Steam Cleaning Tile Grout

Steam cleaners work well on a variety of surfaces, including tile grout. The grout often is more porous than surrounding tile and also lighter in color, which makes the residue more noticeable. Cleaning grout by hand requires much of your time and energy, so this is typically not the best option to consider. Instead, a steam cleaner can quickly use heat and steam to deeply penetrate the grout, lifting dirt and residue without requiring much elbow grease.

Things You'll Need

• Steam cleaning solution
• White vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Open and fill the water canister of your steam cleaner with warm tap water.

2. Open and fill the cleaning solution canister with either a steam cleaning solution labeled safe for tile and grout, or fill the canister with white vinegar. White vinegar provides an effective disinfectant agent, but do not use vinegar if you have granite or marble tile surrounding the grout as this can cause damage.

3. Plug in the steam cleaner, and turn it on. Let the machine heat up for about one minute.

4. Pull the steam trigger, and push the steam cleaner across the grout slowly. Use a hose attachment of the cleaning unit if cleaning grouted walls or similar upright surfaces. Continue across the grout, pulling the steam trigger every 30 seconds or so to emit fresh steam and cleaning solution.

5. Let your grout air-dry.

References

• USU.edu: Clean and Organized