Are you wondering how to clean dirty grout in tile floors to keep your home looking clean and hygienic? Most people put off this tedious chore as long as possible. However, it does not have to be the last thing on your to-do list.Here, we provide fail-safe techniques that detail the best way to clean grout in tile. Read on to make this task easier and enjoy your newly cleaned grout.
How To Clean Grout in Tile Floor: Best and Easy Way
So, how do you clean grout in tile floors? Follow this simple technique for an easy way to clean grout in floor tiles.
Scrub the Grout With Brush and Warm Water
The first step in how to get grout and tile clean is to brush it using warm water to loosen ingrained dirt.
Mix Equal Amounts of Warm Water and Vinegar and Spray the Grout
Lifts ingrained dirt and grime from the grout. Do not use vinegar on unsealed grout.
Spray With Vinegar After Applying a Baking Soda Paste
Apply a baking soda paste, spray with vinegar, and allow to foam. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush and then rinse with plain water before wiping dry.
Add Some Hydrogen Peroxide to the Mix
Hydrogen peroxide lifts stubborn stains safely on unsealed and sealed grout. Mix with baking soda to make an effective tile and grout cleaning paste.
Allow Up to 15 Minutes for the Oxygen Bleach To Work
Oxygen bleach effectively cleans heavily stained grout. Always rinse with clean water and wipe dry to prevent the dirt from resettling into your grout lines.
Use a Professional Grout Stain Remover To Get Rid of the Stains
Commercial grout stain removers effectively remove mold and mildew from grout lines. Brush gently and follow directions on the bottle to avoid damage.
Clean the Most Stubborn Grout Stains With Steam
Another effective how-to-clean-grout-on-tile-floor method that works particularly well on heavily soiled surfaces requires using a steam mop. Popular brands include Bissell, Hoover, and Oreck.
Use Chlorine Bleach on the Grout Sparingly
An important consideration when thinking about how to clean dirty grout in tile floors relates to chlorine bleach. Use this cleaner sparingly as it weakens and fades grout, causing cracking.
Required Equipment and Materials: How To Clean Grout Lines
Thinking about how to clean grout lines in tile floors? You’ll need the following materials and equipment:
Stiff-Bristle Brush: Use medium-bristle brushes (not wire brushes) clean grout in tile floor installations without damage.
Spray Bottle: Use for holding and spraying the cleaning solutions onto the dirty grout.
Vinegar: Perfect for use on sealed grout to lift ingrained dirt.
Chlorine Bleach: Another cleaning agent ideal for use on sealed grout
Hydrogen peroxide: Can use safely on sealed and unsealed grout.
Baking soda: Perfect for effective everyday cleaning and deodorizing. Mix with water to make a quick paste.
Oxygen bleach: Excellent for heavily stained tile and grout
Steam mop: Ideal for removing the most stubborn grout and tile stains.
Types of Grout
Un-Sanded Grout
This grout works best for thin grout lines less than 1/8-inch wide. Use on delicate tile and glass tile surfaces or as unsealed grout.
Finely-Sanded Grout
Makes the best choice for joints 1/8-inch to 3/8-inch wide, providing stability and preventing shrinkage and cracking.
Quarry-type grout
Quarry-type grout works best where the joints are 3/8-inch to ½-inch wide.
Epoxy Grout
This grout is stain-resistant and strong, containing epoxy resin, hardener, and silica fillers.
Cleaning Grout: Frequently Asked Questions
How often should tile and grout be cleaned?
Daily—we recommend scheduling professional grout and tile cleaning annually.
Why should I get tile and grout professionally cleaned?
Professionals maintain the quality and strength of your tile without damage. They also know how to eliminate bacteria and other pathogens that could make you sick.
Is it important to seal grout lines?
Yes. Grout is porous and stains easily; sealing prevents corrosion and cracking.
How long does grout take to dry?
Grout generally takes 24–72 hours to dry.
Why should a professional company clean your tile and grout instead of cleaning it yourself using a DIY household cleaning solution?
Professionals avoid over-brushing and harsh cleaning agents that could corrode the grout. They also know how to remove dried grout and stubborn stains on tiles and grout without causing damage.
Can I use household cleaning products on my tile and grout surfaces?
Yes. Use non-corrosive DIY grout cleaners, such as a mix of dishwashing soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda or a lemon juice and cream of tartar mix.
Recommended Grout Cleaner Service Provider—Contact Carpet To Go
We hope this explainer informed you about how to clean grout from tile floors. At Carpet To Go, we are experts at restoring tile and grout safely without the risk of damage. We are the leading provider of services and products that meet all your flooring needs in and around Seattle.Schedule an in-home estimate by calling (425) 440-3307 today, and we’ll get your tile and grout, whatever type it is, looking spotless and hygienic. Trust the expert team at Carpet To Go today.
