best and cheapest way to clean tile grout

findmewdw

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Jan 19, 2004
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I had Coit give me a price to clean the grout in my kitchen and baths and it was a bit more than what I wanted to spend. Any great products that you have tried?
 
I had Coit give me a price to clean the grout in my kitchen and baths and it was a bit more than what I wanted to spend. Any great products that you have tried?

Are you talking about the grout between tile or the tub grout?

I use bleach on my tub grout and when it is yucchy enough I have it replaced.

Tilex or X-14 for the tile grout. This one can be replaced as well.
 
Yes, grout between tile. It is light color originally, but has turned darker now that it is dirty. I think the name was haystack, but it looked off white to me in the beginning. I saw some reviews that looked good for a product Zep at Home Depot, but it sounds like it is a bit toxic. I tried OxiClean this morning on a section and it looks a bit better, but not perfect. At least, I do have a teenage son who wants to earn some extra cash and can help me.:)
 

Vinegar , white vinegar to be exact. You can get like a gallon for a dollar or 2. Buy a cheap spray bottle , spray it on and leave it for a minute or two and then wipe it off. Depending on how dirty your grout is , it might take a couple applications to get it done. But we just wipe down our backslplash and bathroom tiles once a month and don't worry about it anymore
 
The best thing for our grout has been magic erasers, but it does tear them up, so it's not super cost effective.
 
Lysol makes a bathroom cleaner with hydrogen peroxide. I use that and a toothbrush to scribble the grout. I think it works very well.
 
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My husband does it as part of our business, and he has to do it by hand. I will ask him what kind of product he puts on the grout. It takes a while when someone wants it done.
 
Hey how much was coit do you mind sharing? I've seen commercials for Stanley Steamer to clean grout too. I have a tile kitchen then a back foyer and bathroom that is the same tile. It's a lot to do ourselves. It was white tile with white grout but now the grout is tan or brown. I even think in some spots I need more grout as it has worn away. I figure it will cost an arm and leg to get cleaned so I've not gotten up the nerve to call and ask a price.
 
Wifey and I have used Oxy-bleach -- a specialty brand used by contractors that usually cleans everything quite well, no luck (and Oxy-bleach is NOT the name of the product).It is much better than most of the supermarket brands.

I used a special Clorox brand cleaning solution recommended by Bob Villa, no luck. Used baking soda. Used two or three speciality grout cleaners that were quite expensive, no luck.

I really am reluctant to use straight bleach, but may try it. My mom used to use it.

But, I bought a scrubbing stone awhile back that is made from recycled products, not as abrasive as the pumice stones. I used it on stubborn toilet bowl rings that had been around for a few years and had resisted all attempts -- and with little effort, the rings were gone -- quickly --- I may give that a try this weekend. It would probably cost some $50 in total to do our two bathroom floors with the scrubbers, but cheaper than calling someone in.

And, yes, supposedly the grout was "sealed" with protectant when it was installed.
 
I needed to clean grout in kitchen that was moldy and I put baking soda on the gout then sprayed white vinegar on and then scrubbed with a toothbrush. Then just wipe it down and looked brand new.... And totally non toxic I did it when I was 8 months pregnant
 
Hey how much was coit do you mind sharing? I've seen commercials for Stanley Steamer to clean grout too. I have a tile kitchen then a back foyer and bathroom that is the same tile. It's a lot to do ourselves. It was white tile with white grout but now the grout is tan or brown. I even think in some spots I need more grout as it has worn away. I figure it will cost an arm and leg to get cleaned so I've not gotten up the nerve to call and ask a price.
Their quote was around 700 for my kitchen. They will restore the grout with a color coding also if needed. They quoted the price a couple of months ago. Can't remember exact number, but thought my darling son could help me.
 
The best thing for our grout has been magic erasers, but it does tear them up, so it's not super cost effective.
Those do work, but they tear so quickly and hurt my hands. I do love those magic erasers! Love to find something that I won't have to scrub with.
 
Check out Aqua Mix. They have a cleaner and a stain/sealer you can apply to restore color. It is fairly easy to do.
 
If it was sealed correctly bleach will work fine and it will not be that difficult..... Yes the sealer does breakdown over time BUT when applied right when the grout is new it soaks in to the grout and you will only get surface dirt. I sealed mine over 10 years ago when my bathroom was new... Never had any discoloration on the walls. The floor grout gets dirty but bleach and a mop will restore the color. It took me multiple nights with a small paint brush to seal it and I put down 2 coats or until it stopped soaking in... it is a crappy time consuming agitating job but it does work... If you have to replace the grout it is not that hard but it is time consuming... you can but a hand grout remover or make life easier and but a grout remover attachment for a Dremel tool... if you do this use a good sealer and take the time and you should not have an issue in the future.... please be aware this is a project that will take a week or so as it gets old very fast and then the grout needs to dry for a few days (maybe week read instructions on sealer) before sealing and lastly painting with a small brush.... lastly for 700 (to clean????) you can find someone to remove and re grout and seal.. a good handyman will charge 250-300 a day by me...
 













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