Grout Cleaning: How to Protect Your Tile

Entryway, kitchen, bathroom – there’s a good chance there’s tile somewhere in your space. We can all agree that taking proper care of tile has a huge impact on appearance, but what about the grout? Often overlooked, grout cleaning is just as important.

What is grout?

Grout is a porous substance made of water, cement, and sand most commonly used to fill gaps between tiles. Over time, dirt, mildew, and grease can accumulate in the gaps. This build up is difficult to remove and may be missed with regular floor cleaning. So, how do you clean grout?

Step #1: Prep

Before you begin, gather all the supplies you’ll need (see list below). When choosing a product start with the mildest solution, it’s safer for you and the surface you’re cleaning. If you decide to try something new, test how it will react in an inconspicuous place. Remove any obstacles, surface dirt, and loose debris from the area.

Grout Cleaning Supplies Checklist

- Rubber Gloves
- Sponge or microfiber cloth
- Stiff bristle scrub brush
- Grout cleaner
- Flat mop (for floors)
- Grout sealer

Step #2: Clean

Wearing protective gloves, apply a high-quality cleaning solution to the grout lines. Let sit according to the directions on the label. Using a small, stiff bristle brush scrub in a circular motion. Stubborn stains may require extra elbow grease. Once you’re satisfied the grout is clean, wipe or mop the entire surface. Let dry.

Step #3: Seal

Applying sealer is a simple (but tedious) task. Sealer prolongs the life of grout and helps repel water, mildew, and stains. Frequency of application depends on the product and how much traffic the area gets. Typically, treatment should be applied every two years. For best results always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Tile is a large financial investment, protect it with a proactive maintenance approach.