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Why Is My Tile Grout So Dirty?

Tile is beautiful on floors, in kitchens, or in bathrooms. It provides a clean, yet earthy look to any room. The tile itself is easy to clean and generally needs low maintenance. However, many homeowners have found that their tile grout may grow dirty as time goes on, and it’s not so easy to clean. Why is your tile grout so dirty?

The source of the problem

Tile grout can become dirty in any area of the home. Soap, rust, and mold can mark grout in bathrooms. Dirt will seep into grout on a tile floor, especially in high traffic areas. Grout lining tile in a kitchen will become discoloured from soap and spills. Why does this happen? The answer is normal wear and tear, possibly a poor or worn seal. Can it be fixed? Yes, it can. Tile grout is a porous material, just like most natural stone. It will allow moisture, dirt, and any debris to seep into the stone if it’s not quickly cleaned nor sealed properly. 

Cleaning Tile Grout

Like all surfaces, keeping tile grout clean is the name of the game. Removing dirt, excess moisture, and objects which may cause rust will keep your grout clean. Water damage can harm all natural stone and even grout, so repairing any leaks right away will keep your stones in their best shape.

For everyday dirt and buildup, mixtures of vinegar, baking soda, and even bleach can be used to lightly clean tile grout. For stains and deep dirt, a professional tile grout cleaner may be required. This strategy works well on ceramic and porcelain tiled floors. DO NOT TRY THIS CLEANING METHOD ON MARBLE OR OTHER NATURAL STONES AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE STONE.

Natural surfaces cannot tolerate acidic cleaners, so skip the vinegar with these. A solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts baking soda is safe for natural stone. Using this mixture, you can scrub the grout lightly with a soft brush.

Using the right cleaners for your surface is critical. Harsh cleaners can damage natural stone tiles, causing etches or stains. Learn more about marble etching and stains here. Make sure to review the ingredients of all your cleaners. Ask a professional if you are not sure which cleaner should be used on what surface type. 

Sealing Tile Grout

Porcelain tile grout may be cement-based and require a sealant, however, epoxy-based grout will not need a sealant. Epoxy-based grouts are used typically for natural stone. Note also that natural stone should be sealed prior to applying grout. Grout needs to cure entirely before being sealed, which will depend on which grout was used, but will normally need at least 30 days to cure. Since cement-based grout is porous, like natural stone; it needs to be sealed to keep dirt and other debris from staining the grout.

You will find that a number of home improvement and stone companies carry a tile grout sealant product. Some will be sprays for the entire tile area, while others may be liquids or pastes. These are typically applied to the grout lines only. The tile itself is already sealed and does not typically need an additional sealing when you are resealing your tile grout. Of course, if you are going to seal the grout yourself, be sure to fully clean the area and remove any dirt and stains in the grout before sealing.

DIY or Professional?

If you notice that your grout is heavily stained, you may want to hire a professional to clean and reseal your grout. This will ensure you use the right cleaner and sealer. If you have natural stone, you also want the professional to gauge if the stone should be resealed before grouting.

Treating your tile grout like a porous natural stone may keep the majority of dirt, stains, and other damage out of your grout and keep the tile surface looking clean and new. However, from time to time, it will be necessary to reseal your grout. Evaluate the seal on your tile grout at least yearly, and reseal if the grout is allowing debris to discolour, stain and ruin the appearance of your tile surface.

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The Marble Clinic

The Marble Clinic

Natural Stone Professionals; specializing in the restoration, repair and maintenance of marble, granite, terrazzo & more.

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Charlotte Fleet
Charlotte Fleet
3 years ago

I like that you explain that if your tile or grout is heavily stained you should probably hire a professional to make sure that the correct cleaner and sealer is used. My husband and I have been trying to get our home sale ready for the past few months. I think the grout should be next and I think we should look for a professional grout cleaning service to help us get it done right.

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