Pro Tiler Tools

Guide To Cleaning Tile Grout

14/11/2024

Clean Tile Grout - Understanding Grout

Tile grout is a porous material used to fill gaps between tiles. Its porous nature makes it susceptible to absorbing dirt, grime, and moisture, which can lead to discolouration and even mould growth over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep grout looking fresh and prevent long-term damage.

The Best Way To Clean Grout

Using Professional Grout Cleaners

1. Finding The Perfect Grout Cleaner

Professional grout cleaners are formulated to tackle tough stains and dirt without damaging the grout or surrounding tiles. These products often contain specialised ingredients that can break down stubborn dirt and kill mould spores. Grout can be particularly tricky to clean due to its porous nature. A tile grout cleaner is specifically designed to penetrate these porous surfaces and remove dirt and stains effectively. If you’re looking for the best grout cleaner for tile, some reliable options include the FILA FUGANET Grout Cleaner or LTP Grout Stain Remover.

When selecting a grout cleaner, there are a few factors to consider:

  • The type of tiles you have (natural stone, ceramic, porcelain etc.)

  • The level of soiling

  • Whether the area is indoors or outdoors

  • Any specific stains you're targeting (e.g., mould, rust, lime scale)

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2. Follow The Instructions

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using these products to ensure the best results and avoid potential damage to your tiles or grout. All tile grout cleaners, such as the Lithofin grout cleaner and the Mapei grout cleaner, have detailed instructions to ensure you get the best results from their product, you can find datasheets on each product page or contact our expert team for support with your project needs.

Most grout cleaners follow similar general steps, but it's crucial to always read and follow the manufacturer's specific directions first. Here's a typical process:

  1. Test the product on an inconspicuous area before full application.

  2. Shake the container well before use.

  3. Dilute the cleaner (as per the manufacturer’s instructions).

  4. Apply with an emulsifying pad or grout sponge.

  5. Leave for the recommended time (often up to 30 minutes).

  6. Remove residues with water and a grout sponge.

Remember to always dilute by adding the product to water, not water to the product. Rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water after cleaning. These steps provide a general guideline, but always prioritise the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your chosen grout cleaner.

3. Use Personal Protective Equipment

We also stock a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically concerning tile and grout cleaners; work gloves. It’s important to protect your hands when using a grout cleaner, Black Mamba gloves and Supertouch nitrile gloves are both popular options.

For instance, the instructions for FILA grout cleaners specify the use of personal protective equipment. Specifically, on the FILA FUGANET Grout Cleaner Spray, it advises to “Wear protective gloves / eye protection / face protection”.

Cleaning Grout Without Scrubbing

Select a grout cleaner that requires minimal effort in application and removal. Popular products such as the LTP Grout Stain Remover and LTP Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover are designed for ease of use, eliminating the need for scrubbing. These solutions can be simply applied and then wiped away with a clean, damp cloth or sponge, streamlining the cleaning process and ensuring effective results.

Another consideration to save yourself the effort of scrubbing tiles and grout is a tile cleaning machine, that combines a scrubbing action with powerful suction for spotless flooring. If you’re looking for a grout cleaning machine, consider the Raimondi Berta Grout Cleaning Machine - an electric grout cleaning sponge machine for cement-based or epoxy grouts. Ideal for Terracotta, Porcelain, Marble, Natural Stone, Quarry Tile, and many more surfaces. Moreover, the Rubi Rubilim-50-NDS Rotating Cleaning Machine, and Flex L 1503 VR Polish can help you get your tiles and grout spotless.  

Cleaning Outside Grout

Outdoor tile grout cleaning follows similar principles to indoor tile grout cleaning but with a few additional considerations due to exposure to the elements.

  1. Preparation

Before applying any cleaning solution to outdoor grout:

  • Sweep and hose down the area thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris.

  1. Grout Cleaning Process

Apply the chosen cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, this involves:

  • Applying the solution to the grout lines

  • Allowing it to sit for the recommended time

  • Scrubbing with a brush if needed

  • Rinsing thoroughly with clean water

Considerations for Cleaning Outdoor Grout

  1. Weather

Choose a dry day for cleaning to ensure the solutions have time to work before being washed away by rain.

  1. Drainage

Be mindful of where the runoff will go when rinsing. Avoid allowing cleaning solutions to drain into garden areas or water sources.Take a look at our patio and driveway drain options. 

  1. Patio Sealer 

After cleaning and allowing the grout to dry completely, consider applying an outdoor-specific grout sealer to protect against future staining and weather damage.

Protecting Grout From Day-to-Day Dirt

After cleaning, applying a grout sealer can help protect against future staining and make regular cleaning easier. Sealers create a barrier that prevents liquids and dirt from penetrating the porous grout surface. There are many benefits to applying a grout sealer and these include; stain resistance, moisture protection, easier cleaning and longevity. 

How To Clean Dried Grout Off Tiles

If you've recently tiled and have dried grout residue on your tiles, there are several ways to remove dried grout:

Signs Your Grout Needs Replacing vs Cleaning

Sometimes, cleaning isn't enough and replacing the grout should be considered. Signs that the grout may need replacing:

  • Persistent staining

  • Cracking or crumbling grout lines

  • Mould growth that returns quickly after cleaning

  • Loose tiles due to deteriorating grout

Grout replacement involves removing the old grout with specialised grout removal tools, cleaning the area thoroughly, and applying new grout. Popular electrical grout removal tool options from Pro Tiler Tools include the Rubiscraper-250​ and the Vitrex grout out​. The Genesis grout rake, with a tungsten carbide grit edge, is another go-to option. You can explore a wide range of multi-function tile scrapers here. 

Whilst this can be a DIY project, it often requires patience and attention to detail to achieve professional-looking results. We have a guide on grouting tiles, which you can use to guide you through each step. And if you are grouting a patio, not to worry, we also have a full guide on how to grout a patio. 

Browse our range of tile and grout cleaners today to ensure that your tile grout remains clean, shiny, and free from grime, both indoors and outdoors. Should you need any tiling advice or support with your order, don’t hesitate to contact us via email at [email protected] or give us a call at 01604 859800.