How to Clean Your Masonry Grout
A new season is a perfect time to get your masonry fresh and clean. If your outdoor masonry is looking a little worn out by the weather, make it sparkle again with bright, clean grout.
Learn how to keep your masonry grout clean and mildew-free. These tips will also work on the grout in your stone or tile floors.
Why It’s Important to Keep Masonry Grout Clean
You might regularly mop your floors or wash your outdoor masonry without paying much attention to your grout. Cleaning grout takes a little time and a little elbow grease. It’s worth it to get grout that looks great.
Protect Your Grout
You can protect your grout from mold, mildew and other problems by keeping it clean. If you’re planning to add a protective sealant, you should clean your grout first.
Keep Your Masonry Looking Its Best
Because grout is porous, it tends to attract dirt and grime. Dirt shows up on grout and sticks there longer than it does on smooth tile, brick or stone.
Grout that looks grubby makes your whole masonry look bad. Even if you’re scrubbing the stone or brick, your masonry won’t look its best with dirty grout.
Best Methods for Cleaning Masonry Grout
Cleaning grout isn’t complicated. You don’t have to buy special cleaners or rent any machines. You can use ordinary items that you probably have right in your house.
What You’ll Need
- Vinegar of any type.
- Baking soda.
- Bucket and hose.
- Small scrub brush.
- Spray bottle.
- A mop made from soft fibers.
Steps to Cleaning
1. Start by spraying the masonry and grout with your hose. If you’re cleaning indoor masonry, wipe it with a soft, damp mop.
2. Fill your spray bottle with your cleaning mixture. Spray the cleaning mixture onto the grout.
3. Let the mixture sit for five minutes. If your grout is really dirty, you might need to let the mixture sit for an hour or more.
4. If your grout has stubborn, longstanding stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the grout before spraying on the vinegar solution. Wait two or three minutes to let the solution sink into the grout.
5. Scrub the grout thoroughly.
6. Hose or mop the grout again to rinse off the cleaning solution.
7. Let your grout dry. Once it does, add a protective sealant designed for your type of masonry.
Do:
- Use a mixture of vinegar and water on your grout. Natural, nontoxic solutions will remove stains and reduce mold without damaging the grout.
- For stubborn stains, add baking soda to your cleaning mixture.
- Use a small brush to scrub your grout. You can even use a toothbrush or electric toothbrush to scour it.
- Use sandpaper to clean tough mildew and other spots from grout.
- Ask your masonry contractor about recommendations for a sealant.
Don’t:
- Use wire scrubbers or abrasive cleaners on grout.
- Use bleach on grout. If the grout is deeply stained or has mildew, use diluted bleach. Do this sparingly to avoid breaking down the grout.
- If you’re cleaning the grout on marble, don’t use vinegar. Vinegar can discolor and damage marble. Use a mixture of water and peroxide instead.
Get Expert Help for All Your Masonry Needs
If you have any questions about maintaining your masonry, contact Capital Masonry. We provide installation, repair, and maintenance of all types of stone, tile, brick and other masonry projects. Call us today for all your masonry needs.