You have finished tiling and the new floor still looks dull. That is usually grout haze: the residue left on tiles after installation, often with cement, plaster and builders’ dust mixed in. The right cleaner and a bit of scrubbing will deal with it. The wrong cleaner on the wrong surface can do real damage, so here is what to use and what to avoid.
Use an acid cleaner, on the right surfaces only
Cleaner No.4 is TileMaster’s professional acid cleaner for the post-installation clean. It breaks down grout haze, cement and plaster residues and general builders’ dirt on ceramic, porcelain and acid-resistant natural stone only, and it does not tarnish aluminium or steel trims, taps, sinks or cookers.
Because it is an acid, it must not be used on acid-sensitive stone such as marble, limestone or travertine, or on wood, vinyl, or any polished or other acid-sensitive surface. If you are not sure what your stone is, test a small, inconspicuous area first or get in touch. You can send us a picture of your tile or stone and we will advise.
For stubborn haze: Diamond Dust
Diamond Dust is a 220-grit diamond honing powder. Sprinkled on the floor before Cleaner No.4, it adds extra cleaning power. One firm rule: never use Diamond Dust on polished or shiny floors.
The method in brief
- Put on protective gloves and eye protection, plus a dust mask/respirator if you are handling Diamond Dust. Test a small area first.
- For stubborn haze, sprinkle Diamond Dust onto the floor.
- Dilute Cleaner No.4 at 1 part cleaner to 4 parts water (100ml to 400ml) and apply it directly to the floor. Leave it to work for about 5 minutes, keeping it wet.
- Scrub with the Scrub Pad on the Aurora Spray Mop, or with a machine fitted with the tile and grout brush.
- Take up the residue with a clean mop, sponge or cloth (or a wet vacuum), then rinse well with clean water.
Don’t put Cleaner No.4 in the mop’s spray bottle. It can break the seal. Always apply No.4 directly to the floor.
For every step in detail, see our step-by-step guide.
Which kit is right for you?
Cleaner No.4 covers approx. 15 m² per litre of concentrate for grout haze removal, which makes choosing a kit straightforward:
- Grout Haze Removal Mop Kit (Basic): Aurora mop with 2 microfibre pads, Scrub Pad and 1 litre of No.4. For small jobs, around 15 m².
- Grout Haze Removal Mop Kit with Diamond Dust: everything in the Basic kit plus 1750 grams of Diamond Dust, for stubborn haze.
- Grout Haze Removal Pro Kit: mop, pads, Scrub Pad, 5 litres of No.4 (around 75 m²) and a 5 KG Half Tub of Diamond Dust. For larger areas and trades.
Stay safe
Cleaner No.4 contains orthophosphoric acid and is corrosive: it causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Wear gloves and eye protection, avoid contact with eyes and skin, and store it locked up, out of reach of children and pets. Diamond Dust is harmful if swallowed and causes serious eye irritation. Wear goggles, gloves and a dust mask/respirator when handling the dry powder, and clean up spills using wet methods. Always read the labels and the Cleaner No.4 SDS and Diamond Dust SDS before you start.