Attack Grubby Grout This Summer

Do you ever pull up a corner of the area rug on your tile and see the difference between the grout color under the rug and the grout in your traffic areas? Sometimes it looks like two completely different colors of grout, just due to a build-up of dirt in your grout. There are a number of techniques you can use to remove stains and dirt from your grout.

For smaller surface stains, you can use a pencil eraser or a small piece of folded sandpaper to rub the stain from the grout. Liquid solutions that can be applied to grout stains include a bleach and water mix, or a white-vinegar and water solution applied with baking soda. A toothbrush can be used in grout lines to scrub in the solutions before rinsing with clear water.

For larger areas, grout can be cleaned with an “oxy” solution. Apply the solution and let it work on the grout for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. Once your grout is clean, you can keep it clean by adding the oxy powder to your mopping water, allowing the oxygen ions to penetrate the grout before rinsing.

Tough stains and years of traffic might require removing and replacing grout. You can do it yourself with a grout removal tool, and a carefully matched grout. If you are considering replacing a large area of grout, you may want to consult a professional. The new grout can be sealed to help reduce staining.