Grout is the material that is apply to the space — or " joint " — between tiles . By fulfil the gaps betweentiles , grout keeps debris from entering crevices that would be nearly impossible to clean , and it offers additional morphologic integrity to tile surfaces . Grout is also used to seal wall around countertops , backsplashes and bathtub , and on tile floors . And because grout is visible , it serves as a innovation element that goes hand - in - deal with visual collection of the surface to which it is applied . Everything finally arrive dirty , though , andhow to cleanse groutthen becomes the question .
When it comes to cleanse dirty grout , here ’s the filthy truth : Unlike roofing tile , it can be difficult to clean stained grout . If you undertake this projection incorrectly or use a chemical concoction that is too powerful , it could contribute to damage grout and costly fixing .
To rarify matter , most ready - made household cleaning Cartesian product submit the opposite trouble : They merely are n’t up to the job . These cleaning products may make other surfaces beam , but they wo n’t get down - and - dirty with grout to combat the grime that has settled into its crinkle .
So howdoyou keep grout clean ? We ’ve research the options and now it ’s time to add up clean .
First, Know Your Grout
While tile is typically filth - resistant , the type of grout that is placed between tiles will decide how susceptible the grout is to discoloration . There arethree main types of grout : sanded grout , unsanded grout and epoxy resin grout .
sand grout and unsanded grout ( also known ascementitious grout ) both have a cementum base , but raw grout is less gritty because it moderate finer particles of Baroness Dudevant . While sanded grout is best apply to tile joints that are one - eighth in ( 0.3175 cm ) wide or wider , such as floor tiles , unsanded grout is design for use in gaps that are narrow-minded , such as exhibitioner tiles or backsplash tile . Both sandpaper and unsanded cementitious grout need to be sealed withwaterproofing sealerupon installation and again every few yr to ensure they remain as impervious as possible to stains .
Epoxy grout is made from a miscellany of epoxy rosin , silica fillers , slanted pigment and a hardening agentive role . Epoxy grout also comes in sanded or unsanded versions . Epoxy grout does not need to be sealed so it is reckon less susceptible to stains .
The inauspicious truth , though , is that all grout — whether cementitious or epoxy — is apt to defile .
Use a Cleaner With a Mid-level pH
A good rule of thumb for clean grout is " first , do no trauma . " Cleaning concoctions , even homemade clean house mixture , that contain highlyacidic or alkalineingredients may break - down the sealant that is protecting the grout from stains in the first place . And once this seal is breached , these coarse cleaner will get down break up the grout itself .
The pH spectrum ranges from 0 to 14 , withacidic liquidsassigned low-pitched numbers and alkaline liquids assign higher numbers . A neutral pH is correct in the midriff of the grasp at " 7 . " Lemon succus andvinegar , for example , are both highly acidic liquids with a pH value of " 2 , " while chlorine whitener is highly alkaline with a pH value of 12 .
broadly speaking , dot - base cleaning solutionsare best for round alloy fixtures or removing hard water supply deposition . Alkaline - based cleaning solutions can be used to cutting through grease or removing a build - up of stain . But when it comes to scavenge grout , it ’s best to begin with a mild cleansing answer , one that is n’t too far on either side of thepH reach .
Steps to Tackle Grout Stains
Here are the steps to take , from the uncomplicated , to those that will take on the grimiest situations , for cleaning your grout :
1. Start with water
Themildest cleaning solutionis as unsubdivided as it gets : water . commence by spraying the grout lines with warm water ; the grout should be moist but not soaked . Then use a nylon brush with soft- to intermediate - bristles to scrub the damp grout in a circular motion . Once you ’ve thoroughly call off the grout melody , pass over them wry . You do n’t desire them to stay wet or you ’ll gamble the development of mould .
2. Up the ante with vinegar and water, but know the risks
If the grout still looks stained , you could up the sour level of the cleaning product by using a diluted acetum and body of water mixture in a spray bottle — but be certain you understand the risk . If the grout isunsealed , or has not of late been resealed , do not apply even a dilute material body ofvinegarto address grunge .
The acidic vinegar will dissolve the grout . Even grout that is varnish is at risk from strip solutions that hold acetum . The same is true of cleaning solutions that contain lemon yellow or other liquids with a abject pH value — or cleaning solutions withbleach or ammoniathat contain a eminent pH value . All are potentially damaging to grout .
If it is worth the risk to potentially damage the sealer or grout so as to address a spot , then it may be deserving aone - meter use . Keep in nous , however , that many grout and tile expertswarn against using vinegaron floors or grout . If you decide to continue , some cleanup experts urge a one - to - one mixture ofvinegar and ardent waterthat could be spray on seal grout and then scrubbed with a brushing .
3. Try a baking soda paste
If this mixture still does n’t disembarrass the grout of stain , the grout lines could be covered with abaking soda / water pasteand then sprayed with a dilute vinegar / urine solution and scrubbed . If the grout is unsealed , employ the baking soda / water spread without the acetum spray . bush and wipe ironical .
4. Move to a baking soda/hydrogen peroxide paste
Really stubborn sealed or unsealed grout stains could be addressed with a baking soda / hydrogen hydrogen peroxide spread . use thehomemade pasteand lightly scrub , let it posture for a few moment , then rinse unclouded and wipe dry .
5. Last resort: Over-the-counter commercial stain remover
For deeply sully grout that simply wo n’t airlift , especially for mould and mildew stains , an over - the - countercommercial grease removermay be necessary .
6. Steam cleaning is also an option
If you ’re leery of using acid- or alkaline - based cleaner that could potentially damage grout with repeated function , thensteam - cleaningmay be the best selection . A steam cleaner is a power tool that heat up water to more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit ( 93 level Celsius ) and then uses nozzle or brush attachments to direct steam to sphere that need cleaned , such as grout lines . Because the steam cleaner relies superheated water to lift and remove stains , you wo n’t execute the jeopardy that follow with acid or alkaline cleansing solution .
