How To Clean Grout Stains. What professionals say

One of the most challenging things to do when cleaning your kitchen or bathroom is ridding them of unsightly grout stains. The stains seem to hold on for dear life no matter how hard you scrub. Then what is the best way to clean grout stains? 

To clean grout stains, you can use a mild detergent mixed with lemon juice or a white vinegar solution. There are many household products you may already have that can get rid of grout stains, but you can also use commercial-grade cleaners. Make sure you clean your grout regularly.

Continue reading below to find more ways to remove stains and make your grout look new. 

Method 1: Clean Grout Stains Using Products You Already Have

There are several ways to clean grout stains. Most of them are items you would most likely already have at home. Below is a list of things to use and how to use them. 

● Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural and mild disinfectant that not only rids the area of bacteria but works well to remove grout stains. Just apply directly to your grout and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then you just wipe it clean with a damp cloth.  

● White Vinegar

Using white vinegar to clean your grout is also a natural, chemical-free alternative. It is used the same way as lemon juice. Just apply it directly to the grout and leave it for 10-15 minutes. You can wipe it clean with a damp cloth. 

● Peroxide

Peroxide is usually used for mild stains on grout. You can apply it directly to the grout or mix it with baking soda to create a paste and spread it over the grout. You can use a mid-grade scrub brush to try to remove more dirt, or you can simply wipe the paste away. 

● Bleach

This should only be used for extreme cleaning issues. The harsh chemicals in bleach can wear on the grout causing it to break down faster. This can leave the grout exposed and prone to being dirty again sooner. It can also cause you to need to reseal the grout sooner than you normally would. 

If you choose to use bleach, ensure the area is well ventilated and use personal protective equipment as needed. This includes:

• masks
• gloves
• goggles

● Baking Soda

Baking soda is normally used with other products such as lemon juice or white vinegar but can be used by itself as a paste. As with some of the other options, spread it over your grout, set it for 10-15 minutes, and wipe clean. 

● Steam Cleaner

Steam cleaners can be a great source to help remove bacteria and things like mold and mildew. Steam mops such as Bissell or Oreck are great choices. These can be used weekly and can help maintain a clean look even longer than the cleaners listed above. 

Method 2: Buy a Commercial-Grade Grout Cleaner

If your DIY at-home products don’t work, you may need a professional cleaner to do the trick. You have the choice of a spray-and-wipe cleaner or a scrub-and-wipe cleaner. Both are great choices; however, the spray and wipe may contain harsh chemicals, allowing the cleanser to do all the work without scrubbing. 

Be sure to give your grout a general cleaning before using the commercial grade cleaner. This allows the commercial grade to get in deeper and give you a better clean. 

Now that you know how to clean your grout, you will need to know how to keep it that way. Read below to find out more. 

Method 3: Clean Your Grout Regularly

The most obvious way to keep your grout clean is to ensure you do it weekly. Weekly mopping or scrubbing will remove dirt and grime before it can set in too hard. 

Another way to clean your grout is to reseal it every few years. Generally, for a floor, 3-5 years is good. With shower grout, it should be done every year. 

Wear and tear from use or chemicals from cleaning can slowly break down grout allowing dirt and stains to set in. Resealing it will strengthen your grout and help it resist any staining. 

Method 4: Replace the Grout if Stains are Stubborn

If the stains just won’t come up, it may be time to replace your grout. You can also apply new grout. This can be placed directly over the old grout as long as the old grout is thoroughly clean and dry first, and then follow the steps below. 

• Step 1. Remove 1/16 inch old grout: Using a grout removal tool, remove at least 1/16 inch or 2 mm of the old grout. 
• Step 2. Clean: Clean the area to remove any debris from the old grout.
• Step 3. Apply new gout: Apply new grout and allow it to dry. 

Your tiles will look brand new once done!

Types of Grout

There are several types of grout that you can use. Listed below are two of the best ones and why they are the best. 

● Concrete Grout

Concrete grout is great for sealing ceramic tiles. It can be a bit costly, so consider it when planning to use it. It does have an added water-retentive to help with moisture and cracking. It is mixed with water and applied with a trowel and will need to be allowed time to cure and harden. It can also stain certain tiles, such as natural stone or slate. 

● Epoxy Grout 

Epoxy grout is considered the most strong and durable of the two due to its mixture of epoxy resins and hardeners. It is non-porous, which means it is resistant to moisture and cracking. That fact makes it wonderful for kitchens and baths. 

You also have the option of being sanded or unsanded. Sanded grout feels gritty and has extra bonding power. Unsanded has a smoother texter and is used for smaller grout widths. 

Conclusion 

Stains on your grout can make even the newest floors or tiles look aged, and cleaning the grout can be a huge pain. With the DIY tips listed above, you can find something to help you get it and keep it sparkling clean. 

A few things to remember are that steam cleaning can help remove mold and mildew bacteria. If replacing your grout, be aware of possible staining from concrete grout. And if cleaning your grout doesn’t yield the desired results, you can replace it.