Tile Grout Cleaner: How Much Cleaning Is Too Much?

Think about it: Grout is a sandy, porous substance. Much like the relentless, powerful force of erosion turning boulders into beaches over time, your well-meant cleaning activity could be causing your grout to wear away. The trick is to balance your cleaning efforts with gentle yet effective cleaners and then stick to a sensible schedule instead of overworking your grout. This might be easier said than done. 

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back to help you keep things simple. Here’s what you need to know about cleaning your grout in the safest way possible.

Your Simple Grout Cleaning Routine

Effective grout care starts and ends with diligence. Set clear, logical routines and stick to them — your grout will thank you for it. Veer away from those routines, and you may have to re-grout or call a professional for assistance.

The Dos of Grout Cleaning

There are a few foolproof ways to ensure you properly clean and care for your tile.

1. Seal Your Grout Regularly 

It is important to seal your grout regularly. Determine when your grout needs to be sealed and apply a protective seal to your grout. This will help prevent soil buildup and provide a barrier against stains. (It’ll also make cleaning easier.) 

2. Wipe Up Spills ASAP

Wipe up spills when they happen. Cooking grease, standing water, even soap scum: Leaving these substances on your grout and stone opens the door for bacteria, stains, discoloration and structural issues. It’s far better to spend a few minutes cleaning your grout after use than having to spend a lot of time and money dealing with more permanent grout damage — so, remember, diligence is key.

3. Choose A Reliable Brand

Above all, make sure to choose a solution formulated to deep-clean soiled grout such as Granite Gold® Grout Cleaner. Cleaners should also protect surrounding stone surfaces and your grout’s structural integrity.

Don’ts of Grout Cleaning

When cleaning grout, make sure to avoid the following mistakes.

1. Acidic or Harsh Chemicals 

Popular cleaning solutions and common multipurpose household cleaners can break down and weaken the structure of your grout, and they can damage the surrounding natural stone. Instead, choose a solution formulated to deep-clean soiled grout while also protecting surrounding stone surfaces and your grout’s structural integrity. 

While DIY blogs across the Internet may tout the benefits of using vinegar, ammonia and bleach to care for your home, the reality is simple: These products have very high and low pH levels. Instead, choose a solution formulated to deep-clean soiled grout while also protecting surrounding stone surfaces and your grout’s structural integrity, and avoid mixing up your own concoctions. It’ll be safer and take less time (and likely less money) as well — a win-win. 

Here’s a quick checklist of other solutions to avoid: 

Excess Water: While it might seem like the most natural cleaner of all, it can lead to mold and mildew. It’s better to use a cleaner that will naturally dry out and evaporate quickly.

Colored Chemicals: It almost seems too simple of a rule-of-thumb, but it works: Don’t put colored chemicals on your grout. They can stain and color your grout over time — and no-one wants a household-cleaner neon-blue stain on their natural stone and grout.

2. Abrasive Cleaning Materials

Scouring pads or steel wool will break down the integrity of the grout, as well as strip the protective seal away from your grout and the surrounding natural stone in the process. It’s better to use a nylon scrub brush instead for a more reliable mix of gentleness and efficacy. 

3. Mixing Your Own Concoctions 

It’ll be safer and take less time (and likely less money) as well — a win-win. Here’s a quick checklist of other solutions to avoid: More Water than Necessary: While it might seem like the most natural cleaner of all, it can lead to mold and mildew. It’s better to use a cleaner that will naturally dry out and evaporate quickly. Colored Chemicals: It almost seems too simple of a rule-of-thumb, but it works: Don’t put colored chemicals on your grout. They can stain and color your grout over time — and no-one wants a household-cleaner neon-blue stain on their natural stone and grout. Elbow Grease 

Clean Grout the Right Way with Granite Gold Grout Cleaner®

We’ve done the research. We’ve completed the tests — and we’ve developed a tile grout cleaner that will deep clean your soiled grout effectively while also protecting the surrounding stone surfaces in your home. 

Granite Gold Grout Cleaner® is lightly “citrus-scented” and also safe on tile, porcelain, colored grout, ceramic and glass, and includes the poly-fiber Granite Gold Grout Brush® to agitate dirt and grime.

Check it out today to add an efficient, all-safe step to your grout cleaning process.