Have you ever finished grouting your beautiful new natural stone tiles only to end up with a nasty cloudy haze that hides their beauty? Trust me – nothing is worse than working hard on a tile project just to have it ruined by grout residue. But don’t panic – with the right tools and techniques, you can remove that stubborn grout haze and restore your tiles. It just takes some patience and care. Also, the type of natural stone makes a difference in how you can clean it.
In this article, we’ll walk you through safely cleaning grout haze from granite, marble, travertine, slate, and limestone tiles. With a bit of time and effort, you can get those stunning natural stone tiles looking like new again.
Determine Type of Natural Stone Tile
There are many varieties of natural stone tile, and each has unique properties and sensitivities. The first step in removing grout haze from natural stone is to identify what type of stone you are working with. This will determine the cleaning methods and solutions to use. So, let’s look at the type of common natural stone tile.
Granite
Granite is very durable and resistant to damage. Warm water mixed with a pH neutral stone cleaner is typically effective for removing grout haze from granite. For particularly stubborn areas, a nylon scrub brush can be used to gently agitate the surface.
Marble
Marble is softer and more prone to etching and erosion. Never use abrasives or acidic cleaners on marble, as this can permanently damage the calcite crystals. Use pH neutral stone cleaners specially formulated for marble. Clean with a soft microfiber cloth, changing rinse water frequently.
Travertine
Like marble, travertine is a form of limestone that can etch easily. A mild acid-based stone cleaner is safe for travertine and can help dissolve dried grout residue. Soft nylon brushes can also be used to lightly scrub travertine without scratching.
Slate
Slate is very strong and resistant to damage. For slate tile, warm water mixed with a small amount of mild detergent is often adequate for removing grout haze. Wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives.
Limestone
Limestone is prone to erosion and etching from acids. Use only pH neutral cleaners formulated for limestone. Never use vinegar, bleach, or other acidic products on limestone. Wipe gently with soft cloths to avoid scratching the surface.
Read: How To Clean Flor Tile Grout without Damaging It
Cleaning Methods Based on Stone Type
Once you’ve identified your specific natural stone type, utilize the proper cleaning method to safely remove the grout haze without damaging the stone. Work in small sections for best results.
Granite
- Mix warm water with a granite-safe pH neutral stone cleaner. Apply it to the granite with a soft cloth.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so the cleaner can dissolve the grout haze.
- Use a nylon scrub brush and gently scrub at any leftover haze.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner residue.
- Dry with soft cotton towels.
Marble
- Fill a spray bottle with pH neutral marble cleaner and warm water. Lightly mist the marble tiles.
- Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface, turning the cloth frequently to prevent re-depositing grout residue.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with cotton towels.
- Repeat as needed for stubborn areas, using minimal pressure.
Travertine
- Purchase a specialty travertine tile cleaner that contains mild acid such as phosphoric or oxalic acid.
- Apply a small amount directly to the grout haze. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Use a nylon scrub brush and lightly scrub to help dissolve the haze.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner residue.
- Use a shop vacuum to extract excess water, then allow to fully dry.
Slate
- In a bucket, mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap or detergent.
- Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wring out excess water. Gently wipe the slate tile surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner residue.
- Dry slate tile with soft cotton towels. Check for any remaining haze and repeat cleaning if needed.
Limestone
- Spray pH neutral limestone cleaner directly onto limestone tiles. Do NOT use acidic cleaners.
- Let cleaner dwell for 2-3 minutes.
- Use a barely-damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe tiles clean. Avoid applying pressure.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely with soft cotton towels.
Cleaning Tips
Follow these tips when cleaning grout haze from natural stone tile:
- Work in small sections of 4-5 tiles at a time. Don’t let the stone cleaner dry on the surface.
- Use minimal water. Too much water can seep into stone pores and cracks.
- Thoroughly rinse all cleaner residue from tiles. Acidic residue can damage stone over time.
- Allow stone tile to dry completely before sealing or applying new grout. Sealing wet stone can cause hazing.
- Take your time and do multiple light cleaning sessions rather than harsh scrubbing. Patience prevents damage.
- Check that all grout haze is gone and re-clean areas that need it. Removing all residue prevents obscured tile beauty.
How To Prevent Grout Haze from Natural Stone Tile
While removing grout haze takes effort, preventing it in the first place is easier:
- Apply grout properly: Hold grout float at a 45° angle and spread evenly across joints. Immediately wipe diagonally across tiles with a damp sponge.
- Wipe tiles during grouting: Before the grout dries, keep surfaces moist and wipe tiles every 5-10 minutes.
- Seal tiles before grouting: Applying quality tile sealer helps prevent grout from bonding on tile surfaces during application.
Bottom Line
I hope these tips help you safely remove that pesky grout haze so you can fully enjoy the beauty of your natural stone tiles again. Don’t get frustrated if it takes a few tries – patience and the right gentle cleaners are key. If in doubt, call a professional tile cleaner for help. With some strategic effort, you can get those tiles cleaned up and look spectacular again.