Tiles are beautiful, easy to maintain, and clean, but what about cleaning grout? Especially because it is usually lighter in colour and has a rather porous composition. Grout is incredibly prone to staining, no matter where your tiled surface is found. In entry rooms – mud, dirt, and grime are the main reason for stains. In the kitchen – grease and food spills, and in bathrooms – mould and mildew, thanks to the high levels of humidity and moisture.
The good news is that cleaning grout is not a complicated task and you can easily get it over with using a few simple household items that are commonly found and inexpensive.
An important thing to mention is that the steps we will talk about in this article will progressively get harsher. It is always best to start with the mildest, least harmful method and work your way up if it does not work for you. If you are in doubt that a certain method is suitable for the particular grout you have, it is best to try it in an inconspicuous area in order to avoid damage (try under the sink or another hidden spot) or turn to professional cleaners .
Before you attempt cleaning your grout, it is important to understand what the different types of grout are and consider this before choosing the cleaning method or cleaning supplies you are about to use.
Sanded grout – This type of grout is made with cement. It has a grit that you can see and feel. Tilers usually use sanded grout in larger joints. It is a good choice for high-traffic areas and not so much for fine and smooth polished stone. That is because the sanded grout can actually scratch the surface of the tiles.
Unsanded grout – This type of grout is also made with cement but does not have grit. It is also used with smaller joints. It is easier to work with and clean than sanded grout and is also suitable for use with finely polished stone tiles and shower walls.
Epoxy grout – This is one of the more modern types of grout. It holds up better to water stains and tends to be less prone to shrinking and sagging than cement grout. It is more durable, as well, making it great for harsh environments, kitchen backsplashes and shower surrounds. It is less prone to cracking as well and is more likely to return back to its original colour when cleaned. The downside to this type of grout is that it is more expensive and takes longer to apply.
1. Scrub dirty grout using warm water and a medium-bristle brush
If you don’t own a grout scrubber, you can go to the hardware store and check out the many products that are specifically made for cleaning grout. To avoid damaging the grout, go for a softer nylon-bristled brush, instead of a hard steel one. Do not use too much water and do not let it sit on the grout for too long – remember it is quite porous and excessive moisture may cause mildew and mould.
2. Spray grout with equal parts vinegar and warm water
If your grout has been sealed but still has developed some stains, no matter heavy or mild, you can turn to vinegar. It is a trusty old household staple. Mix the solution of equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Apply to the grout and let it sit for 5 minutes, then scrub it with a stiff brush. Avoid using vinegar on unsealed grout.
3. Apply baking soda paste, then spray with vinegar
Cleaning grout with baking soda will bring even more power. Create a paste using baking soda and water, and cover all grout lines with it, then spray vinegar all over. Remember do not use it on unsealed grout. For unsealed grout use the baking soda paste only. Scrub with a brush, then rinse.
4. Use hydrogen peroxide
Moderate stains may require hydrogen peroxide. You can create a grout cleaning paste by mixing baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water. This mixture is typically safe for both sealed and unsealed grout.
5. Apply oxygen bleach and let it sit for about 15 minutes
For tougher stains on white grout, use oxygen bleach. Make sure you use this in a well-ventilated room and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the oxygen bleach sit for 10-15 minutes. Always rinse with clean water, then wipe the area dry so that the dirt does not resettle into the grout.
6. Steam clean the worst stains
Steam mops are suitable for cleaning most hard surfaces.
Additional tips on grout maintenance:
To prevent mould and mildew growth, spray your grout with household vinegar and wipe it down once a week. That way you will prevent further staining.
You can also give all grout lines a wipe with rubbing alcohol. Both methods will reduce the accumulation of grime and dirt and make your weekly grout cleaning easier.