How to Clean Grout In a Few Easy Steps

Chances are if you’ve landed on this guide on how to clean grout, you’re looking for an easy and effective way to restore the look of your tiled surfaces. If you’ve laid your own tiles, you know that there’s an art to picking the right grout color. But over time and with just regular use, grout lines can accumulate dirt and stains, leading to a dull and discolored appearance. 

Lucky for you, cleaning them doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the help of the right tools and this step-by-step guide, you can restore that freshly tiled appearance around your space in no time. So, whether you need to clean in your bathroom, kitchen, or even outside, keep reading and get ready to revitalize your grout and bring back the luster to your home’s tiled surfaces.

What is grout?

Grout is a paste-like construction material that’s most commonly made from a cement-based powder. Cementitious grout is made from cement, water, aggregate materials, and, depending on your variation, can also include sand. The alternative to cementitious grout is epoxy grout which is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on cementitious grout since it’s the most popular and widely found in homes across the country.

Why does grout get so gross?

If you have a tiled surface that started off with crisp white grout lines that are now more of an unsightly yellow, you’re probably wondering how you ended up here. It’s likely not your fault; grout is a porous material, so it can readily absorb liquids, grease, and dirt. If your grout was never properly sealed, it will be more prone to absorbing and showing discolorations. The most common culprits for grout stains are spills, cleaning residue, and mold/mildew build-up. The best way to avoid this is to clean regularly and with proper cleaners.

Does grout need to be maintained?

All types of grout require regular cleaning and cement-based grout requires occasional re-sealing, but the good news is if you keep on top of it, your grout will look better and last longer. This means cleaning up spills immediately and avoiding inadequate ventilation in areas of high humidity (think your bathrooms and kitchens). Another point of maintenance that’ll we’ll cover in more detail is picking the right cleaner and when to reseal your grout. A good general rule of thumb is to avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners regularly as they may damage the grout and strip away the sealant.

Materials & Tools (to Deep Clean):

· Water

· Cleaner (examples below)