Description
Davco Tile and Grout Cleaner is an acid-based cleaner formulated specifically for tough dirt, stains and aged grout that a general-purpose cleaner won’t fully lift, and it also helps remove minor efflorescence and mould or mildew from grout surfaces. Being acid-based is deliberate — it’s what gives it the cutting power for genuinely aged, soiled grout, but it also means it needs to be treated with real care around newly installed grout and certain tile types.
The 28-day cure requirement before first use isn’t a conservative suggestion — the acid can etch grout that hasn’t fully cured, and some specific tile types can also be affected. A test patch in an inconspicuous area is the correct first step on any job before committing to full-surface cleaning.
Technical Specifications
| Appearance | Clear liquid |
|---|---|
| Bulk density | 1.0kg/L |
| Dilution | 10 parts water : 1 part cleaner |
| Minimum grout cure before use | 28 days |
| Shelf life | 12 months unopened, stored cool and dry |
| Packaging | 1 litre jerry can |
Where to Use
- Ceramic, mosaic, quarry and slate tiles
- Aged grout affected by tough dirt, stains, mould or mildew
- Grout surfaces with minor efflorescence
How to Apply
- Test first — place 2-3 drops on the tile, wait 15 minutes, rinse and examine when dry.
- Wet the surface — use a saturated mop or sponge with clean water before applying the product.
- Mix the solution — dilute at 10 parts water to 1 part cleaner in a clean plastic bucket.
- Clean the surface — for normal cleaning, wipe with a dampened mop or sponge and rinse immediately with clean warm water.
- Treat heavier soiling — apply a greater quantity, soak up to 10 minutes, scrub with a stiff nylon brush, then rinse well.
Important Notes
- Do not use on grout installed for less than 28 days — the product can etch uncured grout and some specific tile types.
- Do not use with any other detergents or cleaning materials.
- Wear PVC or similar gloves and eye protection; avoid prolonged skin contact and rinse the area with clean water if contact occurs.
The 28-day rule exists because grout continues curing and hardening well past the point it looks and feels set — an acid cleaner applied too early can etch or soften grout that hasn’t reached its full chemical cure, leaving a visibly rougher or more porous finish than the surrounding, properly-cured sections. That’s also why a test patch matters beyond just confirming the product works on a given tile: it also confirms the grout itself has genuinely reached the point where an acid-based cleaner is safe to use across the whole floor.
