How do you remove grout residue from the surface of stone tile before sealing?

Question

How do you remove grout residue from the surface of stone tile before sealing?

Answer 1

I can offer one solution, if the grout was in fact vinyl based grout. Use a rag dampended with acetone and rubb it off BUT be careful not to let the acetone flow into the grouted joints as it will disintegrate your grout and possibly the cement you used, if it was also vinyl based (most modern tile cement and grouting solutions are vinyl based nowadays). This works by breaking down the vinyl binder and it works surprisingly well. Try it on a test piece, you'll probably be amazed as I was.

If you have stone tile, which I will guess is a bit irregular on the surface and possibly even a little porous, that haze left over from sloppy grouting will look TERRIBLE when you go to apply sealant. A good friend had her shower done this way and the guy who did the tiling also did not clean up some of the grout residue and went ahead and sealed the tile and it was an awful looking mess!

Since you're using stone tile, a tool or razor for scraping won't work if it's stone with any kind of irregular natural texture. The haze and residue will collect in the little depressions of the surface.

If the acetone treatment doesn't work, and remember, use it very judiciously and don't let it flow into the joints, then you'll have to try other means, like those used traditionally to remove mortar and that means muriatic acid. I suggest a lot of elbow grease, vinegar and water and careful use of a rag dampened in acetone before resorting to the extreme measure of using muriatic acid.

Find a spot that is not very obvious (in some corner that is not the main focus of the room) and try this technique and then apply a small amount of sealer to see if you're getting the desired results.

It's unfortunate that whomever it was that did your grouting let it go like that. It's not easy to recover from this, but you can with some effort.

Answer 2

Here we go .."I tile every day of my life again"... Lol i have seen a uhh ..err certain answere here so far do concrete every day of thier life, do carpenter work every day of thier life..paint every day of thier life geezz where does he find the time lol...check out profiles and look at thier previous answers to questions..You will see what I mean.. it is just the residue you need to simply take paper towels and rub in circular motions, then vacuum..then do it all over again..3 or 4 times...Eventually you will get the residue off..this will not take globs up and all but we are asking for a residue problem...No I have not tiled every day of my life..but have helped tile layers..I have painted every day of my life for 37 years..but I am now retired and grow veggies...If i added up the years I havent painted I could CLAIM i had 40 years experience..Even If I have painted all my life..I cannot increase my years of experience...for I have quit painting due to back problems..so i am stuck on 37 years of actuall experience..and my experience does not "climb" as i grow older..I had 37 years on the job..and that is my experience level... LOL everyone else figure this out? check the profile I am talking about..that man has done every occupation every day of his life..look at his previous answers..Geezz I hate "false Prophets" !!

Answer 3

   I tile every day of my life, and I'm a bit confused as to why grout wasn't remove as soon as possible after the application. Also I'm unsure about how you define residue.

   What type of stone? Milled, glazed, raw, rough like slate?

   Certainly if Grout is residual enough to be more than dust, you maqy have to wire brush it, or scrape, but that could effect the surface of the tile, the finish, etc.

   It would be helpful to have a few details, and if it is grout that wasn't removed appropriately, you might have a challenge ahead.

Just my two "sense"

Answer 4

flat razor blade.

if this is the adhesion surface as opposed to the smooth surface you intend to display outward, you can also use wood-sandpaper of like 180 grit. you can use this on the smooth surface but it may marr the shiny side.

Answer 5

Use Brick or Patio cleaner. It's highly corrosive so wear gloves.

Also wear a mask if in a confined space, as it will give off fumes. Apply with a brush and work in with a scrubbing brush,then wash off before sealing.Costs about £5 a gallon($10)