Short answer: cement haze is removed with an acidic cement haze remover – on porcelain stoneware and ceramics with stone clear FP 78, on granite and other acid-resistant surfaces with stone clear ZE77. Pre-wet the joints, apply the solution (1:10, for heavy haze 2–3:10), leave briefly, scrub with a pad or brush and rinse with plenty of clean water. Caution: marble, limestone, travertine and cement tiles cannot tolerate acid.
What is cement haze?
Cement haze is a thin, greyish-white film of cement, lime and fine mortar residues. It forms when tiles are laid and grouted and remains on the surface after drying. Typical signs: the surface looks dull, grey or blotchy, new tiles never look “really clean”, and dirt sticks more quickly. Cement haze cannot be removed with normal cleaner or water – it has to be dissolved chemically.
Which product for which material?
| Material | Recommended product | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain stoneware (polished, satin, matt, textured), ceramics | FP 78 Cement Haze Remover for Porcelain Stoneware | Penetrates micropores, also removes limescale, water marks and pencil lines |
| Granite, gneiss and other acid-resistant stone surfaces, indoors and outdoors | ZE77 Cement Haze Remover | Concentrated, also removes mortar residues, efflorescence and hardened construction dirt |
| Acid-resistant surfaces outdoors (patio, façade, steps) | SF 79 Limescale and Efflorescence Remover | Highly active against cement haze, concrete residues and white efflorescence |
| Marble, limestone, travertine, Jura, Solnhofen, cement tiles | Do not use acid! | Acid etches calcareous stone. Please contact us – we will advise you or take care of the cleaning |
Before you start: what you should know
- Let the grout cure: only clean once the grout has fully hardened. Follow the grout manufacturer's instructions.
- Check the material: cement haze removers are acidic. They attack calcareous stone and metal surfaces. If in doubt, always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
- Wear protection: protective gloves and safety goggles. When spraying, also respiratory protection.
- Protect the surroundings: immediately wash off splashes on painted or lacquered surfaces and on metal with plenty of water.
Guide: remove cement haze in 6 steps
- Rough clean: sweep or vacuum loose construction dirt and dust.
- Pre-wet the joints: thoroughly wet the surface with clean water, especially non-acid-resistant cement joints. This stops the joints from absorbing the acid.
- Mix the solution: for light haze, 1 litre of concentrate to 10 litres of water (10 %); for heavy haze, 2–3 litres to 10 litres of water (20–30 %). ZE77 can also be used undiluted if necessary.
- Apply and leave to act: spread the solution evenly. With FP 78, leave for approx. 10 minutes. Do not let the solution dry. On walls, always work from bottom to top to avoid run marks.
- Scrub: work with a pad, brush or single-disc machine until the haze comes off. Treat stubborn crusts several times.
- Rinse thoroughly: vacuum or squeegee off the dirty water and wash the surface with plenty of clean water until no acid residues remain.
Coverage: 10 litres of working solution are enough for approx. 30–50 m². A 1-litre container is usually enough for a bathroom.
Tip for porcelain stoneware: with the stone clear RG 913 Microfibre System you get the best results with FP 78. For textured surfaces, the RG 923 Multi-Fibre System is suitable.
Afterwards: protect and care
The end of the post-construction cleaning is the best time to protect. Seal absorbent natural and engineered stone with SI 88 Stain Stop Aqua, unglazed porcelain stoneware with SI 84 Porcelain Stoneware Stain Stop. For regular cleaning of porcelain stoneware, UR 17 Porcelain Stoneware Cleaner is suitable.
Frequently asked questions about cement haze
How do I remove cement haze from porcelain stoneware?
With the acidic special cleaner FP 78: pre-wet the surface, mix the solution 1:10 (10 %), for heavy haze 2–3:10 (20–30 %), apply, leave for approx. 10 minutes, scrub and rinse with plenty of clean water.
Can I remove cement haze from marble or limestone?
Not with acid – it etches the surface and leaves dull spots. Calcareous stone requires mechanical cleaning by a professional. StoneClear offers this cleaning as a service.
Does vinegar help against cement haze?
Vinegar is a weak acid and has little effect on real cement haze. On marble, limestone and cement tiles it also causes damage. A professional cement haze remover is more effective, more even and can be dosed precisely.
When can I remove cement haze after grouting?
Only once the grout has fully cured – the time depends on the grout used. Always pre-wet the joints with water before cleaning.
How much cement haze remover do I need?
10 litres of working solution are enough for approx. 30–50 m². At a dilution of 1:10, 1 litre of concentrate therefore covers around 30–50 m².
What is the difference between cement haze and efflorescence?
Cement haze is a film of construction residues after laying. Efflorescence consists of white salt and lime deposits that later migrate from the substrate to the surface – often on patios and walls. On acid-resistant surfaces you can remove both with ZE77 or SF 79.
Not sure which product is right?
StoneClear is your Swiss specialist for stone cleaning and stone care – for private customers, tilers and cleaning companies. Call us: +41 41 790 38 05, or write to us via the contact form. Delivery in 1–2 days, Swiss Made.
