Floor Grout Cleaning

I've known I've needed to clean and seal the tile grout for maybe a year. Probably longer, but have dreaded doing it. The weekend before last was a four day weekend. I enjoyed Friday and Saturday and was determined to knock this off my to-do list Sunday and Monday. 

I had researched tile grout cleaners online. They sell products specifically for cleaning grout, but I was hesitant to use them as most spoke of cleaning white grout. My grout isn't white. So, I tried a homemade recipe of baking soda and water to make a paste. 

That I rubbed into the grout with my fingers. 

After applying the baking soda, I sprayed over it with white vinegar.  The mixture bubbled and I let it sit for approximately 5 minutes before scrubbing it with a toothbrush. I quickly grew tired of this method, especially since I didn't feel it was working. 

More research and I decided to try Resolve carpet cleaner. 

If you're doing this, I suggest doing half of this at a time. Eight to ten tiles at a time would have been better. 

This worked! I knew it was when I scrubbed with the toothbrush as the brush and suds got dingy looking. Something the baking soda paste never did. 

I sprayed the Resolve on the grout, waited five to ten minutes and the scrubbed it using a toothbrush. I wiped with a damp cloth as I went and mopped with warm water each section before starting another. 

It's far from perfect, especially the last blocks when I was beyond done with cleaning the tile! It's much improved though and happy with the results, I sealed the grout after two days of drying. 

I applied two coats of sealer. It. Did. Not. Work. Maybe had I done a third or fourth coat? I don't know. My knees and back were done and I couldn't imagine doing another coat.  

It took me four days total to complete this project in the kitchen and utility room and while disappointed that it didn't seal the grout, I am happy with how Resolve cleaned the grout. I still need to clean the grout in the bathroom, but I'm giving my knees a rest! 

Like children, Lyncoln and Josey have to be in the middle of everything. 

Remember Resolve carpet cleaner for cleaning your grout!