To start with, you need to get the grout wet with a grout cleaner mixed with water.  To avoid getting the tiles to wet, we normally use a spray bottle.  (When cleaning floor tile grout, it is better to use a damp mop.) Allow the grout cleaning solution 10 to 15 minutes to disinfect the tile and grout and loosen up the dirt and mildew that may be discoloring the grout.  Then you should scrub the tile grout with a medium hard brush.  Scrub the tiles in the direction of the grout and try to pull as much of the dirt and grime out as possible.    Then rinse with water and dry thoroughly.  If the stains persist, you may need to clean the grout again or else use vinegar or a bleaching agent to help restore the grouts original color.

Make sure to dilute the vinegar at a ratio of 2:1 and the bleach at a ratio of 4:1.  (We also suggest rubber gloves.)

More difficult grout may require the use of a commercial grout cleaner or even a high power pressure washer.  The quickest way to clean cement patios is to use commercial grout cleaner, allow it to sit for as long as indicated on the label and then pressure washing it off.

Steam Cleaning Grout

If you have or have access to a stream cleaner, this can be a great way to deep clean grout.  A steam cleaner will actually pull the grout out of the most porous types of grout and sterilize it at the same time.  It also can cut down on the amount of scrubbing you have to do.

Types of Grout

Most bathroom grout is caused by mold or mildew which grows in areas of high moisture and digests organic grime on shower walls, countertops and splashboards.  This grout need to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to prevent unsightly discoloration between tiles.  Cleaning bathroom grout on a regular basis prevents it from getting out of control.
Kitchen grout is caused from by crime and dirt particles that get stuck in between the tiles.  These accumulate around stoves, fridges, splashboards, floor, and food preparation areas. Allowing water or a mild cleaner time to soak in goes a great way towards helping loosen and clean kitchen tile and grout.

Floor grout is caused by dust and dirt particles that get tracked into the house the process for getting rid of it is similar to kitchen.  It may be easier to use or hire a steam cleaner for deeply ingrained floor grout.  For how to clean floor tile grout please see above.

When dealing with outdoor grout, there are specialty grout scraping tools you can use.  Outside moist can  trap dirt and  in grout and cement.  In addition mold and moss can grow in the cement crack and may have to be removed using a grout scraper tool.

What type of grout cleaners have you had the best results with?

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