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How to Clean Grout on a Kitchen Tile Floor

Whether you are cleaning your kitchen for an upcoming party or scrubbing the floors after a kitchen redesign, there is no better way to make your tiles pop than by cleaning the grout. Although it is a relatively easy task, it is time consuming and best done when there will be no traffic through the kitchen. Follow the tips below to safely and efficiently get your kitchen tile floor clean.

Preparing the Floor

Before breaking out the cleaners and starting to scrub, the first thing to do is prepare the tile floor. This means sweeping it with the kitchen broom and wiping it down with a damp mop. By doing this first, all loose dirt and debris will be removed and it will be easier to really clean the floors.

Tools of the Trade

Forget old toothbrushes and rags for scrubbing, when cleaning grout you will need a stiff brush. Toothbrushes are too soft and rags cannot get into the tile pores like a stiff brush can. Although not good for scrubbing, a supply of old, soft rags is good to have on hand for wiping up spills and excess cleaner.

Natural Cleaners

Eco-friendly household cleaners are ideal for light spills and stains. Make a baking soda and water paste to spread on the grout surface, let it sit for ten minutes and scrub away with the brush. Residue can be wiped up with the damp rag. Vinegar is also a good cleaning product and is gentle enough to prevent grout and tile damage, but effective enough to remove common stains. Even if your grout is white, never use bleach when cleaning tile grout. Bleach will east away at the grout surface and speed up the breakdown process.

Over-the-Counter Cleaners

Name brand and generic chemical cleaners designed for grout cleaning will also work. They can be especially helpful for deep stains or spills that have been left on the grout for a while and have soaked in. It is a good idea to wear gloves while using these cleaners, as some can be especially caustic to the skin. Although normal tile grout cleaners will work for most stains, if there is severe discoloration in the grout, consult a tile company or home improvement store about a commercial grade cleaner. These usually require a lot of ventilation during application and should not be used when small children or those with breathing problems will be in the home.

Seal It Up

Once the grout is thoroughly cleaned, it is time to seal it. Sealing will protect it from further stains and damage. Grout sealer is available at most home improvement stores and is applied carefully and methodically to the grout. Take the time to stay on the grout lines and not get onto the tile for the best looking results. A good sealer will take 24 to 48 hours to dry, so stay off the tile during that time.

Alyssa Davis is a staff writer and decorating specialist with Metal-Wall-Art.com and she offers stylish suggestions for decorating with tropical metal art and butterfly metal wall hangings.