It’s logical that you will clean your grout at the same time that you clean your porcelain, without any extra steps. However, grout may develop stains or other issues over time that require a little extra care:

  • How to deep clean grout: Scrub the grout using a grout brush (or an old toothbrush) and a cleaner specifically formulated for tile and grout. If possible, vacuum up the dirty water with a wet-dry vacuum to lift the dirt off the joint. Then rinse with clean water and vacuum that up as well to remove any residual soap. (If you don’t have access to a wet-dry vacuum, thoroughly rinse with clean water and dry the grout with a towel.)
  • How to remove stains from grout: Tough stains may be simple to remove with a steam cleaner. The pressurized steam brings the stains to the grout’s surface, where you can more easily scrub them away.
  • How to prevent grout from staining: Many grouts are now self-sealing to protect against staining. If you are using a old cementitious grout that isn’t a self-sealing grout, seal it after installation and then regularly reseal to maintain the stain and moisture resistance, decrease maintenance, and help the grout retain its original color. See the sealer’s product information for instructions. Note: Epoxy grout does not require sealing (we use this grout at DeBow Home Remodeling).
  • How to remove mold or mildew from grout: As with all ceramic tile, porcelain is a hard-fired surface, making it inert and inhospitable to bacteria, mold, and mildew. However, a breakdown in your grout’s sealant could allow water, soap, and oily dirt into the subsurface and lead to bacteria growth. If you use an alkaline cleaner such as bleach for a rare deep cleaning, you should thoroughly rinse the area, dry the grout thoroughly, and apply a sealer within 24 hours to prevent future mold and mildew growth. Note: Ceramic surfaces are bleach-safe and will not be harmed or fade from bleach as with some other nonceramic surface materials. Pro tip: If you are not able to remove a stain or you want to replace your grout with self-sealing grout, you can remove the existing grout and regrout. Consult with an expert before taking any action. Never grout directly over old grout without removing it first.

Source- Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

#cleanporcelaintile, #cleanceramictile, #neutralcleanserfortile

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