Grout Cleaning

Grout is the substance between tiles that is used to seal the joints and to fill-in any voids. Tiles are used in a majority of places such as kitchen floors and countertops, bathroom showers, and walls. Grout in bathrooms is particularly susceptible to mold and mildew because the warm and damp environment is conducive to the growth of mold. The growth of mold and mildew makes the grout appear dirty and also introduces germs and allergens to the environment. Kitchens are also very high-traffic areas where frequent spills make the grout used in tiles quickly become dirty. Covering the grout with a sealant is important with the installation of the tile, but is likely over time to mold, mildew, and begin penetrating the grout.

Tips for Cleaning Grout

There are a variety of commercial tile and grout cleaners available. You can usually find these cleaners at home improvements stores. There may be several brands available so it is important that you read all the warnings and instructions carefully to ensure that you choose the right cleaner for your tile and grout. These cleaners are typically available in a concentrate solution that will be diluted for use. Read the instructions carefully and dilute the solution according to the instructions to avoid damaging your tile or grout. Although the exact instructions will vary for individual cleaners, the following are a few basic guidelines that are common for grout cleaners. First, it is recommended that you wet the surface of the tile before beginning the cleaning procedure; this step is necessary because the cleaner is meant to be a surface cleaner and not a penetrating cleaner. Applying water will keep the cleaner from soaking into the grout and causing damage. After soaking the tile, apply the grout cleaner with a soft brush to loosen the dirt and debris, then leave the cleaner on the surface for 10 minutes. After that time, rinse the floor with water to remove all of the cleaner. Once the floor has dried completely, you may apply grout sealant to protect it until the next cleaning.