How do I remove grout haze and silicon sealant from porcelain wall tiles?

[alba2]

We had a feature wall done in the bathroom with rippled cream glazed porcelain tiles.

I don't know what the tiler did wrong, but there is a wide grout haze around each large tile. The tiles were essentially meant to blend together so when looking at the wall you saw a virtually uninterrupted ripple from floor to ceiling without individual tiles standing out.

I initially just washed the wall with warm soapy water, to no effect. I then looked online and 50/50 clear vinegar and warm water was suggested with Scotchbrite pad. I mixed in some washing up liquid and went over the wall tiles 3 times. This too had very little effect.

Is there anything I can use that is effective but will not damage the porcelain wall tiles, and the high glazed floor tiles below, should the liquid run down onto the floor?

In addition, when the walls were sealed with white silicone sealant down the junction in the corners, the sealant went into the horizontal ripple of the tiles, so there is not a nice straight vertical line. What can I do to rectify this?

I don't want to ask the tiler back as I have lost confidence in him.

 

[PaulJons]

Hi mate,
B+Q and topps tiles do a specialist natural stone cleaner which might help though silicon is difficult to remove, of the two i would try Topps'.
You might want to have a go with solvent cleaner which you can get from your local hardware store.

 

[alba2]

Thanks for taking the time. I will have a look in Topps.

 

[Paul C.]

LTP Solvex for the Silicone. apply, leave for 20-30 minutes. Should scrape off. If it doesn't, leave it to sit for longer and try again. Its a liquid, so scrub the solution on the walls and while still wet, cover over the clingfilm to hold it in place while its working.

LTP Grout Stain Remover for the grout haze. No danger of either of these damaging porcelain. Apply, leave for 15 minutes, scrub with a white emulsifying pad, rinse with clean water, job done

 

[alba2]

Paul C

Thanks for that. The reviews seem quite positive, so will give it a try.

I haven't tried anything other than vinegar yet, which was unsuccessful.