Grout stains are not only ugly, but they are unsanitary, as well. When wondering how to remove grout stains, you need to remember that grout is porous. Most grout is made from a mixture using sand and Portland cement and then sealed.
The problem is, despite being sealed, mineral deposits, oil, and soap can still create stains, and mold can still grow. One way to prevent stains and mold from occurring is regular grout cleaning, but sometimes that is not always possible.
To stay on top of stains and mold or mildew, weekly cleaning with a grout brush and some hot water is more than enough. It is when you neglect that regular cleaning that stains, mold, and mildew all begin to set in.
Effective Ways to Remove Stains from Grout
Regular maintenance is the best way to keep grout and tiles clean. You need to clean grout as part of your normal cleaning tasks to keep it free of stains and debris.
When stains form, the deeper the stains go, the harder they are to eliminate. Although tough stains are hard to get rid of, they are not impossible; we are here to show you how to remove grout stains using a few proven methods.
Use these methods as effective kitchen tiles cleaner as well as in the bathroom or other areas you may have grout stains. They are multi-purpose solutions.
Removing Grout Haze from Tile with Vinegar
Grout haze is common after grouting, so don’t panic if you notice a haze suddenly appear on your tiles a few days after installation. Removing grout haze from tile is quite easy; make sure you let it fully dry, and you remove it within ten days.
The first step in removing the haze is to use warm water and cheesecloth. Dip cheesecloth in the water and then wring out excess water, as too much water will ruin the grout. Wipe the surface and countertops with the damp cheesecloth. Rinse and repeat as needed.
If haze is still present after using water alone, try removing it with a rubber grout float. The soft edge of the float won’t damage or scratch the tiles, nor will it ruin the new grout. Place the float on the tile, so that you are pulling the edge towards you.
Repeat until you feel all the haze is gone. Wipe down with a large tiling sponge and then buff tile with cheesecloth. Shine a flashlight on the tile to check for any haze.
If, after trying both methods, haze is still present and you have porcelain or ceramic tile, use a vinegar solution. To make the solution, mix four cups of water with one cup of vinegar inside a spray bottle. Spray the tile surface with the solution and wipe with a sponge or soft nylon pad.
Rinse the tiles with clean water and a soft cloth to ensure you remove all traces of vinegar.
For removing epoxy grout haze, you may need to use a different method for the most success. For slate or stone tiles, you need to purchase the appropriate commercial cleaning products to ensure that you don’t harm these tiles.
Removing Grout Stains from Tiles with Baking Soda
Baking soda is excellent for removing grout stains from tiles; it is also helpful in eliminating scum and stains from the grout lines themselves. This stain remover is not strong enough to remove black grout stains; you need a little more elbow grease to go along with it.
Put on some gloves and combine the bleach and baking soda to create a thick paste. If you’re not a fan of the caustic nature of bleach, you can substitute vinegar. Cleaning grout haze off tiles with vinegar is just as simple. The paste should be thick enough that it will stick to the backsplash without running down. Apply the paste with an old toothbrush or a nylon scrub brush.
Work the paste into the grout and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Scrub the stain remover again and let it sit for another 15 minutes. Use a damp rag and wipe off the paste.
Rinse the cloth in clean water several times to ensure all residue is removed. Alternatively, you can create a baking soda paste with water rather than bleach. Apply the paste to the grout and then spray with white vinegar.
Allow the baking soda to foam for a few minutes and then scrub with a nylon scrub brush. Rinse bathroom floor clean with a damp mop or rag, making sure you rinse it frequently.
How to Remove Grout Stains on Natural Stone
Cleaning grout with natural stone tiles is a little trickier to clean than ceramic and porcelain because they are porous, and many cleansers can damage them. Some people recommend a homemade natural stone cleaner and the grout surrounding it with warm water and a grout brush you can buy at a local hardware store. Sometimes you need a little more.
One method to try is using coarse salt or Epsom salts to clean the stains. Sprinkle the salt directly onto the tile grout and scrub with a nylon bristle brush. Allow the solution to sit overnight, rinsing thoroughly first thing the next morning.
You can substitute the salt with Borax, also. Another way to clean dirty grout is to make a cleaning paste with two teaspoons of cream of tartar and some lemon juice. Stir in lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.
Wearing rubber gloves, rub the paste into the grout and then scrub with a brush. Clean up with a rag and warm water. Rinse the cloth repeatedly in clean water to remove all traces of the cleaner. You can use water in place of lemon juice to create the paste.
Other Grout Stain Removal Methods
Steam is an excellent choice if you want to clean grout naturally. If you don’t own a steam cleaner, you can rent one from your local home improvement stores. The high temperatures of the steam cleaner combined with the pressure make the steam effective against mold, mildew, and many other unsightly stains and will not cause discoloration.
Make a cleaner by combining two cups of powdered oxygen bleach with one gallon of hot water. Actively scrub the cleaning solution into the grout for five minutes and then allow it to sit for one hour. Scrub again for five minutes and rinse grout clean with warm water.
This cleanser works great to remove built-up grime. It is also versatile enough to use on floor tile and shower walls. Create a spray by mixing equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide inside a spray bottle.
Spray the grout directly and let stand for 15 minutes. If the stains are horrible, leave the solution overnight. Wipe clean with a damp rag.
Tips for Keeping Your Grout Clean
Once your grout is stain-free, you want to keep it that way. To do this, clean your grout weekly. Thoroughly rinse cleaners from floors to prevent the cleaners from setting into the grout. Instead of using cleaners, use a shop vacuum and plain water or a steam mop to clean the floors.
You will need to use a quality sealer to reseal your grout and tile every few years. Clean grout and tile floors first using our proven tile cleaner recipe and then allow to dry. Once completely dry, use the appropriate grout sealer for the tiles and seal them.
Thank you for reading our grout stain removal tips. If you found any of these stain remover recipes helpful, please share these grout cleaning tips on Facebook and Pinterest so they can learn how to remove grout stains with ease.