor is a waste of paper.

Most DIY’ers read them…a few times usually. They don’t know it all…yet.

[John Bridge]

Hmm, I was thinking we put that back label on there just to have a place to display our cop-out disclaimer.

[doitright]

With no phone numbers!

[Mike2]

Well, by golly...Tim's right again. Checked just a minute ago and there is a label with directions back there. Been using TYW Tile & Stone Cleaner, Stone Armor, and Stone Beauty now for several weeks and never noticed.