Cleaning Kitchen Grout [Archive] - Ceramic Tile Advice Forums - John Bridge Ceramic Tile

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Unregistered
08-16-2004, 04:18 PM
Hello,

I hope someone can assist me with some advice. My wife and I built a new home a year ago, and we had a contractor do some of the work and we did some of it ourselves.

We put a Dahl porcelain tile floor in our kitchen, breakfast nook and sun room. My wife and I installed the tile ourselves - as we did the kitchen counters and backsplash, the tile in the utility room, two baths, and the slate on the fireplace hearth. However, just as we finished the kitchen floor I came down with pneumonia (that's what happens when you spend several days outside using a wet saw in 20 and 30 degree (F) weather... and yes, on the days below zero I had icicles hanging from the saw and table... and once in a while from me!

Anyway, we hired a "craftsman" to come in and grout the kitchen, breakfast nook and sun room, so that we didn't fall behind our construction schedule.

Although we were assured that the grout in those areas had been sealed, I now doubt that was the case. The grout in the kitchen has turned much darker than the same grout in the breakfast nook and sun room, and I'm sure it's due to the grease and food residue from cooking (and three kids!)

What is the best way to clean the grout and return it to its original color, before I seal it (maybe again, but more likely for the first time)?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

John
Spokane, WA

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doitright
08-16-2004, 07:50 PM
Hi John, Welcome!

Get a good high alkaline cleaner. Follow up with thorough rinsing.

After the grout is clean, a good maintenance program is key. Even sealed grouts are susceptable to soiling! :nod:

Unregistered
08-16-2004, 10:38 PM
Thank you for your prompt reply. I take it that whatever brand they sell at Home Depot would be okay?

Maurizio Bertoli
08-16-2004, 11:51 PM
Dear John:
While it is indeed a good proctice to seal the grout in the kitchen, you have to understand that the sealer will only prevent staining agents from being absorbed by the grout, but it will never prevent the grout from getting soiled on its surface! Every now and then you will have to clean it with a good quality tile and grout cleaner. :)
Ciao and good luck,