It’s also hard to find a tough cleaner that doesn’t contain loads of toxins and harsh chemicals. So we’re thrilled to see the EPA’s Safer Choice program label on CLR’s spray bottle. This certifies that CLR contains no ammonia, bleach, or phosphates and contains lactic acid, lauramine oxide, and tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether as its active ingredients. It can be helpful to seal grout lines at least once a year to help protect them and prevent staining. Q. How often should tile and grout be cleaned? Be sure to rinse the tiles after and avoid using any paper or cloth-based products to wipe as this will leave fibres on your freshly cleaned surface’, advises Rachael. A mild acid-based cleaner (containing citric or oxalic acid, for example) is the least harsh of these formulas and typically won’t damage chrome, stainless steel, or tile. Additionally, using harsh scrubbing action with abrasive cleaners can cause holes and break down the grout, which can lead to discoloration. If there are any holes and breakdowns, the grout will need to be repaired. Application Method

Grout cleaners are available in several different types of containers, but the most common are spray bottles, squeeze bottles, and pour bottles. While this is a powerful cleaner, there’s still a bit of elbow grease involved, so be prepared to put in a little effort. After that though, you can simply rinse the grout for tile that looks like new. It contains bleach, so it will clean everything from mold to mildew to limescale stains to plain old grime. It made our grout whiter and cleaner than any other cleaner, and the difference was drastic. The only warning to be aware of when using Soft Scrub with Bleach is that it will stain dark clothing, so be sure to dress accordingly or wear protective gear when cleaning. Additionally, using bleach frequently on grout can damage it over time, so use this cleaner sparingly, and be sure to follow all recommended instructions, and do not let it sit for longer than the recommended 1 minute of soaking time. Prepare a mix of equal parts warm water and vinegar in your spray bottle. Spray it onto the grout and leave for several minutes. Then scrub with your stiff-bristled brush and rinse with warm water.The first thing you want to do is clean the area around the grout, by vacuuming, dry mopping or wiping down.

For tougher stains on really grimy white grout, use oxygen bleach as a grout cleaner. You’ll find this cleanser is most often sold in powdered form; bestselling brands include OxiClean and Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus. Also, ensure that you keep grout cleaner away from pets and children. Be aware of the use-by date and please follow your local council’s guidelines for safe disposal, as it can be very harmful to aquatic life. The other thing to watch out for is pressure. The higher the steam pressure, the faster the steam jets out and the better it is at dissolving dirt and grime. For this reason, a steam cleaner that can put out 3.5 to 4 bar of pressure will have a lot more cleaning power than a handheld cleaner with less than 3 bar. Are there any practicalities worth thinking about?Depending on the severity of the mold situation, a grout cleaner with one of the following ingredients may be desired: an acid, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen bleach, or chlorine bleach.

Finally, and perhaps most obviously, you want a grout cleaner that does the job. There is no point spending money on a product that doesn’t deliver, especially after you have followed the instructions and taken time out of your day to clean your grout, when you would almost certainly prefer to be doing something more fun! Grout material and color: Read the label before buying any grout cleaner to be sure it is safe to use on the surfaces you'll be cleaning. Some are suited only for white, not colored, grout, and others can damage adjoining tiles made of natural stone, like marble or granite. If, after all of these steps, your grout is still stained or mouldy, then you may need to re-grout your tiles. You can find out more about the cost of this in our regrouting cost guide. How to clean grout on floor tiles This viral cleaning product is popular for more than just its vibrant hue—if you’re looking for the best grout cleaner in a paste form, The Pink Stuff is powerful enough to remove tough stains from a ton of different surfaces. It’s made with non-toxic ingredients, meaning it’s safe to use in your kitchen and bathroom to remove soap scum, dirt, grease, and more.Tile floors are popular flooring choices in rooms with lots of foot traffic because of their durability and timeless appearance, but all that activity means the tile can get dirty and dull. In that case, the Zep grout cleaner is a smart choice due to its cleaning and brightening power. Some grout cleaners are meant to be used regularly as part of your routine cleaning to prevent build-up of dirt and grime,” Sardone says. “Others are more heavy duty and should be used for deep cleanings periodically or on heavy traffic areas where build-up occurs faster.” Chlorine bleach and ammonia can be caustic and poisonous if improperly used. Both chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation as well as respiratory damage. At the same time, their whitening powers are almost unbeatable, especially where tough grout stains, mold, and mildew are concerned. Cleaning grout begins with good prevention, including resealing the grout as needed, cleaning up kitchen spills right away, and using a mild homemade or commercial grout cleaner regularly. Once grout begins to look stained or dingy, refer to the steps above. An important reminder about how to clean grout is to start with the mildest approach because this will be the least likely to damage or discolor grout. If the grout stain persists, move on to progressively more intense methods. Always ensure adequate ventilation and wear rubber or nylon gloves when cleaning grout. If the goal is to do a whole floor or area or clean large surfaces, the Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener is a product to try. This cleaner doesn’t come with a spray nozzle or a targeted spout, so it’s best for using over large areas that necessitate a pour-out. With the strong active ingredients of urea hydrochloride and hydrochloric acid, ZEP is designed for commercial as well as residential use.