HONEST GROUT CLEANING
Honest grout cleaning tips from
an actual tile contractor.
Mild Grout Cleaning
When I need to clean the grout in my home, this is how I do it:
Tools:
Process:
Tools:
- Toothbrush (or grout cleaning brush from Home Depot or tile store)
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Small bucket
- Sponge or rag
- Work clothes
Process:
- Put on your work clothes and grab your small bucket.
- Open the windows to let the vinegar smell vent.
- Pour some white vinegar into your bucket.
-For fairly dirty grout joints, use 100% straight vinegar.
-If you are sensitive to vinegar or don't have very dirty grout joints, mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. - Using your rag or sponge, spread the vinegar onto your floor.
- If you grout joints are pretty dirty, let the vinegar sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
- Using your toothbrush or special grout cleaning brush, get down and dirty and start scrubbing your grout joints.
- BOOST: To boost your vinegar cleaning power, after spreading the vinegar. Spread baking soda over that and let it fizz up for 5 minutes. Then scrub it with your toothbrush/grout cleaning brush.
Tougher Grout Cleaning
For tougher grout cleaning, this is what I suggest:
Tools:
Process:
Tools:
- Toothbrush (or grout cleaning brush from Home Depot or tile store)
- Chlorine bleach
- Baking soda
- Rubber gloves
- Large bucket
- Sponge or rag
- Work clothes
Process:
- Put on your work clothes and grab your large bucket.
- Open the windows to let the bleach smell vent.
- Put on your rubber gloves and pour 1 part bleach to 3 parts baking soda and mix it up until you have a paste.
- Smear the paste into the joints.
- If your grout joints are severely dirty, let the paste sit for 5 minutes.
- Using your toothbrush or special grout cleaning brush, use some elbow grease and scrub the grout joints.
Don't Use These As Cleaners
I don't suggest you use these as cleaners:
Muriatic acid Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is a clear, pungent and very strong acid that requires special protective measures. Not only is it dangerous to your body, it also can strip the polish off of your natural stone that has a polished finish to it.
Sandpaper and Abrasives: Sandpaper and abrasives will not only take off the top layer of your grout, they will also grind off the top layer of your tile. This is particularly something you should avoid for tiles that have their finish on the top. For example many ceramic and porcelain tiles have their color or design printed onto the top of them. Not to mention the same polished finish that natural stones have as mentioned above.
Muriatic acid Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is a clear, pungent and very strong acid that requires special protective measures. Not only is it dangerous to your body, it also can strip the polish off of your natural stone that has a polished finish to it.
Sandpaper and Abrasives: Sandpaper and abrasives will not only take off the top layer of your grout, they will also grind off the top layer of your tile. This is particularly something you should avoid for tiles that have their finish on the top. For example many ceramic and porcelain tiles have their color or design printed onto the top of them. Not to mention the same polished finish that natural stones have as mentioned above.
No luck? Try Coloring
If you are having no luck with your grout cleaning, try using a grout coloring package. Visit your local Tile Store to find a grout coloring option that works for you.
Or You May Have to Replace Your Tile
Though it is tough to hear, you just need to replace your tile. Install a slab-like tile with a tight grout joint that will help you avoid every having to scrub another grout joint.
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