How to remove cement staining & grout hazes

This article has been produced to help you understand how to remove cement staining, grout hazes & mortar staining from stone, bricks & tiles. This includes man-made surfaces & tiles such as porcelain.

The types of residue discussed within this guide are staining, marks & hazes from cements, mortar, cement-based grout, salting & leachate staining. All of these residues are possible to remove with Floorseal Cement & Grout Haze Remover. The information provided below will explain the method of removal and some of the problems you may encounter.

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Which kinds of residue will Floorseal Cement & Grout Haze Remover remove?

Floorseal Cement & Grout Haze Remover is suitable for the removal of residues from cement-based grouts on internal or external surfaces. The product will remove cement based mortars, concretes, fresh efflorescence salting, & leachate staining. This cleaning solution can be used on both walls or floors.

This includes the removal of mortar stain bleeding from pointing, vertical walls, general cement marks from the build process relating to stone or porcelain patios, removal of general cement-based grouts on interior or exterior floors and removal of efflorescence salting from newly laid patios or new brick/stone walls. It can also be used for the removal of leachate staining which bleeds up through the joints of newly laid patios.

What kind of surfaces can I use Cement & Grout Haze Remover on?

Floorseal Cement & Grout Haze Remover can be applied to porcelains, ceramics, slate, clay-based tiles, terracotta, quarry tiles, sandstone, clay bricks, clay pavers, granite & more. Always carry out a small test to ensure suitability and optimal dilution rate.

How to use Cement & Grout Haze Remover

Cement and Grout Haze Remover is often applied undiluted but can be diluted to a weaker concentration. Apply to the surface directly from the container, plastic watering can or sprayer. Ensure the surface is heavily saturated, the product should produce a white bloom/ visible white shimmer or fizz. This will happen almost instantly, agitate and rinse the solution away within a few minutes.

You can alter dilution rates to suit the contamination/residue and repeat the cycle (if required).

You can apply it to smaller areas (such as interior walls) with a hand sprayer. Blot the solution away with microfibre cloths and lightly rinse.

Do I need to scrub or use a pressure washer when using this product?

You should not need to use abrasion when using Cement & Grout Haze Remover. It is the product which does the work. Light agitation is beneficial when applied to floors, this is only to move the product around & over the surface. Agitate with a general yard brush, no specific type of brush is required.

If you have a pressure washer you can lightly pressure wash the surface to dislodge the weakest residues. Then use the pressure washer to lightly rinse the product away at the end of the process. But there is no specific requirement to use a pressure washer.

The only benefit of using a pressure washer is to initially clean an exterior surface. It may dislodge some residues. Also to give the surface a final rinse and clean at the end of the process.

Which kind of surfaces is it NOT possible to use a cement & grout haze remover on?

Highly sensitive surfaces such as limestone, marble, basalt, travertine, terrazzo, concrete block pavers and concrete (in a fine processed finish) are not suitable for treatment with Cement & Grout Haze Remover . If you are grouting or pointing limestones etc you must take great care not to mark them. The surfaces noted are acid sensitive so should not be cleaned with cement & grout haze removers.

There are some methods available to remove cement-based grout haze from limestones etc but these are beyond the scope of this article. Typically you will require a diamond pad system to mechanically remove residues on limestones etc.

Should you always test cement & grout haze removers?

Yes, you should check the surface you are working on is not a sensitive stone. Also it is well worth testing the dilution rate and method of application. Particularly if you are unfamiliar with applying the product or unsure of the type of surface you are working on.

If Cement & Grout Haze Remover removes residues will it damage or remove the grouting or pointing applied into the joint?

Cement & Grout Haze Remover will not remove or damage grout or mortar already cured within the joint. In other words, a cured pointing or grout line is no longer a residue. It is a set solid (and cured) mass which has considerable strength. So it is not possible to remove with a cleaning solution for residue/haze removal.

The actual residue is much easier to remove as (despite it being unsightly) it is a relatively weak contamination. A residue has no real depth or strength so is highly & rapidly reactive to the correct cleaning agent.

Is there any kind of staining that this product will not remove?

Resin based products and possibly mortars mixed with SBR bonding agents are not possible to remove. Unfortunately, they usually have no known method of removal.

For instance, brush-in compounds are resin-based and not possible to remove with a cement/grout haze removal product.

If you are not sure which kind of jointing product you have, cross reference with the manufacturer or information located on the jointing/grouting product.

As a general guide if the residue contains cement or cement-based product it is possible to remove. If it is a resin or epoxy it is not possible to remove.

General observations when using Cement & Grout Haze Remover & some do’s and don’ts!

• Check the surface is not a sensitive surface i.e. limestone etc.
• Ensure the residue is cement-based as some grouts & compounds are resin.
• General residues and hazing can look rather unsightly but are possible to remove quite easily.
• Thick coatings of cement or mortar may not be possible to remove, or may require multiple applications of the product.
• There is a big difference between a thick coating and a general residue/haze.
• Cement & Grout Haze Remover should be applied & allowed to react which will produce a white bloom or shimmer. This reaction will occur and disappear almost instantly.
• Rinsing off within minutes is advisable. Leaving the product to dry means that the residues which have just been dissolved settle back out over the surface.  
• Do not allow the product to dry or become slightly damp, rinse off before this occurs. If a longer dwell time is required add more product and keep the surface wet with product.

Conclusion

Floorseal Cement & Grout Haze Remover will remove general cement staining & traditional mortars. This product will also remove cement-based grouts.

Test first then apply, allow to dwell and rinse off (in a few minutes) with lots of water. Do not allow it to dry on the surface. Repeat as/if required.

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Further information

Please click here to view our collection of over 50 ‘how to’ guides for cleaning and sealing internally and externally.

The information included in this article is not exhaustive. If you need further information please contact Floorseal on (01484) 861461 or email us info@floorseal.co.uk our web address is www.floorseal.co.uk.