How to clean 20 year old grout?

[micwtx]

I have two bathrooms with 20 year old glazed ceramic tile walls and 20 year old non sanded grout. The grout lines are 1/16" wide and look like they were off white to begin with. The tile looks like it was not cleaned properly as it has areas of yellow on top of the tile (like old adhesive). The grout in most areas looks yellowed with age and dirt. We have a new tile floor in one room and am concerned that using a vinegar mix may run down the wall and damage the new grout. :uhh:

What would be the best way to clean the tile and grout on the walls without damaging the floor? I am trying to clean the walls properly so I can select the correct color grout to redo some areas where we replaced some cracked tiles. :sick:

I live in a remote area of Texas and trips to HD & "Lowes" requires a drive of a couple of hundred miles, so any "home brew" that might work would be appreciated. Not afraid of hard work! :crazy:

Thanks in advance,
Mic

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[doitright]

Hi Mic :)

Are you willing to order any Stone Tech products from our site? :shades:

If not, you will need a high alkaline cleaner to break down and lift the soils. Then you'll need an acidic cleaner to neutralize and lightly etch the grout. You should top off with a sealer, and maintain with a neutral pH cleaner. All of these products are available through Stone Tech and other manufacturers.

[micwtx]

Yes I am willing to order Stonetech products from this site. Are they going to harm the grout on the tile floor? You say I need a product to lightly etch the grout, will it harm the tile, either on the wall or on the floor?
what Stontech products should I get? :bow:
Thanks for the advice (or as we say in Scotland "Ta muchly") :yipee:
Mic

[doitright]

Hi Mic :)

As the floor grout is your main concern, it needs to be wet down 1st, and keep it damp. On the walls, work your way from the bottom up. Try to keep rundown to a minimum.

You could try a vinegar and water test 1st if you like, taking these precautions.

Here's a list of the Stone Tech products needed
If you have the time, you should have no problem cleaning your grout. If you are up to supporting our website/forum, feel free to order some StoneTech products. ;)

To start you'll need the basics. A high alkaline detergent (such as ST's KlenzAll), an acidic product to final clean and neutralize (such as ST's Restore), a grout sealer (such as St's Heavy Duty Stone Sealer), and something to maintain (such as ST's All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner).

[micwtx]

Thanks for the list of Stonetech items. I had looked at the store site but could not find the items by myself. I will try the vinegar/water while I wait for the Stonetech products to arrive. :yipee:

[stefan]

vinegar and hot water or steam (steam unit from karcher) that's what I use
no chemical's in my house

[doitright]

Hey Stefan :)

Are you a vegetarian too? :D