Common Mistakes That People Make When Cleaning Grout

Do you want to know about the most common mistakes that people make when cleaning grout? Read on to learn more about them.

You've tried a beautiful new tile design in your bathroom or kitchen but quickly realize how the traffic changes the appearance. When grout gets dirty, it ruins the look of even the most stunning tiles.

Without the proper tips, people end up spending hours on their hands and knees trying to get their grout to look like it did when it was first installed. Unfortunately, most people are cleaning grout the wrong way.



Incorrect grout cleaning can lead to a worse appearance over time. Know these common grout cleaning mistakes and use these grout cleaning tips to ensure that you maintain the look of the grout in your kitchen or bath for years to come.

You've Been Scrubbing Too Hard

Scrubbing harder isn't going to make stains come up any faster or make the cleaning solution get any deeper into the grout. Still, this doesn't stop people from scrubbing too hard or getting rough with their grout.

You also don't want to scrub with materials that are too harsh. Steel wool and abrasive powders may seem like a good choice to remove stains. But these products can remove the finish on your tile, leaving them more prone to damage and making them appear full.

The truth is that your tiles and grout need care no matter what material they're made of. Look for grout-specific products and gently rub to remove dirt and debris.

You Use Colored Chemicals

Grout is a porous substance, so you have to be incredibly careful about what products you use to clean it. A porous substance will absorb anything that's applied to it.

Using colored cleaning chemicals to clean will eventually lead to your grout becoming discolored or even damaged long-term. That means that using colored chemicals over time can cause the grout to turn that color or even permanently black or brown.

Once the grout becomes discolored, especially when it's a white or light-colored grout, it's difficult or near impossible to get it to return to its original color. Vinegar and bleach are other common cleaning products that shouldn't be used on grout.

You're Using Acidic Cleaners

Just like using colored chemical cleaners are bad for cleaning grout, so is a cleaner that's too acidic. Acidic cleans can actually damage the structural integrity by weakening and disintegrating the material.

Cleaners that are too acidic can cause the grout to wear away or create holes. The grout can also become more porous, which lets in more water and can cause other issues like moisture damage, mold, and mildew.

And weakened grout can end up costing you money in the future as it might need more maintenance or even cause you to have to replace the tile or grout in the future. It's better to use a cleaner that's made specifically for grout.

You Don't Clean Up Stains Quickly

As stated, grout is porous. Since it sucks up whatever's on it, you have to be cautious about leaving things on the floor. Staining foods like pasta sauces, red wines, tea, coffee, and cola can leave permanent marks on the floor. Similarly, water puddles left on the floor can cause stains over time.

In order to protect your tile and grout, you want to clean up any stains or spills as quickly as possible. If the stains go unnoticed or sit on floors for long periods, it can lead to the grout being permanently discolored.

Also, if you have discolored grout, not cleaning it up can lead to stains that are difficult to remove.

You Don't Protect the Tile

Not paying attention to what you put on your floors can lead to damage to the tiles and grout.

Be sure to place heavy objects and furniture like tables and sofas on furniture protection pads to protect the floor from scratches and cracks. Plants should have dishes or trays that will collect the excess water that can damage the floor.

Be sure rooms like the kitchen, bath, laundry room, or any space that will be exposed to water are properly caulked and sealed.

You're Getting the Tile Too Wet

You're not wrong to think of using water when cleaning your grout. However, using too much water can actually be a detriment. You don't want to soak your floor with excess or piling water.

Using too much water when cleaning the grout can weaken the adhesive under the tile. This can cause the tile to lift, crack, or crumble over time, which is a much higher cost to maintain or replace the floors.

Instead, use a bucket and sponge to get the grout damp but not sopping wet. After cleaning with the proper grout cleaner, use a damp sponge to remove the cleaner or any excess dirt.

Your Whole Cleaning Routine Is Wrong

Not only might you be using the wrong products, but you also might not be cleaning the right way. You want to use a mop, soft cloth, and vacuum at least once a week to clean your floors. This will prevent dirt and grime from building up on your floors.

When using a vacuum, be sure to turn off the beater bar, as that can damage and scratch the finishing of your tile. If the beater bar can't be turned off on your vacuum, you can gently sweep the floors.

Use a medium bristle brush to gently clean the grout. Then use a sponge to rinse and wipe the area after cleaning. Also, consider hiring a tile cleaning company to deep clean your floors every six months.

Don't Make These Mistakes When Cleaning Grout

Nobody wants their beautiful tiles to be surrounded by nasty, dirty grout lines. But who wants to spend an entire weekend scrubbing between every tile? Most people cleaning grout often get the process wrong.

With these grout cleaning tips, not only will your tile sparkle but your grout will too. Or, you can take the entire cleaning process off your hands and hire professionals to maintain the tile in your home.

Ready to make your home sparkle? With Desert Tile and Grout Restore, we specialize in restoring, cleaning, and sealing stone floors. Contact us today to get a quote for your project!