How to Clean Backsplash Tile After Grouting

Grouting tile is an essential final step when installing a backsplash or other tiled surface. While grout provides a clean, finished look between tiles, it can be challenging to remove grout haze and clean grout lines after application. With some preparation and the right techniques, you can keep your backsplash looking beautiful after grouting.

Supplies Needed to Clean Backsplash After Grouting

Gathering the proper supplies before cleaning backsplash tile will make the process easier and more effective. Here are the recommended items to have on hand:

Grout haze cleaner – Specialized cleaners designed for removing grout residue. Products like Aqua Mix Grout Haze Clean-Up or Mapei UltraCare Grout Haze Remover work well.
Grout sealer – Applying a grout sealer after cleaning will protect grout lines and prevent stains. Opt for a water-based sealer compatible with your grout type.
Clean rags or sponges – Have plenty of clean cloths for wiping down tile and applying grout cleaner. Avoid using dirty rags.
Bucket – Useful for diluting grout cleaner and rinsing sponges/rags.
Rubber grout float – A grout float with a soft rubber edge allows you to scrub grout lines gently.
Soft-bristled brush – Helpful for scrubbing stubborn haze in textured tile.
Clean water – For rinsing and removing residue. Warm water works best.
Old toothbrush – For scrubbing narrow grout lines.
Microfiber cloths – For a final buffing of tiles once all residue is gone.

When to Clean Grout Haze After Installation

It’s important to know when you can begin safely cleaning backsplash tile after grouting:

Wait at least 24 hours after grouting to allow new grout to cure initially. Cleaning too soon can smear uncured grout.
Ideally wait 3-7 days. This allows grout to harden further for easier cleaning.
If using epoxy grout, wait 72 hours for it to fully set before cleaning.

Don’t wait longer than 7 days, as grout haze becomes harder to remove over time. The earlier you can clean after grouting, the better.

Preparing to Clean the Backsplash

Take a few steps to prepare your tiled backsplash before cleaning:

Remove any remaining grout bags, tools, drop cloths from the area. This allows full access to the tile.
Vacuum or sweep loose dirt/dust off tiles. This prevents spreading debris during cleaning.
Inspect all tile and grout joints. Look for any cracks, uneven joints, or missing grout that needs repair.
Have sufficient ventilation by opening windows or using fans. This allows grout cleaners to dry faster.
Test cleaner on a small inconspicuous area first. Check that it doesn’t discolor the tile or grout.
Read all manufacturer’s instructions for cleaners/sealers you’ll use. Follow their dilution and application methods.

Proper prep work makes the grout cleaning process more efficient.

How to Remove Grout Haze from Tile

Here is a step-by-step method for effectively removing grout haze:

1. Mix Grout Haze Cleaner

In a bucket, dilute a grout haze removal product, like Aqua Mix Grout Haze Clean-Up, with water per label directions.
Higher concentrations of cleaner may be needed for epoxy or very stubborn haze.
Always use clean rinse water and sponges to prevent spreading around dirt.

2. Apply Grout Haze Cleaner

Use a clean sponge or rag to apply a liberal amount of diluted grout cleaner directly onto the hazy tile.
Focus on small sections at a time like 3-4 tile widths.
Let the cleaner dwell for 5-10 minutes so it can react with the grout haze.

3. Scrub Tiles and Grout

After letting cleaner dwell, scrub tiles and grout joints in a circular motion using a sponge or grout float.
Apply light pressure as you scrub – you want to remove the haze, not scratch the tiles!
Reapply more cleaner to keep the area wet. Rinse sponges frequently.
Use a toothbrush or brush to scrub narrow grout lines.

4. Rinse Tiles

Thoroughly rinse the cleaned section of tile using a sponge and clean water.
Wipe diagonally across tile to prevent haze from smearing. Rinse sponges frequently.
Repeat steps 2-4 over all sections until all traces of grout haze are gone.

5. Buff Tile and Check for Residue

Carefully buff/dry entire backsplash with clean microfiber cloths once all cleaner residue is removed.
Inspect closely for any remaining haze in tile textured surfaces or grout joints. Re-clean if needed.
Avoid applying too much pressure when buffing or you risk pulling out fresh grout.

With some time and elbow grease, these steps should successfully remove all grout haze and restore your tiles’ clean finish.

Cleaning Grout Lines on the Backsplash

Removing grout residue from the tile surface is only half the battle. You also need to thoroughly clean the grout lines between tiles:

Refresh grout cleaner over the entire backsplash and let sit for 5-10 minutes. This softens any film in the grout joints.
Use a toothbrush, sponge, or grout float to scrub all grout lines front-to-back. Apply moderate pressure.
Dip brushes in cleaner frequently and rinse often. Changing out water prevents redepositing dirt into the grout.
Look for any lingering haze or film inside grout lines. Continue scrubbing until all grout lines are clean.
After scrubbing grout joints, do a final rinse of the entire backsplash.

Pay special attention to cleaning any vertical and horizontal grout joint intersections which are prone to haze buildup.

Stubborn Grout Haze Removal Methods

Some backsplash tiles can be more challenging to clean after grouting due to their texture or surface porosity. Here are some tips for tackling stubborn grout haze:

For textured tile surfaces like travertine, use a soft bristle brush and concentrated cleaner to work it into the surface pores and joints.
Try cleaning in sections and rinsing right away before haze dries and hardens further on the tile.
Mix grout cleaner at maximum concentration if label allows. Non-acidic cleaners can often be diluted up to 1:1 with water.
Let cleaner dwell longer, up to 20 minutes for epoxy grout haze. Reapply frequently to keep it wet.
Use protective equipment like gloves and eye protection when dealing with concentrated cleaners.
For severe epoxy grout haze, a poultice method may be required. Consult a professional for this.
Avoid using acidic cleaners on natural stone tile which can etch and damage the surface over time.

With a little trial and error, you can usually find the right approach for even the most uncooperative tile haze issues.

When to Call for Professional Grout Cleaning Help

In most cases, grout haze can be removed by the average DIYer with the right methods. However, for major grout cleaning issues, a professional tile cleaner may be needed:

If the tile itself is extensively discolored or damaged from the grouting process.
If multiple attempts at removing grout haze have failed.
For large backsplash projects with intricate tile patterns. Professionals have more advanced tools.
If epoxy or chemical grout was used. It may require commercial-strength cleaners to etch the hardened film off tiles.
To use rotary cleaning buffing equipment which can damage tile if improperly operated by a novice.
Where there are concerns about hazardous materials like asbestos or lead in older tiles. Special handling is required.

Don’t spend days struggling with a botched grout job yourself. Tile professionals can assess the situation and have the right expertise and products to remedy it.

Applying a Grout Sealer to the Cleaned Backsplash

After successfully cleaning all tile and grout, it’s highly recommended to apply a grout sealer as a protective finishing step:

Use a clean sponge or towel to remove all moisture first. Grout must be completely dry before sealing.
Always check the tile and grout manufacturer specs for compatible sealer types. Some sealers can stain.
Apply sealer carefully along grout joints using the applicator bottle or a small foam brush. Avoid applying sealer onto the tile surface.
Wipe any excess sealer off tiles using a dry cloth. Only leave sealer within the grout joints.
Follow drying times on the sealer label. Some take only 30 minutes while epoxy types may take 24 hours to cure.
Apply a second coat of grout sealer if needed per manufacturer directions to ensure an even application within the joints.
Allow sealer to cure fully before using the backsplash. Avoid heavy cleaning or spills right after application.

Re-apply grout sealer annually or biannually to maintain protection on high-use backsplashes.

Grout Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Follow these additional pointers to get the best results when tackling grout cleaning for the first time:

Be patient – Grout haze removal is a tedious process. Work methodically in small sections for the best results.
Let cleaners dwell – Don’t be tempted to immediately rinse after applying cleaner. Letting it sit allows active ingredients to react with the grout film.
Keep things wet – It sounds counterintuitive, but keeping tile and grout wet initially helps dissolve haze quicker.
Avoid pressure washing – High-pressure spray can drive grout residue deeper into porous tiles. Stick to sponges and rags instead.
Grout colorant is an option – For really bad grout staining, using a compatible colorant can renew the grout appearance instead.
Consider protective treatments before installation – Applying grout release or sealers beforehand prevents grout haze adhesion and eases cleanup.

With careful cleaning procedures and the right supplies, removing grout haze doesn’t need to be so tedious after all. Just take your time for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait to clean grout haze off tile?

Ideally wait a minimum of 24 hours after grouting to allow new grout to cure slightly. 3-7 days is best if possible. Always clean grout haze within the first week before it hardens extensively.

Can I use vinegar to clean grout haze?

Vinegar is an acidic cleaner that can prematurely degrade grout over time. Use a specially formulated grout haze remover for best results without damaging the grout.

Why is my tile scratching when trying to remove grout haze?

Scratches can happen if attempting to clean haze off tile before grout has cured for a full 24 hours. Use light pressure when scrubbing and check that your sponge or scrub brush is clean.

I see a haze starting to return after cleaning my tiles. What should I do?

This is common as moisture is released during grout curing. Re-clean affected areas right away before it hardens again. An additional round of cleaning is often needed.

What is the fastest way to remove epoxy grout haze?

Epoxy grout requires more time to fully cure. Wait 72 hours before attempting to clean. Use maximum strength concentrations of enzymatic haze removers to dissolve the hardened film.

Conclusion

Removing grout haze from backsplash tile and getting into all the joints is essential for maintaining the finish of any tiled surface after installation. While it can be a time-consuming process, having the right cleaning supplies and following a thorough scrubbing method allows a DIYer to achieve professional-looking results. Keep in mind that multiple rounds of cleaning are typical. Applying a grout sealer after cleaning adds longevity to your grout lines. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a professional tile cleaning company to take care of any stubborn haze situations. With some diligent elbow grease and patience, you can keep your new backsplash looking freshly grouted for years to come.