Visitor’s Question: “I have a problem with a newly laid Limestone floor. The tiler left it with a very thick haze of grout on it.I have tried a Fila Residue Remover cleaner, and another Grime remover (which seemed to work only a little better). I have used non-scratch pads and an emulsifier pad – on my hands and knees and it is still there. Please help?”
Our Answer: I am not entirely sure what the Fila product is, whether it is an acid or not. If you have used an acid, then you may have done a little damage to the surface of the limestone.
The ironic part about this is that in order to effectively break down a cement based grout residue, you do, normally need to use an acid based cleaner. However, as I hinted above, using an acid on an acid sensitive stone is not to be recommended. So, you have the problem of not being able to use the most appropriate cleaner for the type of contaminant, so another approach will be needed.
Instead of trying to chemically remove the grout, we can try to mechanically remove it. The least aggressive way would be with Microscrub. As this is made from ground up limestone, it will not damage the stone, but may provide just enough abrasion to remove the cement residue – just like an exfoliation cream is used on skin.
If that fails, (due to too great a thickness of grout residue) then you may have to look at calling in a stone specialist to re-hone the floor- that is using a grinding machine to grind past the staining, and then hone the floor back to an acceptable finish. You would then need to re-seal.
Copyright Ian Taylor and The Tile and Stone Blog.co.uk, 2013. See copyright notice above.
I have recently had my bathroom renovated, and the walls and floors are done in beautiful cream-colored limestone. Unfortunately the tile guys didn’t remove all of the grout and adhesive residue before applying sealer the tiles, so now you can see ugly grout, adhesive and dirt residue in certain lighting (usually in day light without the indoor lighting turned on). We’ve tried everything to remove the sealer (acetone, paint stripper, cleaning solvents, “goo gone,” etc.), but so far nothing has worked to remove the sealer! I don’t think it will be all too difficult to remove the grout and adhesive residue trapped beneath the sealer – if only we can get rid of the sealer first! The tiles have by now been sealed for a few months.
Do you have any suggestions as to what can be done to get rid of the sealer that remains on the surface of the limestone tiles? Might the “Nanoscrub” work in this situation? Desperately hoping you have a solution!!!
Many thanks!!!!!
I recently had my hall floor tiled with natural limestone. Unfortunately, the tiler left a grout haze similar to the sitiuations decribed on this forum. We have tried Fila grout residue remover and very fine grade (00) steel wool but it’s not budging. The tiling job was beuatiful but the whole effect if ruined by a now drab patchy bloom over the whole tile surface. You mention re-honing as the nuclear option….I live in north east Scotland – can you recommend anyone in this area?
Many thanks.
Hi Suki
It may be that you need the floor re surfaceing – (was the Fila product acidic by the way?). Honing may well help but it is easier with the right equipment. Can I suggest you call Kevin martin of Marble Life, he may be able to help you more by asking a few pertinant questions: 0121 705 5333, he may also bea able to help with someone more local?
Hope this helps
Ian