Grout Cleaning DIY

In areas of heavy traffic, a grout steam cleaner should be used on a regular basis for deep grout cleaning.   The truth is that tile grout is a lot more permeable then you probably imagine. A steam grout cleaner is gentle on tiles and grout. Tile grout is the cement-like plaster that holds the tiles in place and protects the corners from getting chipped. Using mops and excessive water to clean your tile floor can actually push grime, moisture and excessive cleaner under the grout and tile. Over time this can eat away at the grout, the tile, and the floor. The proper way to care for a tile floor is to have it sealed. It is vitally important to get all the dirt and mildew out before sealing the tiles, otherwise you will just be sealing dirt into the tile and the grout. As strong cleaning agents have a tendency to damage tile and grout overtime, it is important to use only the weakest agent that will get the job done right.

Darker grout masks dirt build-up better than lighter colored grout. Darker grout is typically used on floors and outdoor areas to avoid obvious stains.

If your grout is not currently sealed, we recommend steam cleaning grout with a steam cleaner. This will help you remove the grime without using grout destroying acids. After thoroughly cleaning the grout, it is best to apply a sealer to protect it from more dirt and grime getting stuck in it. You should seal your grout 1-2 times every year (depending on how much use it gets & what kind of cleaners you use). Also, don’t forget to reseal your grout after any repair work, or re-grouting of the tile.

Using a steam grout cleaner to steam clean grout and tile is a process that has vastly improved even over the last ten years. Grout steam cleaners do not using any cleaning chemicals to clean tiles or grout. As the temperature of the water goes over 100 degrees steam is created. However, with a high pressure steamer the temperature of the water can be increased to 180 degrees creating what is know as dry steam. The advantages of dry stream are many. First, they have low vapor content (less than 5%). This mean you will have a lot less moisture trapped in the tiles which can eventually break them down. Second, the steam kills dust mites, bacteria, germs and mildew. It also gives your tile grout for a deep and thorough cleaning using a lot less water than a mop or sponge. Steam cleaners that are rated at a 6 bar or higher are the best to use when grout cleaning.