Epoxy grout is not the best choice for all applications. It’s pricier and more difficult to use than regular grout, so cement grout is the better choice for many situations. In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of epoxy grout, as well as what to consider before using it.
Why is my epoxy grout turning yellow?
Epoxy grout does not naturally turn yellow. However, there are many reasons why grout can discolor over time, including:
- Water penetrating the surface
- Dirt trapped in the surface
- Damage from staining materials
- Grout that is too porous for your tiles
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How do you clean yellow epoxy grout?
Clean epoxy grout by wetting a clean sponge with warm water and using it to wipe down the tile or surface where the grout is located, scrubbing out stubborn spots with an old toothbrush. For a more thorough cleaning of your epoxy grout, you can use a tile cleaner made specifically for bathrooms.
If you’re dealing with stains that won’t come off of your epoxy grout, use bleach or oxygen bleach to remove them. Keep in mind that bleach can damage some surfaces; if this is true for yours, switch over to using hydrogen peroxide or peroxide.
Does epoxy grout discolor?
Though epoxy grout is made from resins, it is not stain proof. So does epoxy grout turn yellow? Yes and no.
Epoxy grout has a high resistance to chemicals, so it won’t react with mild cleaners, which many of us use on a regular basis in our homes and offices. That being said, we must remember that epoxy grout is not 100% chemically resistant—it can discolor when exposed to harsh chemicals like bleach or drain uncloggers. If you think your bathroom might have been recently cleaned with ammonia-based cleaners, don’t use epoxy until thorough rinsing has occurred.
Why is my grout turning yellow?
There are several reasons why grout may turn yellow. The most common reason for yellowing is the presence of soap scum and mildew.
Other causes can be staining from dyes in clothing or fabrics, food, and drink spills, moisture, improper cleaning, or too much water used in a cleaning solution.
Does white epoxy turn yellow?
As a wise person once said, “don’t put anything on your floor that you wouldn’t want to slide into your food.” To help ensure that all of our epoxy grout looks yellow-free and—more importantly—our floor is as well, we’ve compiled this handy list of epoxy tidbits.
- Epoxy Grout is UV Stable: Epoxy grout will not yellow over time as long as it is kept away from direct sunlight. UV rays can adversely affect the material and result in a change in color if exposed to them.
- Epoxy Grout is Durable: Unlike traditional tile or marble floors, epoxy grouts are durable for everyday wear and tear. The material will remain stain free even with years of use!
- Epoxy Grout is Easy to Clean: Epoxy grouts are easy to clean with just soap and water or bleach/water solutions. With regular maintenance routine cleanings (which should be done every three months) you’ll find that your floors stay beautiful for years on end!
Can I use bleach on epoxy grout?
No, you should never use bleach on epoxy grout. Bleach will not only remove stains, but it can also permanently damage the grout lines.
Instead, opt for a more gentle cleaner like a simple soap and water solution or baking soda and water. For tougher stains, vinegar can be effective in combination with baking soda.
How do you remove yellow from epoxy?
If you are worried about your epoxy grout turning yellow, there are a few ways to prevent it. One of the simplest ways is to use a sealant or grout sealer. A sealant will protect the grout from dirt and stains, and it helps keep the color looking fresh.
If you do get any yellow spots on your epoxy, you can use a toothbrush that has been soaked in cherry Kool-Aid to scrub them off. If that does not work, however, you can try using baking soda or vinegar instead.
First, mix together 1 cup water with ¼ cup baking soda until it forms a paste-like substance; then dab this onto any yellow areas on your tiles using an old toothbrush. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water and drying the tiles completely using paper towels or cloths.
If that does not work either then try using vinegar instead because this acidic liquid is also great at removing stains from tiles as well as other types of surfaces such as glass windowsills or mirrors too!
How do you keep white grout from turning yellow?
- Buy a grout sealer and use it. Sealers form a protective layer over your grout that prevents moisture from getting in, keeping out the dirt and stains that can discolor your grout.
- Clean your grout regularly. It’s easier to keep mold/mildew from forming in the first place than to get rid of it once established.
- Use colorant on your white grout if you’re having trouble keeping it clean and bright. White is the hardest color to keep looking new since even small imperfections are more visible against the lighter background when compared with other colors. If you use a cleanable grout colorant, you’ll be able to go back and touch up any areas where little bits have been rubbed off over time by simple cleaning or foot traffic.
- Try using a stain product instead of a sealer if you’re still displeased with the look of your white grout after trying some different products; this will give you more control over its appearance than just applying another layer of sealer would allow for.
- Avoid using bleach on white grout; it will turn yellow as well!
Conclusion
To recap, epoxy grout is less likely to yellow than other types of grout. However, it’s not completely immune to becoming discolored.
If you do get a yellowing issue, you can fix it with bleach or sealant—but the best plan is to avoid the problem entirely! To do so, make sure your tile installation is perfectly clean before you apply grout sealant. And if you’re using epoxy as your grout product, pay particular attention to washing away every trace of oil and residue.
Then enjoy your new shower knowing that it will look great for years to come!
