My husband and I laid 4x4 square ceramic tiles on our counter tops. We have sealed them and everything....So the question I have is how do you get rid of the sandy resadue on the tiles from doing the grout work?
Hi! It's kind of hard to get the dull surface from the grout off of the tile surface. If you did a countertop, you should have used non-reinforced grout (no sand). The dull surface and sand is usually completely removed with a natural sponge and water before the grout is sealed. It takes some work.
A sponge and paper towel. You need to initially wipe the surface of the tiles with the sponge, rinsing it frequently in clean water between wipings. When most of the sand is gone you can switch to a damp paper towel to get the final haze off. BUT note that when rinsing with the sponge you need to squeeze it out until fairly dry and try to avoid wiping the grout out of the gaps since this will slowly erode the grout and put new sand on the tiles. It also helps to let the tiles dry before doing the paper wiping, so you can see the haze and know when it's gone.
The concern is that you've already sealed the tile job. You can still get the residue off, but if you sealed the residue onto the tile, it's going to be more difficult. Go to a building supply store (like Lowe's or Home Depot or Sears hardware) and get a cleaner for grout that contains phosphoric acid. It works really well on grout residue. It works better if you attach the problem within 10 days of the grout job. If that doesn't seam to work, try some wax remover on the tile to remove the sealer. Then use the phosphoric acid. Then, you'll have to reseal. Finally if none of that works, you may have to resort to muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) which is not fun to play with and can be dangerous. Follow the instruction and warnings carefully. Good luck
been wondering same thing and actually came on here to ask that same question. don't use dish soap it doesn't work. i am on my 4 rinse with just water and still residue. going out of my mind. hoping someone comes up with great answer. gl to you. i have my whole bathroom to do.
You will need to seal the grout or the grit will continue. Once sealed, just wipe the surface with a damp sponge.
