Comments on: How to Clean Grout http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/ Wed, 23 May 2012 00:36:49 +0000 hourly 1 By: Wayne http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-82426 Wayne Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:28:08 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-82426 Bleach is a good starting point for cleaning the grout, but if all else fails the one tip that always works, and is a tiler's best kept secret, is a product called "aqua mix grout colorant". You apply it to the surface of the grout, leave it a while and then clean off the excess with a scouring pad, leaving behind an epoxy coating color. You can even change the color of grout using this stuff. Tilers tend to keep it in their vans to deal with efflorescence issues and other grout anomalies. If you want to re-grout then rake out a couple of millimeters and then cap the grout, it will then have a key to the existing grout. I've done my fair share over the years. :-) Bleach is a good starting point for cleaning the grout, but if all else fails the one tip that always works, and is a tiler’s best kept secret, is a product called “aqua mix grout colorant”. You apply it to the surface of the grout, leave it a while and then clean off the excess with a scouring pad, leaving behind an epoxy coating color. You can even change the color of grout using this stuff. Tilers tend to keep it in their vans to deal with efflorescence issues and other grout anomalies. If you want to re-grout then rake out a couple of millimeters and then cap the grout, it will then have a key to the existing grout. I’ve done my fair share over the years. :-)

]]> By: Arnold http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-82040 Arnold Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:34:45 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-82040 Hydrogen peroxide works pretty good as a natural cleaner. Another great natural cleaner is vinegar and baking soda. Both of these items mixed together help to create an oxidizing effect that helps to get rid of tough stains. Baking soda or vinegar only do not work nearly as well. Hydrogen peroxide works pretty good as a natural cleaner. Another great natural cleaner is vinegar and baking soda. Both of these items mixed together help to create an oxidizing effect that helps to get rid of tough stains. Baking soda or vinegar only do not work nearly as well.

]]> By: Mommy truth http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-79472 Mommy truth Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:53:19 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-79472 After using your cleaner of choice, then a battery-operated scrub brush, scrub grout with Mr Clean magic eraser. The magic eraser also works on shower doors along with your cleaner of choice! After using your cleaner of choice, then a battery-operated scrub brush, scrub grout with Mr Clean magic eraser. The magic eraser also works on shower doors along with your cleaner of choice!

]]> By: lynn http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-71364 lynn Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:57:17 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-71364 Just used baking powder and a toothbrush and all my orange grout is now whitish. Terrific! Just used baking powder and a toothbrush and all my orange grout is now whitish.

Terrific!

]]> By: Johnp http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-71323 Johnp Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:06:40 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-71323 The title paragraph has a couple of misconceptions. Grout is not impervious to water. Water can weep through grout. That is why a barrier (Kerdi, Red Guard, etc.) that IS impervious to water is applied to the substrate, and the tile is adhered to that. Also, grout does not keep tiles in place. That is the job of the tile adhesive such as thinset. Grout just fills in the spaces between the tiles. The title paragraph has a couple of misconceptions.

Grout is not impervious to water. Water can weep through grout. That is why a barrier (Kerdi, Red Guard, etc.) that IS impervious to water is applied to the substrate, and the tile is adhered to that. Also,
grout does not keep tiles in place. That is the job of the tile adhesive such as thinset. Grout just fills in the spaces between the tiles.

]]> By: SIJS http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-64379 SIJS Sat, 22 Jan 2011 19:30:30 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-64379 I forgot to tell you, “to keep the glass inside of your shower cleaner”, once clean and dry, it perhaps would be worth it to try applying “Rain-X” on the inside according to the directions, just like you would on your car windshield so that the glass would then tend to repel water off of it. I know when “applied properly” on your car windows, it works well. I do know that if you use liquid bath soap instead of bar soap, you have far less residue on glass and tubs left behind as well. You perhaps would have to apply the Rain-X twice a month. I have not done this one but it may work as well as it does on car glass. Sincerely, S. I forgot to tell you, “to keep the glass inside of your shower cleaner”, once clean and dry, it perhaps would be
worth it to try applying “Rain-X” on the inside according to the directions, just like you would on your car
windshield so that the glass would then tend to repel water off of it. I know when “applied properly” on your car
windows, it works well. I do know that if you use liquid bath soap instead of bar soap, you have far less residue
on glass and tubs left behind as well. You perhaps would have to apply the Rain-X twice a month. I have not
done this one but it may work as well as it does on car glass. Sincerely, S.

]]> By: SIJS http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-64377 SIJS Sat, 22 Jan 2011 17:43:09 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-64377 The answer... A product called “Kaboom” cleans the hard to clean mineral deposits and grime off shower glass if you follow their instructions. It is hard to find however you can go on line and find where they sell it or order it on line. It works exceedingly well and I believe it has pumas in it, much like "Lava" soap for cleaning and dissolving grease and hard grime off your hands, which perhaps could be used too or other products as such, with a toothbrush and some elbow grease however, Kaboom works well on the glass with little effort. Too, you should know that when they build wealthy homes, they usually coat the grout within the showers with a special, clear substance that literally keeps the grout looking beautiful for 15-20 or even more years before you have to reapply it again. Purchased at almost any home improvement store, they can show you where it is and the various options, all lasting different lengths of time and costing different amounts with the 20 year one around $60.00 dollars I believe or perhaps less. Go for the really long lasting one. One large container will do more than one bathroom and you could even split the cost with a friend, neighbor, or relative for their home as well. You also can purchase either online or at Bed Bath and Beyond type of establishments a good steamer for clothes and grease areas that has all kinds of attachments and apply really hot steam to the grout like the professionals would come in and do for you for cleaning it. Once you have it clean and very dry, apply the barrier mentioned above and you will have nipped this problematic situation in the bud for many, and I do mean, many years. Sincerely, S The answer… A product called “Kaboom” cleans the hard to clean mineral deposits and grime off shower glass if you follow their instructions. It is hard to find however you can go on line and find where they sell it or order it on line. It works exceedingly well and I believe it has pumas in it, much like “Lava” soap for cleaning and dissolving grease and hard grime off your hands, which perhaps could be used too or other products as such, with a toothbrush and some elbow grease however, Kaboom works well on the glass with little effort. Too, you should know that when they build wealthy homes, they usually coat the grout within the showers with a special, clear substance that literally keeps the grout looking beautiful for 15-20 or even more years before you have to reapply it again. Purchased at almost any home improvement store, they can show you where it is and the various options, all lasting different lengths of time and costing different amounts with the 20 year one around $60.00 dollars I believe or perhaps less. Go for the really long lasting one. One large container will do more than one bathroom and you could even split the cost with a friend, neighbor, or relative for their home as well. You also can purchase either online or at Bed Bath and Beyond type of establishments a good steamer for clothes and grease areas that has all kinds of attachments and apply really hot steam to the grout like the professionals would come in and do for you for cleaning it. Once you have it clean and very dry, apply the barrier mentioned above and you will have nipped this problematic situation in the bud for many, and I do mean, many years. Sincerely, S

]]> By: Nat http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-37382 Nat Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:43:01 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-37382 Mineral Turpentine works great, but you need about 2 scrubbing brushes and two toothbrushes because all that scum lifts off onto the brushes etc and you CAN'T get it off. I just too them after that. I figured this out after I used turps to get blue tack off a wall and thought if it can get that off then what can it do to soap scum and mold. It kicks butt!! Mineral Turpentine works great, but you need about 2 scrubbing brushes and two toothbrushes because all that scum lifts off onto the brushes etc and you CAN’T get it off. I just too them after that. I figured this out after I used turps to get blue tack off a wall and thought if it can get that off then what can it do to soap scum and mold. It kicks butt!!

]]> By: Jen http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-28417 Jen Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:11:43 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-28417 Tea tree oil is a fantastic anti-fungal, bacterial etc. Again you do need to be careful of how concentrated you use it as it can cause irritation etc (i.e use gloves). It is also an "oil" i.e it does not dissolve in water, I would suggest mixing the Tea tree oil with a small amount of dish washing liquid then adding the water, the dish washing liquid will allow it to mix evenly throughout the water. After you can then just use some hot soapy water to wipe away the excess. Tea tree oil is a fantastic anti-fungal, bacterial etc. Again you do need to be careful of how concentrated you use it as it can cause irritation etc (i.e use gloves).

It is also an “oil” i.e it does not dissolve in water, I would suggest mixing the Tea tree oil with a small amount of dish washing liquid then adding the water, the dish washing liquid will allow it to mix evenly throughout the water. After you can then just use some hot soapy water to wipe away the excess.

]]> By: Ciel http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-13821 Ciel Sun, 10 May 2009 14:51:36 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-grout/#comment-13821 I am using the Sonic scrubber instead of my electric toothbrush and the results so far have been far better than before. But, the brush tips come with NO instructions as to which to use where and today (second use) I am having some trouble changing heads. Could be just the one I am using, the head, or my hands today. But, try it yourself. I am using the Sonic scrubber instead of my electric toothbrush and the results so far have been far better than before. But, the brush tips come with NO instructions as to which to use where and today (second use) I am having some trouble changing heads. Could be just the one I am using, the head, or my hands today. But, try it yourself.

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