How to Clean Grout and Remove Stains

Grout can be found in many places, like between ceramic tiles, floor tiles, or even bricks. Keeping grout clean is important because dirty grout can make the whole area look grimy. Grout, made of fine sand, cement, and water, often gets stained by mold, mildew, and dirt. Follow these steps to keep your grout looking fresh:

Pre-Wash the Grout

Before deep cleaning, start by loosening surface dirt and grime:

• Use a sponge and warm water to remove loose debris.
• There’s no need to scrub – just focus on getting the surface dirt off.
• Dry the area thoroughly after pre-washing.

Choose a Grout Cleaner

You have two options for grout cleaners:

1. Commercial Cleaner: Oxygen bleach is an affordable, effective option.
2. Homemade Cleaner: If you prefer DIY, make a simple grout cleaning paste.

DIY Grout Cleaner Recipe

• Mix baking soda and plain white vinegar into a thick paste (similar to pudding).
• The paste should stick to the grout without running off the tiles.
• If the paste starts drying out during cleaning, add a splash of vinegar.

Clean the Grout

1. Apply the Cleaning Paste: Focus on small sections at a time.
2. Scrub the Grout:
   • Use a stiff nylon scrub brush.
   • Scrub in circular motions to clean dirt from the tiny pits and pores. Scrubbing back and forth won’t clean as effectively.
3. Rinse and Wipe: After scrubbing, wipe away the paste and rinse the area thoroughly to remove any residue.

Remove Tough Stains

For grout with mold, mildew, or persistent stains, use a stronger grout cleaning solution:

1. Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture: Combine 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide.
2. Bleach Solution: Mix 75% water with 25% bleach.

• Use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout with your chosen solution.
• Bleach works quickly, but hydrogen peroxide is odorless and effective too.

Safety Tips

• Wear gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes.
• Both bleach and hydrogen peroxide can irritate or damage skin. Bleach can also cause chemical burns, so take extra care.

Try a Commercial Grout Cleaner

If necessary and if stains persist, consider a heavy-duty grout cleaner like Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Grout Cleaner.

• Follow the product label instructions carefully.
• Always wear gloves and goggles for protection.

With regular cleaning and the right tools, your grout will look as good as new!