Important tips to help prevent efflorescence on brand new laid floor!

1. Mix entire bags of grout at once. Avoid mixing small amounts or partial bags. Use an accurate measuring pitcher to ensure precise amount of water is used, as indicated on bag.

2. Under normal conditions, tile set with a traditional Portland cement- based thin-set or mastic requires about 48 hours of drying time before grouting, even if the tile is tightly bonded. Cooler temperatures will require longer drying times. Always follow the thin-set manufacturer’s directions regarding the drying time required before grouting.

3. Perform calcium chloride tests or relative-humidity moisture probe tests to ensure that concrete slabs are ready to receive tile installations.

4. Use bottled water for mixing and cleaning when water source has a high mineral content or is high in chlorine.

5. Cement grout cures properly at 73°F (23°C) with 50% relative humidity. Do not install grout at temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Plan exterior installations during warm-weather seasons when temperatures will remain above 50°F (10°C) until grout is fully cured.

6.Wring out sponges well before wiping grouted areas. A sponge that is too wet will cause the grout joints to become saturated during the initial cleanup. Be careful not to leave standing water behind.

7.When grouting heavily pitted tiles, use a grout bag and, as much as possible, avoid getting grout on the tile surface. When grouting unglazed, rough-finish or textured tiles, use a grout release agent or sealer to make cleanup easier and reduce the number of sponge passes needed.

8.When cleaning or moistening the tile surface before grouting, it is important to avoid drenching the joints and leaving water behind, which may not evaporate before grouting begins. Use damp sponges instead of wet mops to moisten or clean the tile surface before grouting. Ensure that all joint areas are free of water and are dry before grouting.

9.When installing large-format porcelain tile, allow extra drying time before grouting.

10. Avoid washing the floor or running the shower for at least 48 hours. Protect grout from rain for at least 72 hours. Do not submerge grout for 21 days.

Tips on how to avoid efflorescence appearing on grout and tiles?

Moisten the grout with clean water and try scrubbing the efflorescence using a clean stiff nylon brush and/or a clean white scrub pad. Avoid soaking the area with excessive amounts of water. In mild cases of efflorescence, this process will remove the powdery salt residue from the surface of the grout. In moderate cases of efflorescence, using a grout haze remover may aid in the removal of salt crystals. While grout haze removers are formulated to remove grout residue from the tile surface, they often work great for removing efflorescence as well. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the grout haze remover. Scrub the efflorescence using a clean stiff nylon brush and/ or a clean white nylon scrub pad.
Severe cases of efflorescence may require the use of a phosphoric acid- based heavy-duty tile and grout cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using a heavy-duty cleaner. Scrub grout using a clean stiff nylon brush. Neutralise the area well by rinsing and scrubbing with cool, clean water. Grout should be allowed to harden at least 21 days before using any acid- based cleaner. Never use acid-based cleaners on natural stone

Click below to see the different type’s of stone we cover!

Slate, Stone fireplace, Terracotta, Terrazzo, Travertine, Victorian or Edwardian Mosaics, Ceramic, Marble, Sandstone, Granite, Limestone, Grout