How to Clean Grout Lines

If you want an attractive, low-maintenance flooring option, tile is the way to go. Not only does the huge variety of tile sizes, styles and colors enable homeowners to create floors that complement virtually any design style, tile is also durable and easy to clean.

Grout lines, on the other hand, are a different story. Most grout is light in color, and because it’s porous, it stains very easily and can be frustratingly hard to clean. It is possible, however. With a good scrubbing brush and a little hard work, you can have clean grout lines that don’t detract from the beauty of your tile. Here are some of the most helpful grout cleaning tips.

1. Let the product set. One of the best DIY grout cleaners is a deceptively simple combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, with a dash of dish detergent thrown in to cut grease. In addition, there are many cleaning products on the market for cleaning grout. Whichever cleaning product you choose to use, you’ll get the best results by letting the solution set in the grout lines for 5-10 minutes before attacking the grout with a scrub brush.
2. Choose the right brush. Dirt has a bad habit of getting down into the tiny, porous holes of grout, which is what makes grout lines so hard to clean. To combat trapped dirt and grime, it’s best to use a small, sturdy brush with stiff bristles. There are brushes made specifically for cleaning grout, but a toothbrush will do the trick just as well. A new toothbrush with firm bristles is preferable.
3. Scrub away. Unfortunately, there’s no quick-and-easy way to clean grout. It’s going to take some muscle and a little elbow grease. Once you’ve allowed the cleaning solution to set, you can start scrubbing, using circular motions to lift the dirt up and away from the grout. Rinse with clean water frequently as you work; otherwise, the dirt will settle right back into the grout lines. For tough stains, it may be necessary to resort to more powerful cleaners, or to reapply your cleaning solution and start the process over again.
4. Give a final wipe down. Once you’re done scrubbing and rinsing, make one final pass with a mop (or a clean, damp cloth if you’re cleaning wall tile), using a mild floor cleaner or warm water mixed with a few drops of dish detergent. This will help remove the last of the grout cleaner you used and leave the floor clean and shiny.

Call Handyman Connection for Expert Home Maintenance & Repairs

If grout cleaning seems a little too time- and energy-consuming to suit you, don’t hesitate to contact the handyman contractors at Handyman Connection. Give us a call at 1-800-88-HANDY, and we’ll have those tedious tasks done in a flash!