acid use will strip the surface of the grout because it is eroding the cement that bonds the sand together. It is essential to neutralize any acid using ammonia followup then proceed to seal. Any remaining acidic compounds will continue to weaken grout under the sealer and also contribute to the release of the very sealer you're applying to improve and protect the grout.
@@marmotronica Just answering your question from 8 months ago. I imagine you have moved on, but in case you or anyone with the same question is reading this; Mark was explaining that you need to neutralize the cleaner used. I understood Mark to be saying that if you do not neutralize the acid cleaner when cleaning ground, it will continue to act on the grout due to its corrosive properties. It may weaken and damage it unless you neutralize it with something basic such as ammonia, as he suggested. Furthermore, a sealant traps the acid beneath the sealant, so there goes your grout. That is the simple explanation and there are several factors that would determine the extend of the damage, if the acid were left without neutralizing and rinsing thoroughly. I am adding that bit about rinse...my family is trying to tackle a grout job in the kitchen. I used a "Heavy Duty Grout" something and the product instructs to rinse the cleaner with a lot of water and mop up or use a wet shop vac. Do not let it dry. The rest below is some basic chemistry. In this video, she used an acid cleaner. It was sulfamic acid . If you remember or google the PH scale, it is numbered from 0-14. Getting more technical, it is a measurement of free hydrogen. 7 on the PH scale is considered neutral (blood is about 7.4). You will find that chemicals are considered acidic below 7 on a PH scale. Around 7 is considered neutral and above 7 is considered basic. Both strong and weak acids and bases are used in cleaning applications. Sulfamic acid is from sulfuric acid, which is a very strong drain cleaner. Other household items that are acidic are coffee-pH=5, vinegar-pH=?, coke (contains posphoric acid)=pH 3.0 ish, lemon juice=pH=2, battery acid (hydrochloride acid - also swimming pool cleaner)-pH=0.
Bases are ammonia solution with a pH=around 11, baking soda-pH=9.5, sodium hypochlorite (chlorine based bleach) at about 13.5 and sodium hydroxide (lye) has a pH 14. We can't leave out good old hydrogen peroxide. It is a peroxide based bleach that when the chemical compound is decomposed oxygen is the active ingredient doing the cleaning or disinfecting work. Actually, this one is an acid at about 4.5.
@@marmotronica It's simple just use alkaline cleaners and avoid acid cleaners. They eat grout and by the way this tile appears to be travertine but may be a faux in ceramic. You especially never want to use acid cleaners on a calcium-based natural stone. It will cause permanent damage to the tile by etching it, creating a dull appearance.
I love the results. Is there a reason why you followed up with another sealant? Since the bottle of Polyblend says it contains a color & sealer, I'm wondering if there is a need for it?
You may be right but I had the sealant already so it didn't cost me anymore and it was a lot of work so I didn't want to take chances. Applying the sealant didn't take long. I'm happy to report its been over a year and it looks exactly the same, love it!
acid use will strip the surface of the grout because it is eroding the cement that bonds the sand together. It is essential to neutralize any acid using ammonia followup then proceed to seal. Any remaining acidic compounds will continue to weaken grout under the sealer and also contribute to the release of the very sealer you're applying to improve and protect the grout.
Can you explain please? I just don't get it, but it sounds bad
@@marmotronica Just answering your question from 8 months ago. I imagine you have moved on, but in case you or anyone with the same question is reading this; Mark was explaining that you need to neutralize the cleaner used. I understood Mark to be saying that if you do not neutralize the acid cleaner when cleaning ground, it will continue to act on the grout due to its corrosive properties. It may weaken and damage it unless you neutralize it with something basic such as ammonia, as he suggested. Furthermore, a sealant traps the acid beneath the sealant, so there goes your grout. That is the simple explanation and there are several factors that would determine the extend of the damage, if the acid were left without neutralizing and rinsing thoroughly. I am adding that bit about rinse...my family is trying to tackle a grout job in the kitchen. I used a "Heavy Duty Grout" something and the product instructs to rinse the cleaner with a lot of water and mop up or use a wet shop vac. Do not let it dry.
The rest below is some basic chemistry.
In this video, she used an acid cleaner. It was sulfamic acid . If you remember or google the PH scale, it is numbered from 0-14. Getting more technical, it is a measurement of free hydrogen. 7 on the PH scale is considered neutral (blood is about 7.4). You will find that chemicals are considered acidic below 7 on a PH scale. Around 7 is considered neutral and above 7 is considered basic. Both strong and weak acids and bases are used in cleaning applications.
Sulfamic acid is from sulfuric acid, which is a very strong drain cleaner. Other household items that are acidic are coffee-pH=5, vinegar-pH=?, coke (contains posphoric acid)=pH 3.0 ish, lemon juice=pH=2, battery acid (hydrochloride acid - also swimming pool cleaner)-pH=0.
Bases are ammonia solution with a pH=around 11, baking soda-pH=9.5, sodium hypochlorite (chlorine based bleach) at about 13.5 and sodium hydroxide (lye) has a pH 14.
We can't leave out good old hydrogen peroxide. It is a peroxide based bleach that when the chemical compound is decomposed oxygen is the active ingredient doing the cleaning or disinfecting work. Actually, this one is an acid at about 4.5.
@@marmotronica It's simple just use alkaline cleaners and avoid acid cleaners. They eat grout and by the way this tile appears to be travertine but may be a faux in ceramic. You especially never want to use acid cleaners on a calcium-based natural stone. It will cause permanent damage to the tile by etching it, creating a dull appearance.
Beautiful, it looks like it really lightened your room! Looks amazing!
I love the results. Is there a reason why you followed up with another sealant? Since the bottle of Polyblend says it contains a color & sealer, I'm wondering if there is a need for it?
I agree. Applying sealant on top of Polybend is a waste of your time and money.
You may be right but I had the sealant already so it didn't cost me anymore and it was a lot of work so I didn't want to take chances. Applying the sealant didn't take long. I'm happy to report its been over a year and it looks exactly the same, love it!
Sorry I didn't reply, I couldn't reply from my Ipad or phone. I used the sealant as extra protection. Still looks great!
+A Watson Awesome! :-)
Looks great!
That made such a difference. Thanks
That color seal you added afterwards Changed the color you added first. Why didn't you just Put the color seal in the beginning?
Damm ur a pro!!! So easy. And u have pretty toes
bigbadwolf holmez Those are fingers bro!
I've found Home Depot's Grout Renue to bond poorly if cleaned by a professional using the widely used, pressure-based cleaning method.