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Grout Cleaning Tips

When using any cleaning product, always wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and make certain there is adequate ventilation -- fresh air entering the space and stale air being exhausted. Always test whatever cleaning product you use in an small, inconspicuous area, to be certain the product and/or method doesn\'t do more harm than good.

Try these cleaning tips:

• So that a cleaning solution is less likely to absorb into unsealed grout, soak the grout to be scrubbed with clean water. Wipe away any standing water using a sponge or absorbent cloth.
• Use a brush (an inexpensive paint brush works well) to apply an even coat of cleaner to a foot or two of the grout. Let it stand for about five minutes.
• Reapply the cleaner and scrub the grout using the non-metallic stiff-bristle brush. Small circular strokes will probably clean the grout better than scrubbing back and forth. You may find this first cleaning will require some extra hard scrubbing -- \"elbow grease\" as it was once known.
• Rinse thoroughly, then repeat the steps to the next one- to two-foot length of grout.

An alternative cleaning method, that often produces good results, is to steam clean the grout using a steam cleaner.

Once the grout is clean and well rinsed, it is probably time to reapply a high-quality grout sealer. Be certain to read the label on the grout sealer you choose to be certain it is for the particular area that is grouted (some sealers are made specifically for food preparation areas, others for a shower or floor).

One final tip: If at some point you decide to re-grout, first remove the existing grout to one-half it\'s depth.