With so many different types of grout cleaners and cleaning methodologies out there, a lot of people ask, “how do I clean grout?” Everyone knows that cleaning grout is important if you want your grout to look its best and last longer, but the truth is, it is important to know the best grout cleaners to use because using harsh chemicals to clean with can damage your grout in the long run.

I have heard of probably dozens of different ways of cleaning tile and grout. Any thing from Soft Scrub to dish-washing detergent, to toilet bowl cleaner or commercial floor cleaner. Although I haven’t tried all 100 types of cleaners that I have heard of, I would imagine to one degree or another, if you worked at it long enough using any of these methods, (or even just water) your grout would become cleaner.


Recently, I read a blog written by a third generation tile cleaner and installer. I thought his opinion was really interesting so I am including it here.

Third Generation ‘Tile Man’ Cleaning Recipe

He suggested that you just use clear vinegar mixed with water and baking soda. He says this makes the best grout cleaner. The recipe is as follows: In a small stainless steel bucket or basin, fill it up 1/2 way with water. Them mix into it about 1/4 cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of water. This solution should start to react and foam up. Next, you should spray it on the tile and grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Then using a medium brush, clean the heavily solid or stain grout (http://tile-repair.net/). Not only does this method clean and disinfect, but it also helps to lighten the tile grout. This method is very cost effective and one of the simplest ways to clean grout. If you haw tough grout stains, this method may not get rid of the stain on your first cleaning. This leaves you with two options. One, repeated cleaning until the stains start to lighten and disappear, or two, upgrade to a stronger grout cleaner.

Anyway, I though this method was interesting and definitely worth a shot. I can’t wait to try it out. Please feel free to leave a comment on how well this system of grout cleaning worked for you.

To make the job as easy as possible, you also need to have the right kind of brush. For floor grouts, I recommend a pole grout brush. For large tile and grout, as well as wall cleaning, I recommend a triangle bristled brush. For small grouts, I suggest you use small professional grout cleaning brushes. They are designed to work well and last a long time.

More essential readings you may be interested:

Learn 8 Essential Tips for Grouting Tile
How do I clean grout?

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.

Have you ever wondered how to clean grout? Grout cleaning is a relatively simply process that can greatly improve the look of your tile in your bathroom, kitchen, patio, or floor.  Knowing the best way to clean grout can help you save a lot of work, and sometimes money.  More importantly, you can enjoy the improved look grout cleaning has on your home or workplace.

How to Clean Grout and How to Clean Floor Tile Grout