Free Instructions on Cleaning Grout

For Cleaning Grout, you will need the following supplies:

1) Grout Cleaner

Cleaning Grout begins with choosing the right cleaner for the job. Grout Cleaners come in many different formulations. For simplicity, I will categorize them into acidic and non-acidic.

Acidic grout cleaner is primarily comprised of one or more acids, which work well to remove dirt and brighten grout. Acidic grout cannot be used for cleaning grout in marble, limestone, granite, travertine, terrazzo and may other natural stones as the acid will damage the finish of the natural stone. (NOTE: Always test your grout cleaner in a small inconspicuous area prior to use on the entire surface to determine if the product is suitable) CAUTION: Most acidic grout cleaners will also damage the finish on your fixtures. Be careful!

Non-acidic grout cleaners utilize other chemicals to remove soiling from grout. Many of these grout cleaners are suitable for cleaning grout in natural stones like marble, travertine, limestone and granite. However, you must read the label of the grout cleaner to be certain that it says "safe for marble". If a product says "safe for marble" then it should be safe for use on any natural stone (since marble is one of the most reactive natural stones). (NOTE: Always test your grout cleaner in a small inconspicuous area prior to use on the entire surface to determine if the product is suitable)

2) Grout Brush

Choose a non-abrasive nylon brush that that is designed for cleaning grout. Grout Brushes are available in a variety of sizes. They are available in small "toothbrush" sizes and foot-long brushes that can help you tackle grout cleaning in large areas.

3) Kneepads

For floors, you will need to invest in a good pair of knee pads. Your knees will thank you!

4) Gloves

Gloves are necessary when cleaning grout. The will keep the grout cleaning chemicals away from your skin. They also may help prevent blisters.

5) Goggles

Essential safety gear to prevent grout cleaning chemicals from entering your eyes!

6) Wet-Dry Vacuum

For cleaning grout in showers or on countertops, you probably will not need a wet-dry vacuum. However, for floors and other large areas, a wet-dry vacuum is a necessity.

7) Rags

Rags are necessary for drying up small amounts of water/cleaner and buffing to remove streaks.

8) Mop

Use the mop to apply the grout cleaner to the floor.

9) Chemical resistant hand held spray bottle

Use to apply the grout cleaner.

10) Grout Sponge

Use a large grout sponge for rinsing, if necessary.

11) Two Buckets

Cleaning grout will require 2 buckets, when cleaning floors. One will be used for the grout cleaner and the other bucket will be used for clean rinse water.

Cleaning shower or counter grout

Step 1. Identify the type of tile or stone used in the shower, if you don't already know.

Knowing what type of tile or stone is essential to preventing damage as some types of tile and most natural stones will be damaged by acidic cleaners.

Step 2. Read the directions on the grout cleaner bottle.

Grout cleaning instructions listed on the bottle may differ from those listed here. In addition, most grout cleaners will state that they are "safe for marble" (meaning they can be used on almost any natural stone) on the label.

Step 3. Apply the grout cleaner to the surface

Use a spray bottle or sponge to apply the grout cleaner to the surface.

Step 4. Allow the grout cleaner to sit on the surface for several minutes

Most grout cleaners require time to loosen dirt. Five to 10 minutes should be all that is needed. However, refer to your grout cleaners directions for the correct amount of time.

Step 5. Rinse to remove the cleaner and dirt

Use a sponge or the shower head to rinse the cleaner off.

Step 5. Dry the surface with a towel, if necessary

Cleaning Grout on Floors

Step 1. Identify the type of tile or stone used on the floor, if you don't already know.

Knowing what type of tile or stone is essential to preventing damage as some types of tile and most natural stones will be damaged by acidic cleaners.

Step 2. Read the directions on the grout cleaner bottle.

Step 3. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose soil and debris.

I recommend using a hard surface vacuum (or soft bristle floor attachment) as it is the most efficient and thorough manner to remove the dust and debris from the floor.

Step 4. Apply the grout cleaner to the surface.

Apply grout cleaner using a mop to a small section of the floor. I suggest cleaning grout in areas of no more that 25 square feet (a 5 foot by 5 foot area). You will have to do a little experimentation here. You want to be able to finish scrubbing the grout before the grout cleaner dries or damages adjacent woodwork, like baseboards.

Step 5. Allow the grout cleaner to sit on the surface for several minutes.

Most grout cleaners require time to loosen dirt. Five to 10 minutes should be all that is needed. However, refer to your grout cleaners directions for the correct amount of time.

Step 6. Scrub the grout lines

Cleaning grout with a vigorous back and forth scrubbing motion will remove even the most embedded soiling.

Step 7. Vacuum the area

Use the wet-dry vacuum to remove the cleaner and dirt.

Step 8. Rinse the area

Use the sponge or rinsed out mop to rinse the cleaned area.

Step 9. Vacuum the area

Vacuum the area to remove the rinse water.

Buff with an dry rag.

Buffing with a rag will remove any streaks from the tile surface.

Repeat steps 3 through 10 until the floor is finished.

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What our clients say:

Thanks again for the follow-up and the great service. From my first phone call with you until the job was completed, you did a great job explaining both the services that you would be providing and the benefits of using Dry-Treat products. You went the extra mile to make sure our the surfaces were as clean as possible before applying the Stain-Proof. As a result, the slate looks great, and we have piece of mind knowing that we're backed by the Dry-Treat warranty. You were also a genuine pleasure to have in our home, and we look forward to referring you to others who could use your services.

Joe Cerniglia
Lake Forest, CA

I hired Paul to clean, grout, and seal our entire limestone floor because he exhibited the most knowledge about stone and the related products required to cure our issue AND had the most competitive price. At the end of 3 days he transformed our worn and dirty floor back to looking brand new. He arrived on time, worked very hard, was pleasant to be around, used the highest quality products, and cleaned up appropriately at the end of each day. I plan to hire him again in the future to maintain that like-new look. If you are considering using Paul and would like to speak to me about it. Feel free to call.

Rob Stewart
Newport Beach, CA
949-720-1544

It is not often we write to tell someone how pleased we were with the level of service and quality of work we experienced. Our position normally is: you a pay a reasonable price and expect a good job. With you, we paid a reasonable price and received an excellent job compared with three other companies that have polished our limestone floors and fireplace over the years. Thank you for your professionalism, attention to detail and desire to provide an outstanding service. The results were excellent and we anticipate using your services about this time again next year.

John Ferns
Huntington Beach, CA