How To Clean Grout

If you want to learn how to clean grout, you've come to the right place. This often stubborn material can be difficult to maintain, but when properly cleaned it can look beautiful. Follow this advice from the pros to have your grout and tile sparkling like new.

You'll need:

• Stiff brush, firm bristled toothbrush, or grout brush
• Chlorine bleach or powdered oxygen cleaner
• Bowl or bucket
• Dry cloth
• Dust mask and protective eyewear
• Gloves
• Grout sealant (optional)

1. Thoroughly wet the grout and tile.
2. Make sure you are wearing gloves, and choose your cleaner. It's recommended that you start with the oxygen cleaner, then try the bleach if it's not strong enough.
3. Mix oxygen cleaner with water to form a thick but spreadable paste. Apply this to the grout and let it dwell for up to 30 minutes. This allows time for the cleaner to really get in there and whiten the grout.
4. Using your brush, scrub between tiles. You may want to wear a mask and eyewear while scrubbing because tiny particles will be sprayed around by the brush. This is the most time-consuming part, but it's necessary to really make a difference in the final results.
5. When it's sufficiently clean, rinse well. Wipe dry with a cloth or towel.

Grout is notorious for staining, as well as mold and mildew. If it doesn't come out looking as bright as you wanted it to, you may want to try using bleach following the same steps. If you have colored grout, test for discoloration in an inconspicuous area. When the grout is cleaned to your standards, you can apply grout sealant which will help keep it clean and prevent future staining.