How To Clean Really Dirty Grout On Floor Tiles

Grout is a porous material that can easily become dirty and stained. Over time, dirt, grime, and mildew can build up on grout, making it look unsightly and unsanitary. If you have dirty grout on your floor tiles, don’t despair. There are a few simple steps you can take to clean it and make it look like new again.

Materials You'll Need

Before you start cleaning your grout, you'll need to gather a few materials. These include:

A bucket
Warm water
A sponge or cloth
A grout cleaner
An old toothbrush

Step 1: Prepare the Grout Cleaner

The first step is to prepare your grout cleaner. You can use a commercial grout cleaner or make your own. If you're using a commercial cleaner, follow the directions on the package. If you're making your own cleaner, you can combine equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a bucket.

Step 2: Apply the Grout Cleaner

Once you have your grout cleaner prepared, apply it to the dirty grout. Use a sponge or cloth to spread the cleaner evenly over the grout. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the dirt and grime.

Step 3: Scrub the Grout

Once the cleaner has had a chance to sit, use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout. Be sure to scrub in all directions to remove all of the dirt and grime. Rinse the toothbrush frequently in clean water to remove the dirt and grime.

Step 4: Rinse the Grout

Once you have scrubbed the grout, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe away the dirty water. Repeat this step until the water runs clear.

Step 5: Dry the Grout

Once the grout is rinsed, use a clean towel to dry it. You can also use a fan to help speed up the drying process.

Tips for Cleaning Really Dirty Grout

If your grout is really dirty, you may need to take additional steps to clean it. Here are a few tips:

Use a stronger grout cleaner. You can find heavy-duty grout cleaners at most hardware stores.
Let the cleaner sit for longer. If the grout is really dirty, you may need to let the cleaner sit for 30 minutes or more before scrubbing it.
Use a stiffer brush. If an old toothbrush isn't cutting it, you can try using a stiffer brush, such as a nylon brush.
Steam clean the grout. Steam cleaning is a great way to remove dirt and grime from grout. You can rent a steam cleaner from most hardware stores.

Preventing Grout from Getting Dirty

Once you've cleaned your grout, you'll want to take steps to prevent it from getting dirty again. Here are a few tips:

Seal the grout. Sealing the grout will help to protect it from dirt and grime.
Clean the grout regularly. Regular cleaning will help to prevent dirt and grime from building up on the grout.
Avoid using harsh chemicals on the grout. Harsh chemicals can damage the grout and make it more susceptible to dirt and grime.

By following these tips, you can keep your grout clean and looking its best for years to come.