Grout around your shower tiles getting dark?  Is the grout around your floor tiles rather grungy?  This guide will help with tips to help make cleaning tile grout quick and easy!!

An Intro to Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are a stunning addition to any home and bring a touch of class to the decor.  However, ugly stains and discoloration of the tile grout can quickly spoil the welcoming ambience. 

Identifying the problem of troublesome tile grout is the easy part...now to fix it!

The Problem Tile Grout

               Before Cleaning                                         After Cleaning

Dirty tile grout is a major headache for many homeowners, but don't despair.  With a few easy tips on how to care for tile grout and how to keep it clean, those headaches can be a thing of the past! 

Caring For Your Tile Grout

• Seal the grout - Tile grout has many, many tiny little pores throughout.  These tiny pores are like little buckets that hold dirt and grime in the grout.  By adding a tile grout sealant to your grout, the pores are blocked....keeping out the dirt and grime. 
• Sweep tiles clean - Routine sweeping of tile floors will keep up any loose particles that could be ground into the tiles through normal foot traffic.
• Use door mats and floor mats - A good doormat or floormat is a great precaution for your tile flooring.  The mats will catch dirt and grime before it can reach your tile and damage your grout.
• Clean floor with plain clean water - For routine tile grout care, plain, clean water is your best bet. 
• Clean spills immediately - Even with a sealant, liquid can and will seep into the grout.  Minimize any discoloration by quickly cleaning up any spills.
• Avoid sponge mops - Sponge mops or other similar mops can work against you by pushing liquid down into the tile grout.  A string mop used along with a bucket ringer cuts down the amount of liquid able to get into the pores of the grout.  You want the floor wet, not soaked.
• Change mop water frequently - Although a string mop gives you an advantage, there is still the chance of water getting into the grout.  By changing out your water frequently, the water that does seep into the grout will no be discolored.

Cleaning your Tile Grout

• Use a toothbrush - A toothbrush is a great tool for cleaning your tile grout.  It is small and the bristles can get to the grout area without being so harsh that the sealant is damaged.
• Neutral Cleaners - When cleaning tile grouts, it is imperative that the cleaning agent be a neutral cleaner.  These have a pH level of 7.  Be sure to look for the "neutral" indicator on the label.  Cleaners that are not neutral can destroy the surface of your tile and your grout....leaving you with a sticky mess.
• Do Not Use Vinegar or Bleach - Vinegar and bleach are extremely corrosive and can also destroy your grout.  Although vinegar is a great standby for many cleaning jobs, it is definitely not for use around tile grout.
• Do Not Use Scour Pads - Scour pads can quickly ruin both the tile and the grout.  The surface of the tile could be scratched and easily damaged, while the tile grout sealant could be scoured right off. 

Replacing your Tile Grout

As tile grout ages, it will sometimes crack and break apart.  If you find yourself needing to replace broken grout, then follow these steps.... 

1. Take proper precautions to protect your eyes with safety googles and wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling the grout dust.
2. Use a tile grout removing tool....such tools (as pictured above) feature a removable blade at the end of the handle and are great for removing grout without damaging the tile.  Steer clear of any temptation to use a screwdriver or can opener....too much risk for the tile.
3. Remove down approximiately one-eighth of an inch of the grout.  It is not necessary to remove the entire depth of the grout. Be sure to remove all the grout from the tiles edge for a clean finish.
4. Regrout the tile using a ready to mix tile grout or flexible caulking compound.  Make sure the grouting used is compatible with ceramic tiles and follow the product directions to apply.  Run a dowel rod along the grout for a nice smooth finish.
5. Allow the grout to dry completely.  Do not let the grout get wet during the drying period.
6. After completely dry, apply a grout sealer....and you're good!

A Few Final Thoughts....

Now that you know how to keep the tile grout looking... you have no need to fear ceramic tile again!

eBay has a great selection of ceramic tiles for your home interior projects!  Whether you are looking for a stunning kitchen mosaic tiles, a great tile flooring addition, or even to decorate a table top, there is something for everyone! 

Enjoy!