Can tile grout be cleaned chemically?

Removing and/or cleaning grout mechanically is a lot of work, so chemical solutions seem like a good idea.

For white grout you could use a Tile Grout Coating by Tile Guard once the tile and grout are pre-cleaned. Yes, "pre-cleaned"! This product is designed to cover and protect clean grout, not actually clean it.

However, this white coating did an excellent job of covering our colored grout. I applied the coating with a cotton-tipped wooden applicator. The instructions suggest that you let it dry for 12 to 24 hours and then wipe it down with a mildly wet cloth or sponge, avoiding excessive pressure directly on the grout lines. Out of curiosity I waited 36 hours and rubbed with a wet cloth to see what would happen to the newly white grout line. The rubbing took off the white coating, leaving a white transparent grout line—and it didn't take much rubbing. I'm not sure if, over time, the water coming from the showerhead wouldn't do the same. I don't believe this would be a good choice for long-lasting grout restoration.

One product I found that worked great for cleaning grout, as well as removing the soap haze and calcium and lime deposits, is "Simple Green." This non-toxic, biodegradable, concentrated, all-purpose cleaner is green in color. I applied it full strength with a small brush on the grout lines and the tile surface, working in small areas.

The photo to the right shows me using a small brush to work Simple Green into the sanded grout surface in one direction. I did not test it on unsanded wall grout, so I'm not sure if the green-colored solution would stain the grout. I recommend you test in a concealed area first

It didn't take much time to finish one area and move on to the next. I rinsed with clean water and buffed the tile surface with automotive rubbing compound, being careful not to get the compound onto the grout. I was very impressed by how well it removed dirt and haze from the tile surfaces. In the photo to the left, you'll notice the grout haze on the right-hand side of the tile while the left side is shiny. A mild automotive rubbing compound works great to polish the tile's surface once the haze has been removed.

Another cleaner that worked even faster on the grout was "CLR" (calcium, lime, and rust). This amazing product dissolved tough calcium and lime deposits. I applied it full strength to the grout using a cotton-tipped wooden applicator and just watched it dissolve the scum and deposits on the tile's surface. I've used this product before just to remove deposits from the showerhead.

I recommend that you purchase and try both products to see what works best for you. It will not be a total loss if one product works better than the other since both have multiple uses around the home and automobiles. Be sure to read the back of the product for its total uses and to follow the manufacturers' instructions. Remember not to mix these products with other household chemicals or bleaches.

Now, take a careful look at your tile, assess the situation, and decide which direction you think would be best for you. I suggest that if you want to remove the grout completely in order to regrout, use Grout Grabber, a tool designed for use with a reciprocating saw to remove grout in wall or floor tiles.

If you want to get back to the original grout surface or repair a grout line, use a hand-held tile grout saw.

If you want to clean the tile and grout surfaces, use Simple Green or CLR.

	I am confident my 4-page article titled Tile Grout Restoration can help you restore your tile grout. This downloadable .pdf article features five full-color hands-on pictures and covers tile and grout repair, restoration, and cleaners. To order your printable copy of Tile Grout Restoration, click here or click the purchase button to the left!
	To purchase grout grabber, click here or click the purchase button to the left!

Copyright © 2008 LAF/C.R.S., Inc. All rights reserved.
Question answered by Leon A. Frechette.

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