Tile grout is a cement-based material used to fill the joints between tiles. It is what gives tiled surfaces their finished look by neatly separating each tile. Grout also serves some important functional purposes – it prevents moisture from penetrating the tile installation and provides structural stability.
Over time, tile grout can become dirty, stained, cracked, or just generally worn down. Knowing how to properly clean tile grout is important for maintaining the look and integrity of any tiled surface. This article will cover all about tile grout, including:
- What is Grout and Why is it Important?
- Different Types of Tile Grout
- Signs Your Grout Needs Cleaning
- Cleaning Grout – Supplies and Methods
- Re-Sealing Grout
- When to Regrout Instead of Cleaning
- DIY Grout Cleaning Tips and Tricks
- Professional Grout Cleaning Services
Let’s start by taking a closer look at what grout is and why it plays such a crucial role in tile installations.
What is Grout and Why is it Important?
Tile grout is a cement-based material used to fill the joints between tiles. It typically consists of sand, cement, lime, and color tint. When mixed with water, these ingredients form a paste that can be pushed down into the joints between tiles. Grout comes in different colors to complement the tile it surrounds.
Here are some of the key purposes grout serves:
- Holds Tiles in Place: Grout bonds to the edges of tiles, keeping everything locked securely together. Without grout, tiles could crack, chip, or even come loose.
- Allows for Consistent Joints: Applying grout allows for uniform spacing between tiles. Irregular joints would look sloppy and be harder to keep clean.
- Seals Against Moisture: Grout prevents liquid from seeping underneath tiles and into the subfloor. This protects against water damage, mold growth, and spalling (when moisture erodes the integrity of the mortar underneath).
- Adds Design: Grout lines provide visual separation between each tile. Changing the grout color allows you to easily update the look of a tiled surface.
- Enhances Durability: Quality grout is extremely durable and maintains its integrity. Grout stands up well to heavy foot traffic without crumbling.
Maintaining clean grout lines is essential since dirty or discolored grout can detract from the entire look of the tile. Let’s look closer at the different types of grout available.
Different Types of Tile Grout
There are a few main categories of grout to choose from for tile installations:
Cement Grout
This is the most common and economical choice. It uses Portland cement as the base along with sand, limestone, and pigments.
Pros: Durable, shrinks minimally, easy to work with, and available in different colors. The most cost-effective option.
Cons: Can be brittle and prone to cracking over time. Requires sealing.
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grouts use epoxy resins instead of cement. They are extremely durable, stain-resistant, and waterproof.
Pros: Withstands cracking and shrinking. Naturally waterproof and stain-resistant. Great for showers and high-moisture areas. Often antimicrobial.
Cons: More expensive upfront. Requires special cleaning techniques. Can discolor from UV light. Limited color options.
Urethane Grout
Contains rubber or latex resins for flexibility. Withstands movement and resists staining.
Pros: Flexible, making it a good choice for areas prone to settle. Withstands freezing and thawing. Stain-resistant.
Cons: Requires a detailed installation process for best results. Expensive compared to cement.
Acrylic-Based Grout
Made with acrylic resins. Has a smoother, plastic-like finish.
Pros: Resists stains, easy cleanup. Often contains antimicrobials. Good for narrow joints.
Cons: Not as durable long-term as epoxy or urethane. Softer finish can show wear over time.
Once you understand the differences between each type, you can select the right grout for your specific tiling project and needs. Now let’s go over some signs that indicate your existing grout needs cleaning.
Signs Your Grout Needs Cleaning
Grout can become dirty and discolored gradually over time. Or heavy soiling can happen suddenly in a spill or accident. Here are some signs that it’s time to give your grout some TLC:
- Visible Dirt: If you can see accumulated grime or gunk packed into grout lines, a thorough cleaning is definitely in order.
- Staining: Spills, dyes from cleaning products, grease splatters, and more can leave lasting stains on grout. Discoloration indicates pores are dirty.
- Hazing: A haze can develop over grout from mineral deposits in water and general wear. This dulls the finish.
- Crumbling: Grout that is crumbling or wearing away likely indicates a bigger underlying issue, but cleaning is still a good first step.
- Growths of Mold/Mildew: If you suspect mold or mildew growth between tiles, don’t just try scrubbing it away. Treat the area properly first.
- Musty Smell: A lingering bad odor around tiles can mean mildew is present within porous grout that needs disinfecting.
- Change In Color: If parts of your once-uniform grout now appears blotchy or uneven in color, a deep clean can help restore its appearance.
- Loose Tile: When grout no longer holds tiles snugly in place, it requires repairs beyond just surface cleaning.
If your grout shows any combination of these signs, it’s probably time for a cleaning. Let’s go over the supplies you need and techniques to use.
Cleaning Grout – Supplies and Methods
Grout can be cleaned using common household products and tools you may already have on hand. Here is an overview of what you’ll need:
Cleaning Supplies
- Grout cleaning solution – Either a store-bought cleaner or DIY option like diluted vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid bleach.
- Bucket of warm water
- Old toothbrush or grout brush
- Grout sealer (optional)
- Rags
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
- Knee pads (for comfort when scrubbing)
Cleaning Methods
There are a few techniques for how to thoroughly clean dirty grout:
- Manual scrubbing – Mix your chosen cleaning solution according to directions. Dip your grout brush in the bucket of warm water, then scrub stains, being sure to penetrate deep into the grout lines. Wipe away any excess grime with a rag as you work.
- Steam cleaning – A handheld steam cleaner uses hot vapor to force dirt out of grout. Steam loosens grime and kills bacteria. Then wipe clean with rags.
- Pressure washing – For large tile floors, like outdoor patios, pressure washing can blast out embedded dirt. Ensure the pressure is not high enough to damage grout.
- Using an oscillating brush – Grout-specific oscillating brushes attach to drills to scrub and buff grout. They use vibration and spinning brush heads.
Always thoroughly rinse all cleaning solutions off the tile and grout when done. Wipe the area down with clean water and allow to fully dry before sealing or using again.
Now that your grout is clean, it’s important to seal it afterward to protect the pores from new staining.
Re-Sealing Grout
Grout is naturally porous. Sealing grout creates an impermeable barrier that prevents future stains from setting in.
When to Seal Grout
- After deep cleaning
- Annually for routine maintenance
- After replacing or regrouting any sections
- Before using newly installed grout
Tips for Sealing Grout
- Always apply to clean, dry grout only
- Use a grout sealing product made for porous grout
- Follow product directions carefully
- Apply evenly in a thin layer, wiping away excess
- Allow to cure fully before getting wet
- Reapply as needed over time
Properly sealing grout will make it much easier to keep clean going forward. But sometimes, a deep clean just won’t be enough to revitalize failing or severely stained grout. In that case, regrouting may be the better solution.
When to Regrout Instead of Cleaning
If grout becomes excessively cracked, crumbling, or worn away no matter how much it is cleaned, a grout refresh is likely needed:
Consider regrouting if:
- Grout is worn out below the top 1/8″ of the surface
- Existing grout crumbles easily when scrubbed
- Significant shrinkage, cracks, pitting, or holes have developed
- Significant staining persists after deep cleaning
- Grout lines are no longer uniform in color or texture
- Grout has been improperly repaired before
Regrouting involves:
- Scraping out all old grout to expose tile edges
- Vacuuming and cleaning joints completely
- Re-packing new grout into all gaps
- Curing, sealing, and finishing new grout
For DIYers without much tiling experience, it is often worth hiring a professional for grout repair jobs. They can ensure it is done properly.
For smaller grout cleaning jobs though, many homeowners can DIY it successfully. Here are helpful tips and tricks to know.
DIY Grout Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Cleaning your own grout is an achievable DIY project with the right techniques:
- Always do a test spot first with any new cleaning solution.
- Use the least aggressive method possible first before trying heavier-duty options.
- Mix up a vinegar-based solution for mild stains or an oxygen bleach cleaner for tougher grime. Avoid chlorine bleach.
- Apply cleaners carefully along grout lines only, rinsing any overspray off tiles immediately to prevent damage.
- Try scrubbing in a circular motion rather than just back-and-forth to penetrate grout crevices from all angles.
- For grout haze, rub gently with an abrasive sponge in small circles. Don’t dig in too aggressively.
- Use an old electric toothbrush for precision scrubbing in corners or around tile edges.
- Have a bucket of clean water nearby to frequently rinse and wring out your scrub brush.
- Work in small sections for easier scrubbing access and to avoid leaving cleaning solution on too long.
- Wipe up any spills or splashes right away before they have a chance to soak in and stain.
- Make sure all grout joints are fully dry before sealing for maximum water repellency.
- Apply sealer carefully according to directions to avoid any puddling or pooling on the tile itself.
With the right tools and techniques, you can often tackle grout cleaning as a DIY project. For large jobs or severely stained grout, calling in a professional may be wise.
Professional Grout Cleaning Services
Cleaning professionals have commercial-grade equipment, powerful cleaners, and specialized expertise that can provide superior grout cleaning results:
Benefits of Professional Grout Cleaning
- Use powerful truck-mounted steamers to deep clean large areas
- Have commercial cleaners that can tackle severe stains
- Remove years of grime buildup that DIY efforts cannot
- Provide completely uniform grout color when done
- Color seal to permanently colorize and protect grout
- Offer advanced stain-guard sealants a homeowner cannot buy
- May include tile cleaning and polishing in services
- No hassles with equipment rentals or buying supplies
When to Call the Pros
- For recently built up grime on large tile jobs – such as a full kitchen or multiple bathrooms. DIY cleaning would take forever.
- If you have attempted DIY cleaning but were unable to fully remove stains and discoloration.
- For color sealing or “regrouting” grout lines without replacing tiles.
- If concerned about cleaning solutions possibly interacting with the tile material itself.
- To supplement your DIY maintenance cleaning with periodic deep cleaning services.
The initial investment for professional grout cleaning often pays off by utterly transforming the look of a tile surface while saving you hours of labor.
Now that you know all about the importance of grout and how to properly clean and maintain it, you can keep the tiled surfaces in your home looking like new. Don’t let dirty grout detract from your tiles!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Tile Grout
Still have some questions about keeping your grout clean and in good shape? Below are answers to some of the most common FAQs about tile grout cleaning.
What is the fastest way to clean grout?
For quick grout cleaning jobs, an oxygen bleach spray cleaner is the quickest DIY method. Apply liberally along grout lines, letting it bubble and penetrate for 5-10 minutes, then scrub and rinse clean. No need to mix solutions or wait hours for something like vinegar to work. For larger jobs, call in professional steam cleaners.
How do you get old grout looking new again?
To revitalize old, grimy grout, use a combination of steam cleaning followed by oxygen bleach scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and apply a re-sealing product made for grout at the very end. If those efforts don’t adequately freshen up dingy grout, you likely need a full grout repair or regrouting job.
Should I seal my grout before or after cleaning it?
Always seal grout after cleaning it, once fully dry. Sealing first would trap in grime and prevent a truly deep clean. The freshly exposed porous surface after deep cleaning is the optimal time to seal grout.
What house cleaners should not be used on grout?
Avoid oil-based cleaners, dyes, bleaches with chlorine, acidic toilet bowl cleaners, and anything abrasive. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, citrus, and oxygen bleaches are safer DIY options. Or use a reputable premixed grout cleaner.
How do you properly maintain grout?
Regularly seal grout every 1-2 years. Gently clean spills right after they happen. Handle harsh chemicals carefully around tiled areas. For high-traffic floors, clean grout as needed using a steam mop or light scrubbing to prevent heavy buildup needing heavier removal.
Why is my grout cracking and falling out?
Crumbling or missing grout usually indicates it was poorly installed initially and is now failing. Moisture issues, using the wrong grout type, or improper curing can all cause premature breakdown. The whole joint likely needs regrouting, not just surface cleaning in that case.
Can I clean and seal grout myself?
Absolutely! With some basic supplies and cleaning solutions, cleaning and sealing grout DIY is totally achievable. Just be sure to use grout-specific products and read all label directions closely. Pay attention not to accidentally damage the tiles when working on just the grout.
Conclusion
Grout might seem like an easily overlooked component of any tile installation. But ensuring grout stays in good shape through regular cleaning and sealing is vital for both the aesthetics and integrity of the tiles it surrounds.
Now that you know to keep a lookout for common signs of dirty or deteriorating grout, you can address issues promptly before the problems have a chance to worsen. Feel free to utilize professional services for large or challenging grout cleaning jobs.
By keeping up with simple grout maintenance and deep cleaning when needed, the tiled surfaces throughout your home will maintain their like-new beauty for years to come.
Your tiles and grout provide striking visual impact in kitchens, bathrooms, entries, accent walls, fireplace surrounds, and anywhere else you install them. Don’t let grungy grout detract from their timeless appeal. Instead, take the time to thoroughly clean and protect your grout. With a little regular TLC, you can confidently keep any tiled area shining for decades.