Are you struggling with how to clean tile grout?
The mortar-like material that fills the gaps between tiles intends to create visual appeal and stop dirt from getting behind the tiles. However, when dirt and grim start to build up, the grout can certainly look less than pristine.
So, how do you clean grout in tiles? In this how-to commercial cleaning guide, we’ll cover just that and help you reclaim tiles that look as good as new!
Table of Contents
What is Tile Grout?
Firstly, it might be worth establishing what tile grout is before discussing how to clean it. Grout is generally constructed from a blend of water, cement, and sand, a mixture that works well to lock tiles in place and keep out moisture.
Our Equipment List for Cleaning Grout in Tiles
So, what equipment do you need to clean grout?
Before diving into the task, ensure you keep a checklist of the following tools:
| Grout Brush | Steam Cleaner | Grout Pen |
| Tooth Brush | Baking Soda | Gloves |
| Bucket | White Vinegar | Face Mask |
| Sponge | Bleach | Safety Goggles |
| Microfibre Cloth | Commercial Grout Cleaner | Electric Scrubber |
| Spray Bottle | Grout Sealer |
Our Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Tile Grout
Step 1: Prepare your area
Before starting to clean the tile grout, you should clear the surface, removing any objects, like rugs or furniture, from the tiled area you plan to tackle. Take things a step further by sweeping and vacuuming the floor to eliminate any dirt and debris.
You’ll thank yourself for this later – this will prevent dirt from sticking to the grout during cleaning.
Step 2: Jump into the initial clean
Your best bet for the initial clean is to fill a bucket with warm water and add several drops of dish soap. Utilise this solution to wipe down the tiles and grout, eradicating the surface dirt and grease. In the process, use a grout brush or an old toothbrush (whatever you have handy!) to scrub the grout lines. Doing this can loosen any of the surface grime.
Step 3: Try the baking soda and vinegar method
If you have baking soda and vinegar handy, you’ll be on your way to creating one of the best grout and tile cleaners out there! It’s also a great solution to clean brass. All you need to do is:
- Mix the baking soda with some water to create a thick paste and apply this directly to the grout lines.
- Pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the solution over the baking soda paste to help break down the grime
- Let the mixture sit for about ten minutes before scrubbing the lines with your brush
- Use your bucket of warm water and a sponge or cloth to rinse the mixture from the grout. Wipe the tiles and grout to get rid of any remaining residue. Simple!
Alternative Step 3: Use a commercial grout cleaner
If baking soda and vinegar don’t cut it, you could buy a commercial grout cleaner at your nearest shop. Floor cleaner for tiles is pretty easy to come by. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label to apply, scrub, and rinse the tile grout cleaner in the targeted area. This method is usually better for stubborn stains, but it’s worth using it with caution, as some cleaners can contain harsh chemicals. With this in mind, you may want to use safety precautions by wearing a face mask, protective goggles, and gloves.
Step 4: Pay attention to more stubborn stains
If you find that alternative grout cleaner methods don’t work in your case, you may have to take your cleaning methods to the next level. This calls for the need for a form of bleach named hydrogen peroxide. What you need to do is:
- Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to form a paste
- Apply the paste to the grout lines and let it sit for around ten minutes
- Scrub the grout lines with your brush, heavily focusing on the more stubbornly stained areas
- Use your warm water and a sponge or cloth to rinse the area and wipe it clean
Alternatively, you could use a steam cleaner with a grout attachment. Use the cleaner on the grout lines to loosen and lift dirt from the surface. While the initial upfront cost of a steam cleaner can put many people off, this tile-cleaning machine is very effective and chemical-free! As a green cleaning company, we can certainly appreciate this.
Step 5: Use a grout pen
After cleaning the tile grout, use a grout pen to colour over any remaining stubborn stains. This method can give your grout a fresh look, instantly improving the aesthetic of your bathroom, kitchen, or any other space you are tackling.
Step 6: Seal the grout
Sealing the grout is an optional step. It can help reinforce the protective barrier against dirt, spills, and other contaminants from getting behind the grout lines. To do this, ensure the grout is completely dry before applying a sealer. Be patient with this one – you may even have to leave it to set overnight! Then use a grout sealer, following the manufacturer’s instructions as you apply it.
What are the Benefits of Cleaning Grout in Tiles?
Performing a tile grout clean offers several fantastic benefits, such as:
- Enhanced aesthetics
Cleaning your tile grout can make your tiles look brighter and more attractive whilst restoring the tiles’ original colour – win-win!
- Better hygiene
Using a machine to clean tiles or a homemade solution can wipe out bacteria to improve your surfaces’ overall sanitation and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
- Longevity
Dirt and mould can weaken grout over time, triggering it to deteriorate. Cleaning tile grout can help maintain the grout’s durability and avoid having to fork out for costly replacements or replacements over a longer period.
- Easier maintenance
If your tile grout is clean, your routine becomes much easier and more efficient in the long run. Let’s face it – dirt is less likely to stick to well-maintained grout, so it’s worth creating a regular cleaning schedule to prevent build-up. Furthermore, clean grout means that sealants work more effectively to protect against stains and moisture.
- Boosted property value
Well-maintained, clean grout tiles can improve the overall look of your home, which may positively impact the property value to potential buyers or tenants if you ever decide to sell up or rent out.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Cleaning Tile Grout
Whilst you’re now an expert on cleaning tile grout, you should also understand how to avoid cleaning a build-up of dirt and grime in the first place. After all, no one wants to spend their weekend scrubbing at a particularly stubborn stain!
- Seal your grout lines
We recommend sealing grout lines every six to twelve months and applying grout sealer. This prevents stains and moisture from getting behind the grout, making cleaning tile grout much less troublesome.
- Regular maintenance
You’re probably sick of hearing this one, but regular maintenance is critical to avoid conducting a more severe cleaning spree in the long run. Simply wipe down your tiles and grout with a mild cleaner every week to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.
- Ventilation
Crack that window open! Proper ventilation in rooms with high moisture can decrease the risk of pesky mould and mildew, which are guilty of staining grout.
Grout Cleaning FAQs
What are some home solutions I could use instead of commercial grout tile cleaner?
If you don’t want to use a commercial tile cleaner in your bathroom, there are a few natural and homemade methods you could opt for. For example, mixing lemon juice and baking soda can make a great paste to apply to grout, which can then be scrubbed and rinsed to break down stains.
Another alternative is castile soap, baking soda, and water. Combine these ingredients and apply the solution to the grout. After allowing it to sit, scrub and rinse it.
How can I deal with mould and mildew?
We recommend whipping out the hydrogen peroxide and water solution or purchasing a commercial mould cleaner for mould and mildew.
Apply it and let it sit before going to town on the scrubbing and rinsing! And remember – to prevent mould in the first place, ensure proper ventilation.
How can I tackle tile grout discolouration?
If your tile grout has lost its natural colour, mix up and apply a baking soda and water solution or use a grout pen to recolour the grout. To avoid discolouration in future, make sure you seal the grout and clean it regularly.
What if these grout-cleaning methods don’t work?
If you’ve followed our guide on how to clean grout in tiles and applied all your best tile grout cleaners, you might want to hire a professional commercial cleaning service.
A stubborn stain needs to be addressed properly, and it’s sometimes worth leaving this to someone with experience in the industry.
Our Round-Up on Cleaning Tile Grout
So, there you have it – now you know more about the best way to clean tile grout and will be ready whenever the next speck of dirt or stubborn stain strikes!
If you’re still finding it difficult to clean tile grout, please contact us or check out our blog for more insights. Here, we offer a range of other cleaning tips, from cleaning glass shower doors to cleaning a toilet brush. We’re professionals in cleaning and would be delighted to help you in any way we can.