Ova

How to Clean Brick Grout?

Published in Grout Cleaning 5 mins read

Cleaning brick grout effectively involves choosing the right cleaner for the type of stain and following a systematic process to restore its appearance and prolong its life. Whether you're dealing with everyday grime, mold, or efflorescence, a combination of preparation, appropriate cleaning solutions, and proper technique will yield excellent results.

Essential Preparations Before You Begin

Before you start scrubbing, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a safe and effective cleaning process.

Gather Your Tools

Having all your supplies ready saves time and ensures a smooth cleaning experience.

  • Protective Gear: Rubber gloves, safety glasses, and potentially a mask, especially when working with strong chemicals.
  • Brushes: Stiff-bristled brushes (nylon or synthetic, avoid metal on delicate surfaces), grout brushes, or old toothbrushes for tight spots.
  • Sponges: For applying cleaners and wiping surfaces.
  • Buckets: Two buckets – one for your cleaning solution and one for clean rinse water.
  • Vacuum or Broom: To remove loose debris.
  • Spray Bottle: For applying DIY solutions or rinse water.
  • Old Towels or Rags: For drying and protecting surfaces.

Test a Small Area

Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot of your brick and grout first. This helps ensure that the cleaner won't discolor or damage the material, especially important for colored grout or sensitive brick types.

Protect Surrounding Surfaces

Cover adjacent flooring, walls, or furniture with plastic sheeting or old towels to protect them from splashes or drips of cleaning solutions.

Effective Cleaning Solutions for Brick Grout

The choice of cleaner depends on the severity and type of stain.

Commercial Grout Cleaners

Many commercial products are specifically designed for grout. These often contain alkaline compounds or oxygen bleach.

  • Alkaline Cleaners: Excellent for general dirt and grease.
  • Oxygen Bleach Cleaners: Effective for mold, mildew, and general discoloration, as they gently lift stains without harsh fumes.

Application Method:
For both alkaline and oxygen bleach cleaners, use a sponge to apply a generous amount directly onto the grout lines. Allow the cleaner to penetrate:

  • Alkaline Cleaner: Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Oxygen Bleach Cleaner: Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

DIY Cleaning Solutions

For lighter stains or a more eco-friendly approach, common household ingredients can be very effective.

  • Baking Soda and Vinegar: A classic combination.
    1. Mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste.
    2. Apply the paste to the grout lines.
    3. Spray or pour white vinegar directly over the baking soda paste. This will cause a fizzing reaction, which helps to lift dirt.
      Application Method: Apply the baking soda and vinegar cleaner with a brush directly to the grout.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: A good alternative for mold and mildew if you prefer not to use bleach. Apply directly and let it sit before scrubbing.

Addressing Specific Stains

  • Mold and Mildew: Oxygen bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or a commercial mold and mildew remover are best. Ensure good ventilation.
  • Efflorescence: This white powdery substance is mineral salt buildup. While cleaning can help, efflorescence often indicates a moisture issue in the brick. Specialized efflorescence removers (often acidic) may be needed, but always test carefully as strong acids can damage grout.
  • Grease Stains: Degreasers or alkaline cleaners are most effective.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Brick Grout

Follow these steps for a thorough clean:

1. Apply the Cleaner

Based on your chosen solution, apply it as directed:

  • For alkaline or oxygen bleach cleaners: Use a sponge to apply generously to the grout lines and let it dwell for the recommended time (3-5 minutes for alkaline, 5-10 minutes for oxygen bleach).
  • For baking soda and vinegar: Apply with a brush.

2. Scrub Thoroughly

After the cleaner has had time to work, scrub the grout lines vigorously with a stiff-bristled brush. Focus on one small section at a time. The goal is to lift the dirt and grime out of the porous grout.

3. Rinse and Dry

Once you've scrubbed an area, wipe away the loosened dirt and cleaner residue with a clean, damp sponge or rag. For larger areas, you might use a mop with clean water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all traces of the cleaning solution are gone. Allow the grout to air dry completely. For faster drying, you can use a fan.

Maintaining Clean Brick Grout

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your brick grout looking fresh and minimizing the need for deep cleaning.

Regular Cleaning Routine

  • Weekly Wipes: For kitchen or bathroom areas, a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild soap solution can prevent buildup.
  • Periodic Light Cleaning: Every few weeks or months, depending on traffic, give the grout a light scrub with a mild all-purpose cleaner.

Sealing Your Grout

Once your grout is thoroughly clean and dry, consider applying a good quality grout sealer. Grout is porous, making it susceptible to absorbing stains. A sealer creates a protective barrier that repels water and stains, making future cleaning much easier. Reapply sealer every 1-3 years, or as recommended by the product manufacturer.

Cleaning Solution Application Tool Dwell Time (Approx.) Best For
Alkaline Cleaner Sponge 3-5 minutes General dirt, grime, grease
Oxygen Bleach Cleaner Sponge 5-10 minutes Mold, mildew, general discoloration
Baking Soda & Vinegar Brush Allow fizzing to subside Light stains, general grime (eco-friendly)
Hydrogen Peroxide Spray/Sponge 10-15 minutes Mold, mildew, light stains (bleach alternative)

For more comprehensive guides on grout care and maintenance, consider resources from reputable home improvement sites like The Home Depot or Lowe's.