removal of grouting from tiles

[steveb3999]

Hi all, does anybody know an easy way of removing grouting and the white "film" from tiles, seemed that i put them up ok but failed in the cleaning process, they look matt instead of shiny.

regards
steve

[Clanad]

Try a diluted vinegar solution of about 1 cup of any vinegar (I use white) and 1 cup of warm water. Using one of the spongeback kitchen scrubbers, I find that it works quite well. It's best not to let the vinegar mixture set on the grout line to long... rinse it with warm, clear water.
Friends tell me there's a fairly new product, at least here in the U.S., called Sulfumic Acid that works quite well. It's apparently easy to work with without all the smell of Muratic Acid.
Additionally, I've picked up a little packet of tools at the DIY store that resemble Dentist's metal picks. They're very handy to even up grout lines and help remove the grout from rough areas of the tile, if they have any...
Best of luck!

[buildersmate]

If the above doesn't work or requires too much elbowgrease, this product is widely available in the UK.
http://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product.a sp?ID=2685
It is based on phosphoric acid, which is stronger than vinegar. Find it at a large DIY shed or specialist tile supply company.

[mjwman]

Before doing all that try simply polishing with a ball of screwed up newspaper.
The oily ink gets off the film and it does not colour the grout. I have used this for years with success each time!y

[heathfield]

I just use one of those green pot-scourers, made by 3M, (and everyone else, these days).

[vivandorron]

The danger of using any abrasive material is that it will scratch or dull the tiles. I like mjwman's suggestion; although I would opt for polishing with 0000grade Steel Wool (not readily available.....manufactured by Liberon, New Romney, Kent.) Alternatively, you could try 'Astonish' which is a scratch free abrassive and is really excellent for glass and ceramic surfaces. It's also good on metal; such as chrome taps etc. ............Best wishes...Happy New Year....Ron