Help! I’m looking for a solution to my dirty grout. When my tile was installed, my white grout was not sealed properly. Because of this, it gets dirty very easy and is very difficult to clean. Aside form using bleach products constantly, I don’t know what to do. Do you have a suggestion on getting the grout clean and then sealing it so it will stay this way longer? Thanks.
Signed — “Spending too much time on my hands and knees” in Durham
A: Dear, “Spending too much time ...”
I am assuming you are referring to the grout on your floor, unless the grout crud has you climbing the walls.
The fact that you mention spending a lot of time cleaning grout tells me that you personally have not attempted to seal the grout, or that you have used an inferior sealer. Because cleaning grout is often an arduous and time consuming task, people simply run out of the necessary time and energy needed to apply a coat of grout sealer. Thus, the cycle goes unbroken.
I recommend staging the 2 processes so that the cleaning and sealing are done on back to back days. Cleaning a 100-square-foot area of tile flooring with moderately discolored grout should keep you on you hands and knees for about 90 minutes. Sealing the 100-square-foot area should take about half that time.
If the tile grout in your bathroom has grime, chances are it is caused by mold or mildew. The grime on your kitchen’s grout could be caused by general foot traffic, food stains and mildew. Regardless, always try cleaning first with household products such as vinegar or baking soda and water. If your grout needs additional cleaning, I recommend using commercial cleaners (green products are the first choice). Look for a cleaner that is PH balanced so that it will not deteriorate your grout.
Assume the position — unfortunately, the best way to clean grout is on your hands and knees, scrubbing in a circular motion with a stiff brush. Once you’ve scrubbed the surface, rinse it off with water and let sit for 24 hours before applying your grout sealer. I am not a fan of steam cleaning your grout. Too little pressure and it does not work; too much pressure and you loosen the grout. Steam cleaning, if desired, is best left to the pros.
My recommendation for selecting a sealer is to buy the more expensive product, as this is one time where you truly get what you pay for. Most sealers work best when they are applied once a year. Always read your labels before using.
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Kaile Warren is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national
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