How To Steam Clean Grout? – Getting It Right In 5 Steps

One of the most difficult tasks is cleaning grout. Most of us feel panicky just thinking about it. Most of the time, we end up finding that the stubborn stains are nearly impossible to remove by myself. Isn’t that so?

However, if you know how to steam clean grout lines. You never waste your time, effort, or sweat. Want to know how to do it without any hassle?

There are so many methods you can find on the internet to clean grouts. But Steam cleaning grout is one of the most effective on the list. It is easy to use a steam cleaner. Cleaning grout only takes 30 minutes. Read this entire guide on how to steam clean grout if you are curious. I can assure you that you will no longer be disheartened.

Staffs You Need to Steam Clean Grout

• Bucket, mop, broom, and sponges
• Steam cleaner with a grout brush attachment

Step-by-Step Guide for Steam Cleaning Your Grout

1. Clearing the Cleaning Site

To clean grout, you must first clean the tiles on your floor. In this way, you will prevent several interruptions when cleaning the grout later.

• Clear Steam-incompatible items. With a vacuum cleaner, you can easily do this. Once that’s done, all the dirt, gunk, and goo can be cleaned with steam.
• Remove your carpets, toothbrushes, and utensils from the cleaning area.
• Clean floor tiles by sweeping and damp-mopping first. To clean the walls, use a sponge dipped in detergent to wash them.

2. Setting Up the Steam Cleaner

Now that you’ve cleaned the tiles, it’s time to set up the steam cleaner. Read the instructions below and set up your steam cleaner.

• Get some water and fill your steam cleaner with it. Turn on the unit and set it to “steam.” Typically, it takes a few minutes before it starts to steam. Check the manual guide if necessary.
• Attach the hose to the steam cleaner. Choose the brush size according to the type of tile and grout. Check the recommendations from the manufacturer.
• Start with the nylon-bristle brush as it is effective with most grout and deals no damage to the tile.
• For tough specks of dirt, change your brush type to brass bristle. You should be careful with using this brush as it can damage the tile.

3. Steam Cleaning Grout

Turn on steam. It’s for the main action. Set the spray rate to the recommended value (Check manufacturer recommendations). Now Follow the instructions below to effectively clean grout.

1. Clear Top to Bottom: Steam the higher areas first and work your way to the lower parts. Otherwise, loosened-up dirt from above will fall down, and you will have to redo the cleaning below.
2. Cover Small Sections: Don’t work in random directions wildly. Work in an organized way. Cover one section at a time. Go slowly and let the steam break down the stubborn dirt and grime.
3. Pick the Right Brush: To deep clean, scrub the pores with a nylon-bristle brush. It cleans deeper by its design. For exceptional stubborn dirt, use a brass bristle brush. Use this brush carefully as it can damage the grout. It’s an excellent trick to attach a microfiber cloth to the back of two clips. It allows the steam to flow deep into the pores.
4. Clean Brush Periodically: Examine the brush frequently. If the bristles turn thick with crud, clean it. Then continue again.

Be careful with the steam. The hot steam can cause a painful burn known as a scald. Keep your hand out of the way of the steam stream.

4. Rinse & Repeat

After steam cleaning for a while, rinse or mop the steamed area. Here are some tips.

• Use plain water to rinse or mop the steamed area. You must use clean water. Otherwise, dirt from the water will find its way to the grout. You don’t want to get the grout to get dirty right after you cleaned it, do you?
• If the grout looks clean, then you congratulate yourself on successfully cleaning the grout. If you still see dirty or discolored grout, then repeat the steaming process. Then rinse/mop again.
• Continue to rinse and repeat until you see a clean, sparkling grout.
• When the grout is clean, finish off by cleaning the entire section.

5. Sealing the Cleaned Grout

You can steam clean both unsealed and sealed grout, which is a great advantage. There will be no damage to the sealer during this process. When the grout isn’t sealed, it’s better to seal it after cleaning it. You should use a high-quality grout sealer to protect it.

There are two types of grout sealers: topical and penetrating. Both of them have their ups and downs. Certain colors and sheens of grout sealers may affect their appearance. You need to make sure the sealants you use are recommended for your tiles and grout. You need to seal cement-based grout at least once every year. Sealing is very easy, and most amateurs can perform it.

How to Choose a Steam Cleaner?

On the market, you will find many varieties of options, such as Handheld, Steam Mops, Steam Vacuum, Cylinder, Commercial, and Multi-purpose Steam Cleaner. All are capable of heating the water to a boiling point in a few minutes and sustaining steam for various tasks.

1. General Steam Cleaner

Not all steam cleaners are suitable for every cleaning activity. Some steam cleaners are floor-only and can’t clean wall tiles. If it is used on your bathroom tiles, for example, it doesn’t work. There are few steam cleaners that offer the same level of satisfaction that you require. 

2. Multipurpose Steam Cleaner

The multipurpose steam cleaner is the right choice for you. These steam cleaners are essential if you want to remove stains from your bathroom tiles.

Multipurpose steam cleaners come with various attachments for different surfaces. Thus, it provides you with a better cleaning experience.

3. Portable Handheld Steam Cleaner

There are also portable handheld models available. These models are well suited for smaller tasks. However, you have to stop frequently to fill up its small tank.

4. Rent A Steam Cleaner

If you don’t want to buy a steam cleaner, you can rent one from an outlet. Almost all rental units are tile-compatible. Renting a steam cleaner is not a bad decision. But before you do, make sure you choose the right attachments for your steam cleaner. The following are the things you should consider when buying or renting a steam cleaner for grout.

1. Reach: A heavy-duty steam cleaner has advantages when tackling more serious tasks and projects. The device may not have enough reach if you plan to clean wall tiles. Thus, if you don’t wish to deal with this issue, choose the device with the ability to reach every place you need.
2. Tank Capacity: Are you planning a mass cleaning project? If yes, make sure to choose a larger tank so you won’t have to refill it all the time. Otherwise, a handheld model will be easier to use.
3. Accessories: The steam cleaner comes with many attachments. Each attachment has its own specific purpose. A brush attachment comes in several types. The brushes are each designed for use with different types of tiles and grout. The more accessories you have, the more versatile your cleaning will be. A nylon-bristle brush is more gentle on tiles. Keep an eye out for metal brushes. If used on ceramic tiles, stainless steel and brass brushes may cause damage. That’s why you need to be careful.

Hire a Professional for Steam Clean Grout

If you don’t like the DIY method, you can always go to a professional cleaning company. The professionals use high-powered industrial-grade machines. Most of the time, they come truck-mounted with a built-in vacuum.

Final Thoughts

Getting glittering grout can be achieved by using a steam cleaner. There are many ways to clean grout. Compared to traditional methods, steam cleaning is more convenient.

Steam cleaning allows you to get off your knees instead of sweeping the grout in an old-fashioned way. Now you know how to steam clean grout easily.

How To Steam Clean Grout (FAQs)

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