How to remove stains on tiles in new build?

[notryan]

Hi, we have recently had handover of our build and the tiles appear to have some kind of water staining to the top, could this be grout? Or adhesive? Nothing seems to be able to get rid of it in the general cleaning category and it also seems to be water repellent. Please see photos for example.

The tiles are atlas grey Matt from National Tiles,

The grout is Mapei Ultra colour Plus - Anthracite and I believe the adhesive was a Dunlop one I believe the green bag the Mastic one.

Thanks

    

[JacobZ]

Hi @notryan,

Thank you for your question about cleaning some stained tiles in your new home.

It's hard to say for sure what the issue is, but there are three possible causes in my mind.

Grout sealer that has dripped, efflorescence or grout haze.

The fact you have said that the stains seem hydrophobic makes me think that the installer used a sealer on the tiles, and it has dripped and wasn't cleaned up. If this is the case, give Acetone a try. Apply a small amount to a cloth and gently rub the stains in a circular motion. Make sure you wear gloves and a mask while using acetone.

If it is efflorescence, use Crommelin Efflorescence Remover following the instructions closely as it will need to be mixed prior to application.

If it is grout haze, which I feel is the least likely, use Davco Tile And Grout Cleaner.

Give these methods a try and let me know how you go.

Jacob