QUESTION

Porcelain Tile has Haze - I have porcelain tiles in my bathroom that were laid three years ago.From the start there has been a cloudy film that can be scratched away with a blade, but I can't fine any cleaners that will remove the film. The areas I have clesred with a blade have a great finish but to do this to the whole bathroom would take days of constant scraping. Can you advise what will remove the film?

ANSWER

ANSWER - There is likely a product that will remove the haze if you are able to scrap it off.  First you need to experiment to determine what the haze is, so you can determine which type of stripper to use.  For clarification, porcelain tile is a type of a ceramic tile and will be referred to as a ceramic tile.

If it was a cement film then a diluted solution of vinegar or a prepackaged diluted sulphamic or phosphoric based cleaner would likely work.  Do not use any acidic product that is not manufactured for the use with ceramic tile or it could permanently damage the surface of the tile.  Acidic based products can etch the surface of glazed ceramic tiles, and polished stone surfaces.

It might be a latex haze.  There are special products for removing latex based hazes.  If you used an epoxy grout then it could be an epoxy haze and then you have to use a special product for removing epoxy haze.

Visit our website at www.CTaSC.com and go to Expert Answers for Resources and click Cleaners and Sealers for a list of cleaner manufacturers with links to their websites to determine which products to buy and test.  Always test the cleaner you want to experiment with first in an inconspicuous spot in case it doesn't work and causes damages.  Good Luck.