It may dampen or become weaker if it is scrubbed harshly. And if too much pressure is applied while scrubbing grout, it may cause more harm than good. Regularly sweeping or mopping tile floors with a microfiber cloth or pad will keep your grout clean from dirt and grime.
It would be best if you also avoided vigorous scrubbing. A rough brush and too much elbow grease will remove the dirt, but it could also remove the grout. Another way to prevent grout damage is to use a squeegee on shower walls.
Acidic Cleaners
Cleaners that have a high chemical pH or are acidic will begin to eat away at your grout and make it more fragile and porous. Stay away from cleaners that contain vinegar and citrus. This will eat away at the top layer of the grout and cause the need for replacing grout lines sooner.
Chemical cleaners, such as, Tilex, Soft Scrub, Scrubbing Bubbles, or ammonia products will nearly always result in your tile surfaces' grout becoming very discolored. If you do choose to utilize a cleaner, make sure that it's neutral in pH level to ensure it doesn't damage your grout.
Some professionals swear by a simple mixture of baking soda and peroxide to clean grout. Hydrogen peroxide is an acid, and baking soda is a base compound. Mixing the two together creates a reaction that can penetrate the grout lines and free dirt and debris.
However, a common guideline is to wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes after applying the grout before wiping off the excess. This initial waiting period allows the grout to firm up and achieve a workable consistency.
Grout is porous and usually sealed to resist stains. However, acid can degrade these silicone-based sealants, causing them to break down and wash away. Contrary to popular belief, this can happen with just one application of vinegar.
Generally, most households should deep-clean their grout tiles once per year.
To mix homemade grout cleaner all you will need is blue dawn and warm to hot water. You will start by pouring a dime-sized squirt of blue dawn into a trigger bottle (preferably a 32-ounce bottle). Make sure the spray can be adjusted to stream and not spray. Then fill with water and lightly shake.
Make a paste by combining 2 parts powdered bleach and one part water in a bowl. Once you've achieved the consistency of toothpaste, apply the mixture to your grout lines. Let it sit there for 15 - 20 minutes, then use a brush to scrub vigorously.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a natural neutral cleaner that is safe to use on grout. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce oxygenated bleach, which is highly effective for cleaning grout.
White vinegar is a versatile cleaner that can effectively maintain clean grout without damaging it. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar and one part warm water in a spray bottle.
We highly advise against using ammonia or bleach to clean any grout. Cleaning solutions that contain bleach or ammonia will not only work to erode your grout over time, they will cause your grout to become even dirtier by leaving a film behind, which attracts dirt.
How it works: Touted as a miracle cleaning paste, The Pink Stuff is easy to apply to grout using a soft cloth or sponge. Simply rub and scrub, and then rinse with hot water. As a mildly abrasive cleaner, the paste has a little grit to it, which helps scrub away dirt and debris from grout and surfaces.
DIY Grout Cleaner
Make a spreadable paste with 3/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap. Add more baking soda or peroxide if the mixture is too runny or thick.
Apply liberally, let sit for 10 minutes, scrub with a sponge, and rinse with a damp cloth. Spray directly on soap scum, wait 10 minutes, scrub with a brush, and rinse off. Soak a cloth in the solution, wrap around the fixture for 15 minutes, then rinse and dry.
The long-term use of bleach on grout can lead to several adverse effects. As an oxidizing agent, bleach can weaken the cement binding the grout, reducing its durability. Additionally, it can cause discoloration, leading to an uneven and blotchy appearance.
If you've tried cleaning your grout and restoring it with a grout pen, but you're still unhappy with the look of the grout, the other option is to remove it and replace it with new grout. Check out our video with advice for re-grouting tiles.
Check the color and condition in some of the higher-traffic areas of the room. If you notice any chipping or cracking in the grout, it won't respond well to cleaning and will most likely just break apart if you try to clean it with any kind of physical force.
As go-to grout and tile care specialists, The Grout Medic truly wants what is best for your tile. Waiting too long to wipe grout could result in unsightly grout haze. Don't wait too long to wipe off grout!
Use a rag or sponge mop to wipe down your dirty grout with hot water. (Don't use paper towels as they will break down and leave paper flakes on your surfaces.) Make sure the rag or mop is clean; if it's not, you'll just be adding a new layer of dirt and grime to the grout.