Tile lasts for decades, but grout is the part that shows its age. Most “dirty” tile floors and showers just need the right cleaning routine and a fresh coat of sealer. Here is how to keep grout looking new.
What is the best way to clean grout?
Mix a pH-neutral tile cleaner with warm water, scrub the grout lines with a stiff nylon brush, then rinse with clean water and dry. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water left for 10 minutes before scrubbing usually does it.
What cleaners should I avoid on grout?
Avoid vinegar, bleach and other acidic or harsh cleaners for regular cleaning. Acid eats away at cement grout and bleach can discolor colored grout. Also skip wire brushes, which scratch tile and dig out grout.
Is steam cleaning safe for grout?
Occasional steam cleaning is fine for sound grout and lifts dirt well. Re-seal cement grout afterward, because steam can wear the sealer down.
How often should grout be sealed?
Cement grout in floors and showers is usually resealed every 1 to 2 years. A quick test: drip water on the grout. If it darkens and soaks in within a few minutes, it is time to reseal. Epoxy grout does not need sealing.
How do I seal grout?
Clean the grout and let it dry completely for at least 24 hours. Apply a penetrating grout sealer with a small brush or applicator bottle along the grout lines, wipe any sealer off the tile face within a few minutes, and keep the area dry for the time listed on the sealer.
How do I keep shower grout from getting moldy?
Squeegee the walls after every shower, run the bathroom fan for 20 to 30 minutes, and keep the grout sealed. Mold that keeps coming back in the corners is often in the caulk, not the grout; cutting it out and recaulking fixes it.
When is it time to regrout instead of clean?
If grout is cracked, crumbling, missing or loose tiles sound hollow when tapped, cleaning will not fix it. In showers, cracked grout can be a sign of water getting behind the tile, which needs a closer look. Ask us to take a look.