Question: How do I clean stained tile grout?
Cleaning stains on the surface of ceramic tile is relatively easy, as long as the surface is glossy or semi glossy. Even dried latex paint comes off with a fingernail. But therein lies the difference between tile surface and tile grout. Grout is porous, and stains embed in grout practically forever.
Answer: That is one purpose of grout sealer. After you first install your ceramic tile, you should apply grout sealer to reduce its porosity.
Grout sealer not only prevents the migration of moisture below and within the tile, but it prevents stains from remaining on the surface.
How to Tell if Your Grout Sealer is Sealing
Test the porosity of your current application of grout sealer by placing a few drops of water on the joint. The bead of water should stand tall and not soak into the grout. If the water soaks into the grout, then that means that the grout sealer has failed and is no longer doing its job. Most grout sealer lasts about one or two years, tops.If the grout is porous, then it will be very difficult to remove stains.
Cleaning Mild Stains
Mild cleaners such as baking soda and water, applied with a soft wire brush or toothbrush, are the best way to start. This can remove organic stains such as food, coffee, wine, and so on.Dealing with Difficult Stains
But for more persistent stains, you may want apply a grout colorant. Grout colorant is wonderful stuff. You paint it on with a paintbrush across the entire surface. You do not need to limit it just the joints. After, wipe off the excess.Grout colorant performs the same function as if you had originally installed your ceramic tile with tinted grout. Tinted grout is no shame at all. It’s a wonderful style addition and makes your ceramic tile look striking and fresh.
