Having clean tile grout is important to have a bathroom wall that looks nice. Once the tile is installed, grout is applied over the entire wall. It is pressed into the spaces between each tile using a rubber grout float. Until the grout sets and dries it can still be easily removed from the surface of the tile. It is not impossible to miss areas on the tile. Once the grout dries it will leave a grout residue or haze on the surface of the tile. You can clean tile grout haze and residue easily from the surface of the tiles and the following article will show you how to correctly do it.
What You'll Need:
- White distilled vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Green scrub pad
- Sponge
- Clean rag
- Baking soda
- Plastic bowl
Step 1 - Start Simple First
If you happen to notice a haze or residue forming on the tile within a day you can still clean the tile grout haze without chemicals. The simplest way to do this is to use warm water. Soak a normal sponge in the warm water and squeeze out the excess water. You want the sponge to be damp but not soaking wet. Use medium pressure and wipe clean the tile grout residue off of the surface of the tile. Dry the area with a clean rag and then run your hand over the area. If the residue was removed the tile will feel smooth whereas if there is still a residue on the tile it will feel somewhat coarse.
Step 2 - Use a Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is one of those household products that make for a great cleaner and can cut through grime and dirt. It can also clean tile grout residue. Fill a clean spray bottle with 4-parts warm water and 1-part white vinegar. Spray down the tile and allow the vinegar and water solution to work for a minute or two and then wipe down the tile with a clean rag. You can increase the strength of the solution by adding more vinegar. You can then clean the tiles off with pure water. If this does not clean the tile grout residue then you will need to use a stronger method.
Step 3 - Make a Chemical Reaction
You normally want to stay away from strong cleaners that you find in the store because some of them can eat away at the grout. They also are not very friendly to the environment and some can be dangerous to you if inhaled. They are always a last resort. This does not mean a simple chemical reaction cannot be used to clean tile grout residue. You will need a bowl, baking soda, water, and vinegar. Place baking soda in a bowl and add a few drops of water. Stir the water into the baking soda until it forms a smooth paste. Add water as needed. Apply the paste to the tile with a dry sponge. Fill a clean and dry water spray bottle with vinegar and then spray the area. The baking soda will react to the vinegar causing it to bubble and fizz. Once the chemical reaction slows or stops, simply wipe the area down with a damp rag.
