How to clean Stains on Laticrete SpectraLock Grout

[noreallyno772]

Hi Guys,
I have a rent house that has Spectralock grout, originally a very light yellowish color, that is just horribly "stained". After 5 minutes of scrubbing I was able to clean about 6" worth. It never did get back to the original color, just a dirty looking lightish color.

Is there any product that will clean this up? I have heard that an oxy-bleach type of product might help.

If cleaning fails, is it possible to put a thin layer of Spectralock on top of the existing grout? The top of the grout is ~1/32" to 1/16" below the tile surface. is that enough depth to get a layer to stick?

thanks,
Fred

[Floorlifer]

Fred,

There are some quality grout and tile cleaning products on the market. Look into Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile and Grout cleaner, I've gotten great feedback with this product. If all else fails, you could consider a grout colorant and sealer. You could even get the same Laticrete color and re-color it. This route would help prevent stains from re-appearing in the future

Lance
www.floorlife.com

[hbrothberg]

Some comments from our technical support team:

"Usually a bleaching type cleanser (e.g. soft scrub with bleach, Clorox clean-up, etc..) with a scrub pad / brush. Typically, routine mopping will not get down far enough into the grout joint to actually lift up the dirt / soil."

From our literature:

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
LATICRETE SpectraLOCK PRO Grout is stain resistant when properly installed and allowed to cure properly. It is, unfortunately, not self-cleaning. Routine maintenance can be done with detergents and a sponge or mop. For tough or difficult to remove soil, a bleaching cleaner (e.g. Soft Scrub, Comet, Ajax, etc. or electric dishwashing detergent) on a nylon scrubbing pad or a long handled stiff bristle brush can be used. Please note: Prior to using any cleaning material on a tile, etc. installation, test a discrete area or scrap piece of tile to insure desired results.

Also ....

Take a look at the attached.


Henry

[35Anderson]

any type of bleach based product should help tremendously.

[doitright]

Hi Fred, Welcome!

What were you using to attempt cleaning?

Can you post a photo?

Usually a tile & stone specific high alkaline cleaner will do the trick. It's very important to allow the product to dwell on the surface of extremely soiled surfaces for at least 10 minutes. It is essential to not allow the product not to dry on the surface, which would require reapplication.

Agitation with a stiff bristle brush will also promote premium results.

Removal of the dirty solution with a wet vac will facilitate cleanup, as well as minimize spreading of the soil.

Rinsing may or may not be necessary, depending on the products dilution.

I have used grout colorant on SpectaLock, with successful results. The key will be the epoxy will still need to be thoroughly cleaned beforehand. If you decide to go this route, I strongly suggest to perform a bond TEST before doing the entire area.