Hi, I recently tiled a small floor in my home with a black slate tile. I wiped off almost every little bit of grout off of the surface after installing grout. I found today that all the ridges in the slate picked up traces of grout it comes out not bad with a scrub brush but definitely more not as easily as it could. Does anyone know of a product to make the grout easier to wash off. How do I get the efflourecence out of the grout?? Thanks. Nick
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You might try asking this at Breaktime--they often refer people to a web site that specializes in tile (but I cannot remember the name!). You could try a search there too. I think muriatic acid would work (being careful to keep it off the grout you don't want removed, using gloves an eye protection, not breathing the vapors, etc.), but I would try just using household vinegar and if necessary a scrub brush.
Muriatic acid will work, but it is much stronger than you need, and the fumes indoors will rust metal all over your house.
There are many cleaners made for this. Visit a good mansonry contractors' supply house.
First, you should try to remove the grout with a wire brush. You need to be careful and make sure it wont scratch the slate.
If that doesn't cut it, you will likely need a brand of muratic acid. I have used a lot of this stuff, and I still dont like it. Precautions - goggles, rubber gloves, ventilation, someone to drag you out of the room if you start gasping for breath. I would cut it with one part acid to 5 parts water, and brush it on. If you see the grout foam, it will likely work for you. I would suggest getting a piece of slate, putting grout on it and taking it to a mason's supply and ask them how to get it off - and prove it.
As a tip (sorry its too late), I seal slate before setting and grouting it. It makes clean up way easier.
Good luck,
TTF
Edited 11/22/2005 1:33 am ET by TTF
You should be telling Nick25, not me.
It'a o.k.I can still read it, hope you don't mind me reading your mail.
Home Depot and Lowes both sell grout removal cleaners. I just used some with great success but I don't remember the names. There are several on the market. I think Phosperic (spelling?) Acid is the ingredient in them.