HOW TO CLEAN GROUT

Grout serves multiple purposes: holding tiles to a surface, keeping water from getting behind tiles, and it can sometimes be a colorful design feature. While tile is naturally resistant to dirt and stains, grout is prone to staining due to its light coloring and porous composition.

If you're cleaning floor tile grout, the likely grime culprits are dirt and mud. Cleaning countertop grout usually involves dealing with food and drink spills. Mold and mildew are most likely what you're dealing with if you're cleaning grout in the shower.

Highly caustic or acidic cleaners like vinegar will stain and slowly corrode grout and tile finishes. Additionally, chlorine bleach will leach color out of tinted grout. Contrary to popular belief, the grout cleaner combination of baking soda and vinegar creates a reaction that cancels out the cleaning power of both ingredients. It essentially leaves you with about the same level of dirtiness you had before cleaning.

Dish soap and soap-based cleaners may not be the best way to clean grout, as they may leave a film on the surface. Lastly, waxy or oil-based cleaners can leave behind a film that will attract more dirt and grime.

Restoring stained grout to like-new brightness doesn't require harsh chemicals such as bleach or vinegar. Even a steel bristle brush can scratch and damage grout lines, which can leave your floor looking dull and stained over time. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner penetrates dirty grout to eliminate stains without damaging the grout itself.

Deep clean your tile floors monthly. For tile countertops, a weekly wipe-down will keep them looking new. A regular spray-and-wipe routine after a bath or shower can help you maintain clean bathroom grout.

Directions for Cleaning Tile Grout:

Note: We do not recommend using Simple Green with a steam cleaner.

1. Sweep. If you're cleaning tile floors, sweep the area first to remove surface dust and dirt.
2. Wet. Spray or damp mop the grouted area with warm water to help Simple Green sink into dirty spots.
3. Mix Simple Green cleaning solution. Mix 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 1 cup of water in an empty spray bottle.
4. Apply. Spray the grouted area one section at a time. Let the solution sit for a few minutes.
5. Scrub the grout. Use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to scrub any stubborn stains.
6. Apply paste, if necessary. For more soiled areas, mix a paste of baking soda and a little Simple Green to pull deeply embedded dirt to the surface. Unlike the vinegar and baking soda combination mentioned earlier, baking soda paired with Simple Green won't cancel out its cleaning power. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the mixture to soak into the grout.
7. Rinse. Wipe each cleaned section with a damp, non-abrasive cloth or damp mop if you're cleaning floors.
8. Dry. Dry as much as possible with a clean towel. Dirty water or cleaner residue can settle into the concave grout lines. Once the liquid residue evaporates, it will leave dirt behind, and you don't want that.

TIP: Regular cleaning isn't always enough to prevent future stains and dirt. After cleaning and drying, try using a grout sealer. Reapply sealer every two years or more frequently if the grout is in a high-traffic area.