Haze Will Not Come off a Backsplash

Microfiber Towel

• Wiping the surface of the backsplash down with a microfiber towel or professional coarse cheesecloth can remove the grout haze without the use of chemicals. The backsplash needs to be wiped down within three hours after you apply the grout so that it does not have time to harden. The surface of a microfiber towel or cheesecloth scrubs away the haze without causing damage to the tiles or grout. Press down on the tiles firmly and rub on the backsplash in small circles until you remove the haze.

Damp Sponge

• Once the grout hardens on the backsplash, it does not come off the tile surface easily. If you still see haze after you attempt to remove it with a towel or cheesecloth, you need to scrub on the grout with a damp, clean sponge. Fill a large bucket with clean water so that you can wash the sponge after you scrub the grout haze on the tile. Soak the sponge in the water and wring it out so that it remains damp. Avoid using too much water because you could wash away the grout in between the tiles or alter its color. When you are ready to clean the haze, wipe the backsplash in small sections to dissolve the film. After you wipe down a small section, dry it off with a microfiber towel. Rinse the sponge off in clean water after you clean each small section.

Grout Haze Cleaner

• If the grout haze remains, remove it from the backsplash with a grout haze cleaner. You can purchase the cleaner at almost any tile, home improvement or hardware store. When you purchase the cleaner, make sure that it says "grout haze cleaner" instead of "grout cleaner." Read the instructions on the product to determine how to apply it safely. You only need a small amount of the cleaner to remove the haze.

Acidic Cleaner

• When you do not have a grout haze cleaner on hand or if the stubborn haze remains, remove it with a professional acidic cleaner. Use a mild acidic cleaner because an aggressive one can damage the tile or grout. Always use an acidic cleaner as a last resort. Mix one part of the acidic cleaner with three parts of water. Dampen a sponge in the solution and wipe a small section of the backsplash. When you apply the solution, you may notice white foam. Wipe the foam off the surface with a microfiber towel. Rinse the tiles with a damp sponge and clean water to remove any remaining acidic cleaner from the backsplash.