Tried and True Tips For Keeping Your Grout Looking New

Seal regularly

Grout sealer blocks the tiny microscopic pores in cement-based grout, preventing dirt from penetrating deep into its surface. It makes grout more stain-resistant, helping it stay looking good. “Seal grout if you want it to stay fresh and more durable longer,” Podeyko says. “Sealed grout is also easier to clean and can tolerate more aggressive scrubbing and steam cleaning.” Sanded and unsanded cement-based grouts should be sealed a few days after initial installation and once a year.

Use neutral-pH grout cleaning products

When cleaning grout, always use low or neutral-pH cleaning agents like grout-specific cleaners, degreasers, dish soap or hydrogen peroxide. “A pH-neutral grout cleaner cleans effectively without breaking down the grout, which helps it stay cleaner longer,” Gelfusa says.

While it might be tempting to use bleach, resist the urge. “These products slowly dissolve the surface, creating microscopic pits that collect grime even faster,” Gelfusa says. Bleach also strips away protective sealers.

Dry tub and shower areas after use

To keep grout looking clean in the shower, keep standing water to a minimum. Squeegee tile walls after each shower and use a towel to wipe down ledges and shower floors, Rivera says. Water left to dry on its own encourages mold or mildew growth that discolors grout. This can show up as black, green or pink stains. Evaporated water can also leave behind mineral-based hard water stains that leave grout looking faded or yellow.

Sweep and vacuum regularly

Rivera recommends regularly vacuuming and sweeping tile floors to prevent dirt and debris from settling into porous grout lines. This practice not only helps maintain clean grout longer but also reduces the frequency of deep cleanings. The less dirt left on the grout, the cleaner it will stay. Sweeping or vacuuming before mopping is especially important to prevent pushing loose dirt deeper into the grout.

Consider a no-shoe policy

Outside shoes worn indoors account for at least a third of the dirt found in your home. If you have tile floors, this practice translates to dirtier grout that needs to be cleaned more frequently. Dirty shoes grind dirt deep into grout pores, making those cleanings more labor-intensive as well. To keep grout looking good as long as possible between cleanings, consider implementing a no-shoe policy in your home.

Regular grout cleaning schedule

Doing small maintenance tasks can extend the time between deep cleanings. Wipe down food splatters on tile backsplashes after cooking and quickly clean up any spills on tile floors, especially liquids that can stain, like coffee or wine. For spills, blotting works better than wiping, which drives stains deeper into grout pores. Include grout in your regular deep cleaning schedule to prevent dirt buildup and permanent stains. Consistent cleaning takes less time and effort than letting dirt accumulate over time.

Choose grout colors carefully

When choosing grout colors, opt for a mid-tone gray or brown grout, especially in high-traffic areas. While you may love bright white grout, it will be a lot of work to keep it looking clean, especially on floors. On the other end of the spectrum, black grout will hide dirt but will highlight any soap scum or hard water deposits in the shower and tub areas. And remember when choosing grout that it dries much lighter than it is applied, and color swatches typically represent a darker color than the actual product.

FAQ

Can steam cleaners damage grout?

Using steam cleaners to clean grout is generally safe, but they can damage unsealed grout.

What should I do if my grout is permanently stained?

Apply grout coloring products to stained grout or remove it and regrout the area.

ABOUT THE EXPERTS

• Mariya Podeyko is a deep cleaning specialist and the owner of :AM Cleaning in Alberta, Canada.
• Marisol Rivera is a cleaning expert and professional organizer with Sparkly Maid Austin in Texas.
• John Gelfusa is the president and CEO of HomeWorks, a Michigan-based remodeling company.

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