Cleaning Grout

Most tiles clean up very well and continue to look good even decades after installation. Unfortunately, grout joints tend to collect dirt and stains and will quickly look grungy if not cleaned regularly 1. If you find a stain in the grout, try removing it with a scouring powder such as Bon Ami. Apply the powder with a nonmetallic scrubbing pad and rub the area gently 2. If at first you don’t succeed, cover the stain with a thick layer of wet powder, let it penetrate for 5 minutes to 10 minutes, scrub, then rinse thoroughly. Do not use colored cleansers, such as Ajax and Comet, as they can actually discolor or damage the grout over time.

If the grout has been neglected for a long time and is heavily stained, try covering it with a mixture of scouring powder and hot tap water. Rub the powder into the grout joints with a gloved fingertip, then let it sit for 10 minutes to 15 minutes 3. Scrub the area with a firm-bristle scrub brush or nonmetallic scrubbing pad 4. If this technique doesn’t produce success, you can use a stronger cleaner like sulfamic acid, phosphoric acid, or a liquid cleaner like Bright Glaze, but only occasionally; regular usage will eat away your grout. If the grout simply will not come clean, one alternative is to paint it with a grout recolorant.

	1. Most tiles will retain their luster indefinitely, but the grout can attract stains or become dingy over time.
	2.  For stain removal, dampen the surface and sprinkle cleanser directly on the grout joints.
	3.  Rub the moist cleanser paste into the grout joints and let it do its work for about 5 minutes.
	4.  Scrub the grout and tile surface with the rough, nonmetallic side of the sponge.

Excerpted from Tiling Complete, 2nd Edition by Robin Nicholas and Michael Schweit.

Available in the Taunton Store and at Amazon.com.