According to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), “grout mixed with too much water or cleaned too soon, or cleaned with excess water can cause the polymer to migrate to the surface. In many cases (but not all), these polymers are white in color. When the excess water evaporates, the white polymer is exposed.”
Why is my outdoor grout turning white?
Grout turning white can be caused by efflorescence which is the calcium from the water and the underlying concrete or mortar migrating up through the porous cementitious grout. Excessive efflorescence is considered a symptom of an excessive moisture problem.
How do you get white residue off grout?
Possibly, an acid could work by removing the surface layer of grout molecules to which the polymers are attached. For removing soapy dirt stuck to the grout, generally multiple rinsing with clear water and some brushing of the grout joints will be effective.
What is the white stuff on my grout?
We’ve all seen it: that really ugly white powder that grows on cement grout and also tile, stone, brick, and concrete, particularly when it’s installed someplace with moisture (i.e., in a basement or outdoors). That white residue is called efflorescence.
How do you remove efflorescence from slate tile?
For some, all you need to do is ply a dry brush on the surface and simply dislodge the salt deposits for good. For others, the water soluble salts, just wash the surface down with lots of water with some regular detergent adding more power to the cleaning process.
Is efflorescence a serious problem?
Ultimately, efflorescence itself isn’t dangerous. However, it can lead to potential moisture problems that can cause structural damage to building materials. That means if you find efflorescence in the basement or on concrete and other structures, it’s important to take action.
Why does my grout look chalky?
Grout Consistency
Soggy grout leaves the finished joints weak and prone to cracking or crumbling, as well as to efflorescence, a chalky, white appearance. If your grout is runny or too wet, add additional dry grout to the mixture until it reaches the proper consistency for use.
Can you seal over grout haze?
The goal is to get the sealer off the tiles while it’s still soft enough to wipe away. You don’t have to seal epoxy- or urethane-based grout, and professionals actually recommend that you don’t. On these types of nonporous grouts, sealers do more harm than good.
