How to Clean Grout Haze From Tile Grout

Grout haze is caused when tiles are installed and the grout is not completely removed from the tile surface after the project is complete. To clean it, you can use common household ingredients or a commercial tile cleaner. The best time to remove grout haze is within 24 hours of completing a grouting project; however, it is possible to remove haze even days or weeks after the tiling project is finished.

What You'll Need:

• Bucket
•  Warm water
•  Scouring pad
•  Vinegar
•  Commercial grout haze remover
•  Protective gloves

Removal Methods

It's always best to start with the simplest removal method first. If you're trying to remove the grout haze within that first 24-hour window, plain elbow grease may just do the trick. Fill a bucket with warm water and, using a green scouring pad, give the haze a good scrubbing. For stubborn haze or haze that's had a little more time to sit, this may not work.

If your grout haze refuses to come up with just warm water, try a mixture of warm water and vinegar (50 percent of each). In many cases this will remove the haze, provided you use enough force against the tile to remove the excess grout causing it.

By this time, if the haze has still not been removed, then it may be time to resort to a commercial haze remover. You can purchase this type of product at any large home improvement center in the tile department. Following the instructions on the package and wearing protective gloves, soak a cloth and use it to wipe the haze from the tile. If the haze continues to be a problem, then the next step is to try applying the remover directly to the surface of the tile. Take care when resorting to this measure that you try small amounts at a time in small areas to avoid possibly damaging the grout you want to keep. Also, be sure to clean up the remover thoroughly, using a new cloth if you have to.

Again, keep in mind that the longer grout haze is allowed to set, the harder it will be to remove.

What Not to Use

The primary products to avoid when attempting to remove grout haze are commercial detergents that may be overly harsh on the grout and leave their own film on tile.

Be aware that attempting to remove grout haze may actually soften the grout between the tiles. If this occurs, then use a putty knife to smooth the grout into place and then reseal the grout to prevent further damage.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Can I Use Bleach to Clean My Ceramic Tile Floor?

 A ceramic tile floor is very durable. When cared for, the tiles will last for many years. Generally speaking, all you need to do to clean it is to sweep it daily and use a damp mop to wash it.

Bad Stains

For stubborn dirt or stains, a couple of drops of soap in mop water will be sufficient. If the tile or grout is white, you can add a bit of bleach to the mop water. This will remove yellowing and stains.

Is Bleach Necessary?

Bleach is not needed in routine cleaning of ceramic tile, and is actually a bit of overkill. Use it only for bad stains and yellow grout.

WARNING: Bleach stains clothing and is toxic to inhale, so be sure to wear old clothing and gloves and check your work area has proper ventilation before you use it. If you're going to have your face close to the bleach while you work (which often happens when leaning down to clean floors), then wear a face mask and safety glasses. This is especially important if you have a history of respiratory problems.

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Can I Use Bleach to Clean My Ceramic Tile Floor?

 A ceramic tile floor is very durable. When cared for, the tiles will last for many years. Generally speaking, all you need to do to clean it is to sweep it daily and use a damp mop to wash it.

Bad Stains

For stubborn dirt or stains, a couple of drops of soap in mop water will be sufficient. If the tile or grout is white, you can add a bit of bleach to the mop water. This will remove yellowing and stains.

Is Bleach Necessary?

Bleach is not needed in routine cleaning of ceramic tile, and is actually a bit of overkill. Use it only for bad stains and yellow grout.

WARNING: Bleach stains clothing and is toxic to inhale, so be sure to wear old clothing and gloves and check your work area has proper ventilation before you use it. If you're going to have your face close to the bleach while you work (which often happens when leaning down to clean floors), then wear a face mask and safety glasses. This is especially important if you have a history of respiratory problems.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Clean Mold from Bathtub and Shower Tile Grout

You need to know how to clean mold off tile grout to maintain the health and integrity qualities of your bathroom. Not only are black mold stains in your shower grout unpleasant to look at, but if they are left long enough, the mildew and bacteria can be bad for your health as well. Whether you are using eco-friendly cleaners or abrasive scouring powders, you will need to put some effort into getting your grout looking new again.

What You'll Need:

• Baking powder
• Vinegar
• Scouring cleanser
• Anti-mildew spray
• Bath and shower tile spray
• Latex gloves
• Bucket
• Dishcloth
• Soft scouring pad
• Small bowl
• Old toothbrush
• Squeegee

Step 1 - Choose Cleaning Products

With so many products on the market, finding the right cleaner for the job can be a difficult choice. Before you head off to the store, think about what kind of cleaner you would like to use: does it have to be eco-friendly or are you willing to use strong chemical detergents?

If your mold problem is particularly bad, you might want to ask for a product used by professionals. Trust the experts at your local hardware store; they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Step 2 - Surface Cleaning

Mold and mildew can hide under soap scum, so you will need to do a general surface clean before attacking the black stains on your bath and shower grout. Sprinkle the entire tile surface area with baking soda and wipe clean with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

Pay special attention to the grouted areas. Rinse with warm water and let the tiles dry. Repeat this process until there is no white residue on the tiles after they have dried.

Step 3 - Grout Scrubbing

In a small bowl, make a paste of scouring powder and warm water. Wearing latex gloves to protect your hands, apply the paste to the moldy grout with a soft scouring pad. Scrub black mildew stains vigorously without gouging the grout from between the tiles.

If mold stains remain in your tile grout, use a toothbrush to carry out deeper cleaning. Rinse with warm water and let the tiles dry. You may need to repeat this process a few times before mold stains are completely gone.

Step 4 - Anti-Mildew Spray

Use an anti-mildew spray to kill the mold-causing bacteria. Make sure the spray coats the affected area evenly, leaving the tile and grout wet but not soaked. Leave the anti-mildew spray to dry overnight. Re-apply anti-mildew spray, scrubbing the tile and grout with a soft scouring pad on the second application. Rinse with warm water.

Step 5 - Mold Prevention

Although you cannot entirely prevent mold and mildew from returning, there are a few things you can do to keep it under control. Use a squeegee to clean away excess water after every bath or shower.

Also, use an eco-friendly after-shower tile spray at least every second day. When scouring your bathroom, don’t just surface clean tiles, but take the time to scrub the grout in between as well.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How To Clean Tile In A Steam Shower

Tile in a steam shower requires very little effort to clean and maintain. The steam that is produced in the enclosure does a great deal of the cleaning. It loosens any residue, allowing you to simply wipe it away. If moisture remains on the tile too long, mold and mildew can develop. Clean your steam shower tiles at least twice a month to prevent bacteria from accumulating.

What You'll Need:

• Liquid detergent
• Soft cleaning cloth

Applying the Detergent

Pour a small amount of liquid detergent onto the cleaning cloth. Use the cloth to apply the detergent to a small area of the tiles. Continue applying the detergent until the entire shower is covered. Allow the detergent to sit for 5 minutes.

Scrubbing the Tiles

Use a cloth to scrub the residue from the surface of the tiles. Work the cloth between the tiles as well. Rinse the tiles with cool, clear water.

Using the Ozone Generator

If your steam shower has an ozone generator, allow it to operate for about 10 minutes after each shower in order to clean the tiles and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Tile Patio Cleaning Tips

Most people with a tile patio don’t tend to think about the amount of cleaning necessary to keep it looking good until it looks drastically bad. When this happens, it can be a rather daunting task to get it back to its former glory, especially for those that have never done heavy duty outdoor cleaning. Here are a few tile patio cleaning tips and ideas to make this process just a little bit easier.

What You'll Need:

• Power washer
• Stiff bristled outdoor broom
• Soft brushes or scrub pad
• Tile cleaner products
• Work gloves and clothes
• Face mask

Using the Right Tools

It all starts by using the right tools, and the right tool to start with is a good stiff bristled outdoor broom. For best performance, make sure that the broom is designed specifically for outdoor use. Most hardware stores will have what you need here. Some other tools that will go a long way are soft scrub brushes (nothing heavy duty or you’ll scratch the tile) and a power washer, which you can rent if you don’t already own one.

Using Proper Chemicals

Chemicals can be dangerous and tricky to work with, but it may be necessary for extreme stains from dirt and other things. If you must use them, first off, be extremely careful. Always use gloves, eye protection, a mask if necessary, and anything else specified in the directions to keep yourself safe. Also, be mindful of all the effects of the chemicals you choose. Some may end up bleaching your tile more than you’d like or they can erode the glaze that makes your tiles easier to clean, so test it on an inconspicuous spot first. Also, some chemicals may be harmful to plants and shouldn’t be used if you intend to rinse your patio of into your lawn, or if you have patio plants that can’t be removed during cleaning.

Cleaning Slate and Ceramic Patio Tile

Cleaning your ceramic and slate patio tile can be tricky, especially if you are looking to maintain a smoother appearance. Many cleaners and cleaning tools, especially acidic chemicals and heavy duty products like steel wool, will destroy the surface of your patio ceramic tile and leave it scratched, dull looking, discolored, or worse. As mentioned above, all cleaners need to be specifically for your type of tile and all cleaning tools need to be soft enough not to damage anything.

Luckily, it rarely comes to such drastic cleaning measures for ceramic and slate tiling. To keep your tile looking great, start by doing weekly sweeps with a good outdoor broom. Once or twice a month, go over your tile with a damp mop, which will help pick up or loosen what the broom can’t while bringing a good shine back to your tile. If you have any stains, make absolutely certain to clean them up immediately. Always start with warm water and a soft scrub pad. If more is needed, move on to a light, non-acidic cleaner. If the stain persists, try using a 5 to 1 mixture of water and peroxide, saving any bleach or harsher chemicals for last.

Cleaning the Grout

Most of the necessary tile cleaning, even those that have stains, can be handled with a stiff bristled broom every week, a damp mopping every month, and the occasional light cleaner (window cleaner usually works) with a soft scrub pad for stains. Grout, however, gets dirtier faster because of being very porous. It can also be more difficult to clean with your broom, mop, and scrub pad because the tiles are often raised above it, causing narrow crevices. To work around this, use a soft or medium bristled toothbrush with your cleaner.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Clean and Maintain a Tile Patio Table

 A tile patio table is easy to clean and keep, especially if you do regular maintenance work on it. You can keep your tile patio table in pristine condition for years to come by simply doing these easy cleaning and maintenance steps.

What You'll Need:

• Mild Detergent
• Oxygen Bleach
• Degreaser
• Acetone Stripper
• Natural Stone Cleaner (pH7 - Optional)
• Distilled Water
• Sanding Blocks
• Fine grit sandpaper or rotary drill and sandpaper pads
• Sealer
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Mask
• Sponge
• Scouring Pad
• Cotton Cloth

Step 1 - Know the Tiles' Surface

Determine first the type of tiles used in the patio table. Natural stones, specifically slates, require gentle cleaning, while ceramic tiles must not be cleaned with abrasive tools that might scratch the surface of the tiles.
Granite and marble require some mechanical polishing to remove deep-seated dirt and polish the surface to level the scratches with the surface area. After cleansing, slate tiles must be neutralized with a natural stone cleaner, with pH 7 acidity level, to prevent discoloration after cleansing and chemical treatment. The aim here is to know the type of tiles you have and select the best cleanser for it.

Step 2 - Wash and Rinse

Prepare the detergent solution (or natural stone cleanser) by mixing the detergent with water. Dip a sponge and wash the tile patio table in a circular motion. Use a scouring pad for natural stones to remove hardened dirt. Stick with a sponge when cleaning ceramic tiles. Rinse the surface with water.

Step 3 - Disinfect and Degrease

Prepare the oxygen bleach solution. Using 5 teaspoons to every gallon of water will suffice. Apply the solution onto the table with a sponge or cloth to disinfect the surface from germs, and remove living organisms such as molds or algae. Rinse with water.

A patio table is a great place to eat snacks, so degreasing is a step that must not be skipped, especially with tiles made from natural stones that absorb oil and grease quickly down to their pores.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it. Apply it onto the table using a sponge or a cloth. Allow it to work for five minutes and then scrub or just rinse it off.

Disinfect the tile once a month and degrease it once every two months. Less exposure to chemicals such as bleach and degreasers can lengthen the life of your tiles.

Step 4 - Sand, Apply Sealer or Re-paint the Legs

Every two or three years, sand and apply sealer on the surface. This is to protect your patio table from moisture, oil, and acidic substances from penetrating deeply into the tiles’ pores. Sanding or polishing is like bringing out the new "skin" from your tiles, and the sealer serves as protection for the newly polished surface.
At the same time, you can repaint the legs. Use a paint stripper to remove old paint.

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