Grout lines are the unsung heroes of tiled surfaces, providing structure and durability. However, their porous nature makes them notorious for attracting and trapping dirt, grime, soap scum, mold, and mildew. Over time, bright white grout can turn dingy gray, brown, or even black, diminishing the appearance of your beautiful tiles. Fortunately, with the right supplies and techniques, you can restore your grout lines to their original pristine condition. Asubra Cleaning provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean grout between tiles, along with tips for long-term maintenance.
Why grout gets so dirty
Understanding what makes grout so susceptible to dirt helps in tackling the problem effectively.
- Porous Nature: Most common grout (cement-based) is highly porous. This means it has tiny holes and capillaries that readily absorb liquids, dirt, grease, and even microscopic particles.
- Location: Grout is typically found in high-traffic, high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, exposing it to:
- Soap Scum: Residue from soaps, shampoos, and body washes in showers and around sinks.
- Hard Water Minerals: Limescale and other mineral deposits from tap water.
- Dirt and Grime: Tracked-in dirt from shoes, food spills in kitchens.
- Mold and Mildew: The warm, damp environment in bathrooms is ideal for the growth of mold and mildew, which often manifest as black or pink discoloration on grout.
- Grease and Oil: Cooking splatters in kitchens.
- Abrasion: Foot traffic and even cleaning attempts with abrasive tools can wear down the surface of the grout, making it even more susceptible to trapping dirt.
- Lack of Sealing: Unsealed or improperly sealed grout is essentially an open invitation for contaminants to soak in, making it much harder to clean.
Supplies you’ll need
Having the right tools and cleaning agents is crucial for effective grout cleaning.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from harsh cleaners and grime.
- Grout Brush: Essential for scrubbing. Look for one with stiff, narrow bristles designed to fit into grout lines. An old toothbrush can work for small areas.
- Spray Bottle: For applying cleaning solutions.
- Clean Cloths/Sponges: For wiping and rinsing.
- Bucket of Clean Water: For rinsing.
- For DIY Methods:
- Baking Soda
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Hydrogen Peroxide (3% solution)
- Liquid Dish Soap (e.g., Dawn)
- For Commercial Methods:
- Oxygen Bleach (powdered OxiClean or similar) OR
- Chlorine Bleach Gel Cleaner (e.g., Clorox Bleach Gel) OR
- Commercial Grout Cleaner (e.g., Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner, CLR Grout Cleaner)
Cleaning methods
Always test your chosen cleaning method on an inconspicuous area of grout first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage. Ensure good ventilation when working with cleaners, especially bleach.
1. Baking soda and vinegar (for general dirt & mild mold – safe for most grout)
This is a popular, eco-friendly method that’s effective for common dirt and light mold on cement-based grout. Do not use vinegar on natural stone tiles (like marble, travertine, limestone), as it is acidic and can etch the stone.
- Prep: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
- Apply Paste: Apply the baking soda paste directly onto the grout lines. You can use your fingers (with gloves), a spoon, or an old toothbrush.
- Spray with Vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Lightly spray the baking soda paste until it begins to fizz.
- Let Sit: Allow the mixture to sit and fizz for 5-10 minutes. This reaction helps lift the dirt.
- Scrub: Use a stiff grout brush (or an old toothbrush) to vigorously scrub the grout lines. You’ll likely see the dirt loosening.
- Rinse: Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water using a clean cloth or sponge, wiping away all residue. You may need to change your rinse water frequently.
- Repeat (if needed): For very dirty grout, you might need to repeat the process.
2. Grout brush and bleach gel (for tough mold & mildew – use with caution)
For stubborn mold, mildew, and deeply embedded stains on white or light-colored cement-based grout, bleach can be highly effective. Never use bleach on colored grout unless you want to lighten it, as it will cause discoloration. Never mix bleach with vinegar or any other cleaners, as it can create dangerous, toxic fumes.
- Safety First: Ensure excellent ventilation (open windows, use a fan). Wear rubber gloves and eye protection.
- Choose Product: Use a chlorine bleach gel cleaner (these cling better to grout lines) or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water, but gel is more effective for precision). For a safer alternative, try an oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) mixed into a paste with water. Oxygen bleach is generally safer for colored grout (test first!) and does not produce harsh fumes.
- Apply: Apply the bleach gel directly onto the stained grout lines. If using powdered oxygen bleach, mix it with hot water to form a paste, then apply.
- Let Sit: Allow the bleach gel/oxygen bleach paste to sit on the grout for 5-15 minutes. For tough stains, you might let oxygen bleach sit longer (30-60 min).
- Scrub: Use a stiff grout brush to vigorously scrub the grout lines.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the area exceptionally well with plenty of clean water to remove all bleach residue.
- Repeat (if needed): For very stubborn stains, a second application might be necessary.
Sealing your grout for long-term results
Cleaning your grout is only half the battle. To keep it looking pristine and make future cleaning easier, sealing is crucial, especially for cement-based grout.
- Why Seal Grout?
- Prevents Stains: A sealant creates a protective barrier over the porous grout, preventing liquids, dirt, and grime from soaking in.
- Inhibits Mold/Mildew: While not entirely mold-proof, sealed grout is less hospitable to mold and mildew growth because it absorbs less moisture.
- Easier Cleaning: Sealed grout is much easier to wipe clean, as dirt sits on the surface rather than penetrating.
- Extends Grout Life: Protects the grout from deterioration due to absorbed contaminants and moisture.
- Types of Grout Sealers:
- Penetrating (Impregnating) Sealers: These are the most common and recommended. They soak into the grout pores, creating an invisible barrier from within, without changing the grout’s appearance. They offer excellent long-term protection.
- Topical (Coating) Sealers: These form a protective layer on top of the grout. They can sometimes change the grout’s sheen or color and may peel or flake over time. Less common for general grout sealing.
- How to Apply Grout Sealer:
- Clean Grout Thoroughly: Ensure your grout is spotlessly clean and completely dry before applying sealer. Any trapped dirt or moisture will be sealed in.
- Choose Your Sealer: Select a high-quality penetrating grout sealer.
- Apply with Applicator: Use a small brush, roller applicator, or a spray bottle (followed by wiping) designed for grout sealing. Apply the sealer evenly along the grout lines. Avoid getting too much on the tiles, especially if they are highly polished (wipe off excess immediately).
- Wipe Excess: After the recommended dwell time (check product instructions, usually 5-15 minutes), wipe off any excess sealer from the tile surface with a clean, dry cloth. Do not let it dry on the tiles, as it can leave a haze.
- Second Coat (Optional): Many sealers recommend a second coat after a specified drying time for optimal protection.
- Cure Time: Allow the sealer to cure completely before exposing the area to water or heavy traffic (check product instructions, often 24-72 hours).
- Frequency of Sealing:
- Cement-based grout should typically be re-sealed every 1-2 years for high-traffic or wet areas (like showers) and every 2-3 years for less wet areas (like kitchen floors). Natural stone tiles may need more frequent sealing.
- Epoxy grout generally does not need to be sealed, as it is non-porous.
By diligently cleaning your grout and then sealing it, you can dramatically improve the longevity and appearance of your tiled surfaces, ensuring they remain a beautiful and hygienic part of your home.
Are your grout lines telling a dirty story? Let the experts at Asubra Cleaning bring them back to life! We offer professional tile and grout cleaning services, utilizing advanced techniques and solutions to tackle even the toughest stains, followed by optional sealing for long-lasting results. Rediscover the true beauty of your tiled surfaces. Contact us today for a free estimate!
