Cleaning grout is one of those tasks that can seem tedious, but it makes a big difference in the look and feel of any tiled space.
However, cleaning grout improperly can actually damage it. Yes, you may be tempted to just grab the harshest chemical cleaner under the sink, but hold up! Strong cleaners can actually break down and erode grout, ruining the finish and texture. Fortunately, there are some simple techniques to clean grout effectively without causing any damage.
So, continue reading as we provide you an overview of the steps for safely cleaning grout without causing any damage.
Accessing Floor Tile Grout
Before cleaning, take a close look at the grout lines. What type of grout is it? Cement, epoxy, or latex? What color is it? Beige, white, or colored? Make notes on the current condition. Is there mold or mildew present? Are there cracks or missing sections?
Determine if sealing the grout is needed after cleaning. Sealing creates a protective barrier against moisture and stains. It’s a good idea for cement grout. Refer to manufacturer recommendations for epoxy and latex grout.
Cement grout is the most common type of grout used between tiles. It consists of a mixture of cement, sand, and water. When it cures, it creates a porous surface perfect for absorbing stains. Cement grout comes in different colors like white, tan, gray, and even custom colors to match the tile.
Epoxy grout has a high-performance resin in the mixture instead of cement. This makes an impermeable, stain-resistant surface. Epoxy grout is more durable and lasts longer than cement grout. It comes in fewer color options like white, off-white, and gray.
Latex grout contains latex polymers added to the cement mix. This makes it more flexible and resistant to cracking. Latex grout is less porous than cement grout and provides some stain protection. It is still recommended to seal latex grout however. The color palette is limited to white and off-white.
When inspecting grout, look for signs of damage like cracking, pitting, erosion, and missing sections. Also note any discoloration, stains, or growth of mold and mildew. This will determine the level of cleaning and possible repairs needed.
9 Important Supplies Needed For Cleaning
Cleaning grout requires just a few basic supplies:
- Mild dish soap – Avoid harsh cleaners which can discolor or dissolve grout. Dish soap contains gentle surfactants to lift dirt.
- Baking soda – Works as a gentle abrasive to lift stains. Also neutralizes odors.
- Vinegar – Helps dissolve mineral deposits, soap scum, and hard water stains. Acts as a disinfectant.
- Old toothbrush – Great for scrubbing narrow grout lines. Softer bristles won’t scratch.
- Spray bottle of water – Using a spray bottle controls the amount of water applied.
- Small scrub brush – For wider grout lines, a small scrub brush cleans effectively.
- Microfiber cloth – Wipes up excess water and dirt without lint.
- Bucket – Contains cleaning solutions for easy use.
- Safety gear – Gloves, goggles, and mask protect skin and eyes from cleaning agents.
It’s best to use natural cleaning solutions to avoid any damage to the grout. Harsh acidic or alkaline commercial cleaners can dissolve and deteriorate grout over time. Abrasive cleansers also gradually scratch the surface.
Baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap offer cleaning power without damage. Baking soda lifts stains and deodorizes while remaining gentle. Vinegar removes hard water deposits, soap scum, and mildew stains due to the acetic acid content. Dish soap acts as a surfactant to grab and rinse away dirt.
When mixing your own cleaning solutions, use warm or hot water for best results. The heat helps activate the ingredients. Always use soft brushes. Hard bristled brushes can abrade and gouge grout if scrubbed too aggressively.
Proper safety gear protects your skin and eyes from cleaning chemicals. Rubber gloves guard hands against irritation. Goggles prevent accidental splashing of solutions into eyes. A mask reduces ingestion or inhalation of fumes.
Step By Step Process
Mix a Gentle Cleaning Solution
For routine cleaning, simple homemade solutions using ingredients like vinegar and baking soda work well:
- Vinegar and water – Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. The acidic vinegar dissolves hard water deposits, soap scum, and stains.
- Baking soda and water – Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that lifts dirt.
- Dish soap and water – A few drops of mild dish soap mixed with warm water cuts through grease and grime.
Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, enzymatic cleaners, and acidic cleaners which can strip, fade, or damage grout. Always test solutions on an inconspicuous area first.
The vinegar and water mix is a great overall cleaning solution for grout. The acetic acid in the vinegar breaks up mineral deposits, soap scum, and other buildup. For tougher stains, let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.
Baking soda makes a gentle abrasive paste. The small granules lift dirt from the grout surface when scrubbed without being too harsh. Make the paste thick enough to actively scrub onto grout lines.
For kitchen or bath grout cleaning, a few drops of mild dish soap mixed with warm water cuts through grease and emulsifies grime for easy rinsing. Use a degreasing dishwashing liquid soap rather than a moisturizing hand soap.
Always spot test cleaners first in an inconspicuous area. Check for any discoloration or damage to the grout after 15-20 minutes. Then proceed if no adverse effects are seen.
Apply the Solution and Let It Sit
Apply the cleaning solution directly onto the grout lines. Use the spray bottle for a targeted stream. Or pour some solution directly onto a toothbrush or scrub brush. Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to work dissolving and loosening the dirt.
Aim the spray bottle nozzle directly at the grout lines for controlled application. Spray an even, light mist and avoid oversaturation.
For a toothbrush, dip the bristles into the cleaning solution to coat them. Then scrub onto grout lines in sections.
When using a scrub brush, dip it into a bowl of the cleaner to fully coat the bristles. Then drizzle more solution along the grout line before scrubbing.
Letting cleaners dwell gives the active ingredients time to break down the gunk filling grout pores. This makes scrubbing away the grime much easier with less effort. Setting a timer prevents over-wetting which can damage grout.
Scrub Gently
Gently scrub the grout lines to lift dirt and stains. Use the toothbrush for narrow grout lines. Apply light pressure and scrub in circular motions. For wider grout areas, use a small scrub brush. Rinse the brushes often for continuous cleaning action.
Take care not to scrub too harshly as this can dig out grout. Clean only in the grout lines, not on the tile surface itself. Rinse off any cleaning solutions that get on the tile.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub narrow grout lines. The soft bristles can penetrate crevices between tiles. Make circular motions to work the cleaning solution into pores. Rinse the toothbrush often as grout debris collects in the bristles.
For wider grout joints, a handheld scrub brush cleans better than a toothbrush. Look for one with soft, non-abrasive bristles. Make gentle front-to-back motions rather than harsh side-to-side scrubbing. This avoids gouging out chunks of grout material.
Rinse scrub brushes frequently while cleaning. This prevents a buildup of debris in the bristles which can scratch grout. Change out cleaning solution as it becomes dirty for the most effective cleaning.
Always scrub gently to avoid damaging the grout surface. Harsh scrubbing can gradually erode and pit the grout over time. Be patient and let cleaners do the work rather than brute force.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinsing completely removes all dirt and cleaning solutions from the grout pores. Use clean water in the spray bottle. Spray and wipe down the grout lines 2-3 times until no suds appear. Allow the surface to air dry completely before sealing or using again.
Thorough rinsing prevents soap scum buildup or any reactions between cleaning products that can leave a hazy film on grout. Spray water directly onto the grout lines to rinse out openings. Follow with wiping using a damp microfiber cloth.
Change rinse water frequently as it becomes dirty. Continue rinsing and wiping until all traces of cleaning solutions are gone. This may take 2-3 rounds with heavily soiled grout. Pores will be clean when water wipes up clear.
Inspect from multiple angles to ensure no residue remains. Remaining cleaner in pores can deteriorate or discolor grout over time. Proper rinsing restores the grout to its original bare surface.
Dry the Surface
Remove excess water with old towels or microfiber cloths. Avoid rubbing vigorously. Let the grout continue air drying for several hours. Thorough drying prevents mildew or moisture damage to grout. Using a fan speeds up the drying process.
Gently blot damp grout using a towel or cloth. Wiping or scrubbing can force water deeper into grout pores. Allow grout to air dry naturally as much as possible. Place a fan nearby to aid evaporation.
For humid climates or damp locations, aim a dehumidifier at the tile space while drying. Lower ambient humidity prevents a prolonged drying time that can allow mildew growth.
Once grout lines appear fully dry on the surface, give it a few more hours to finish drying deep in the pores where you can’t see. Rushing sealing or using the space before complete drying impairs performance and look.
Seal the Grout (Optional)
For porous cement grout, applying a grout sealer is recommended after cleaning. Sealer fills in pores and creates a protective barrier. Follow product directions closely. Apply a thin, even layer with a small paintbrush. Buff off any excess once dry.
Epoxy or latex grout may not need sealing. Check manufacturer guidelines. Re-apply sealer every 1-2 years for optimal results.
Sealing is an important step for cement grout to protect it after deep cleaning. The sealant fills in the pores and creates a barrier to prevent future stains and dirt from absorbing in.
Use a small paintbrush to brush a thin layer of sealer directly onto the damp grout lines. Avoid puddling. Follow with a dry cloth to wipe up any excess sealer. Allow to fully cure per product instructions before using the space.
Sealing epoxy or latex grout is often unnecessary but check manufacturer recommendations. Neither material is very porous. But sealing can provide extra stain protection between deep cleanings.
Over time, sealers wear off the grout surface through use. Reseal cement grout every 1-2 years to maintain performance. Remove old sealer first for best results.
Maintain Regularly
Keep grout looking its best with simple regular maintenance:
- Sweep and vacuum grout lines weekly to prevent dirt buildup.
- Use a gentle homemade cleaner weekly. Spray on vinegar solution and let sit briefly before wiping.
- Re-seal cement grout every 1-2 years per manufacturer instructions.
Regular cleaning keeps grout free of excess dirt before it has a chance to penetrate pores. Use a vacuum attachment or soft-bristled brush once a week to remove surface-level grime.
Apply a light vinegar and water solution weekly after sweeping. Let it sit briefly to naturally dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits before wiping clean.
Resealing cement grout maintains the protective barrier against moisture and stains from absorbing in. Check sealant yearly and re-apply every 1-2 years as needed.
With routine gentle cleaning and re-sealing, cement grout can look like new for decades without needing heavy deep cleaning. Preventing buildup is easier than removing thick layers later.
When to Call a Professional
In certain cases, professional grout cleaning may be needed:
- Severely neglected grout with years of buildup
- Grout haze that won’t rinse clean
- Stains that are resistant to removal attempts
- Re-grouting large sections or entire floors
- Suspected grout issues related to moisture or installation
A professional can steam clean and pressure wash excessively dirty grout. They also have access to more powerful cleaning solutions. So, trust professional hands for the best result.
Conclusion
To wrap up, cleaning and maintaining grout properly not only keeps it looking fresh, but also extends its lifespan. And with the right approach, you can safely clean grout without causing any damage. Just follow the above simple tips for restoring dirty and discolored grout to its original beauty. And your grout will stay clean and damage-free for years to come.
