How to Clean Grout

Grout is the material used to hold tile in place. Knowing how to clean grout ensures proper care of tile surfaces as well. This is basic knowledge for your house cleaning business.

The How to Clean Grout Primer

Grout can be found a number of places in a home. It may be found in tile floors, or surrounding tiles in the bathtub. Many houses have a tile back splash in the kitchen, and grout would be required there as well. While general cleaning of the tiles will remove some of the dirt and debris that can build up on grout, sometimes it will require a little more to really get the job done.

Grout seems to be a magnet for mold and mildew, which can cause the grout to become stained and discolored. And as anyone that has ever tried to clean mold and mildew can tell you, it is not always easy to remove!

This is especially true with grout because it is a porous surface, so that nasty mold and mildew can really get down in there. But fear not! With a little bit of elbow grease and the right cleaner, grout can once again be restored to its natural beauty.

How to Clean Grout -- The Basics

For the most part, a general all purpose cleaner will work to clean grout. If there is a problem with mold and mildew, and cleaner that will target these problems will probably be the best option. Some people even find that just using simple natural cleansers such as vinegar and peroxide will help to clean grout as well. For more severe cases, a commercial grade cleanser might be required. Just make certain that it is safe to use on the grout and will not damage the tile as well.

Regardless of which cleanser is used, it is always best to do a small test in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that it is not going to cause discoloration, erode the grout or cause any other type of damage. Once the cleanser has passed the test, it's time to get scrubbing!

The best way to start cleaning grout is with basic clean water. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that is loose on the surface. Next, apply the cleanser to the grout. For best results, the cleanser should be left to sit on the grout for a few minutes, unless otherwise noted in the cleansers instructions.

For tough stains, using a stiff brush to scrub the grout will help a great deal. Never use a wire brush, as this will actually chip away at the grout. But make sure to use a brush that is stiff and not too soft, so that it actually provides an abrasive action. Grout cleaning requires gentle abrasives and elbow grease. Sometimes a bleaching agent helps, too.

Rinse the cleanser away and see the results. If the grout isn't as clean as it could be, start the process over again. If it looks great and requires no further cleaning, simply store the products for future use, or use them routinely to prevent bad stains from occurring in the first place.

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