grungy grout

[blu_biskit]

Hi all-

Need some help with my grout. New house (7 mos. old) and the grout is gross! I did seal the grout on the counter tops and it's working great. I waited to do the floors and now I'm paying for it.
Master bath is probably the worst with us walking the same path everyday, hairspray, etc. and two large dogs sleeping there everynight. Here's a list of things I've been told to try on it: staight bleach, 409, simple green, clorox bleach pen, vinegar, greased lighning and so on.
So far no luck. I have to be careful of fumes because I have 5 birds also. Any advice? If it matters, the grout is more on the fine side with ceramic tile-grout is supposed to be kind of an egg shell color but is more like the bottom of your shoe now. yuk. Thanks.

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[doitright]

Hi Blu, Welcome! :)

Could you describe what kind of stains you have? From what I'm reading it just sounds like soiling. If that is the case a stone & tile specific detergent should work. It's important to let the product dwell on the surface, then agitate with a scrub brush, followed by a thorough rinse.

This should get it clean enough to determine if anything else is needed. ;)

[claycarson]

Blu -

We do this kind of job for money. In your area there may be some who do the same. Some carpet cleaning companies use their truckmounted machines to do the agitation with water pressure, which works.

For DIY, Normal procedure involves the following:

1. Use heavy amount of alkaline cleaner - enough to soak the floor
2. Allow dwell time of 5-10 minutes
3. Scrub the grout lines with nylon brushes. Don't let it dry!
4. Remove the soupy messy gunk with a wetvac. Don't just wipe it back into the grout! If you are a do it yourselfer, you can rent these.
5.Rinse and wetvac the rinse water
6. Use a mild acidic cleaner and repeat the same process as above, only with less dwell time

Alkaline cleaners are usually degreasers. Don't use cleaners with oil, such as Murphy's Oil Soap, Lestoil, etc.

It can take a half day to do a kitchen/bathroom this way, but it will be clean.