DOWN TO EARTH

Because grout is porous it soaks up soapy water and when it dries the soap stays. Over months this can build up to a waxy layer. Try using a paste of baking soda and water and scrub with a grout brush. When you get the grout clean rinse it with a solution of fresh water and vinegar. Now that you have it clean lets help keep it that way by using a masonry sealer so that it won’t absorb the soapy water again. Now any build up will be on the surface and easier to clean.

For mildewed grout in tubs or showers, you can use a grout brush with a 1:5 solution of chlorine bleach and water. Never use bleach in combination with any ammonia-based product and be sure the area is well ventilated. When you’ve finished cleaning, rinse the area well to remove all traces of bleach.

Be sure never to use a bleaching solution on colored grout. A masonry sealer can be applied to clean, colored grout to ward off future stains.