Because steam cleaners can make quick work of any cleaning job, they are becoming more popular than ever. Not to mention, they can clean and disinfect effectively without the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Many homeowners wonder whether steam cleaners damage grout or can they clean grout well.

Does steam cleaning damage grout? Steam cleaning works extremely well on grout and does not damage grout. In fact, steam cleaners work on both sealed and unsealed grout. The process of steam cleaning creates a combination of water and grim that you can simply rinse or mop away.

Nevertheless, there is more to both steam cleaning and grout than meets the eye. In this post, we will thoroughly answer the question: does steam cleaning damage grout? We will also share with you how to steam clean grout efficiently and effectively. After all, every house will need frequent tile and grout cleaning.

Why Does Grout Get So Dirty?

Grout is a mortar or paste for filling crevices, especially the gaps between wall or floor tiles. Upon installation, they are used to stabilize the tile. Because it contains sand, it attracts all sorts of gunk including soap scum, minerals, mold, and general grime. While tiles are smooth and easy to clean, grout attracts dirt easily.

So, why does grout get so dirty? Grout gets so dirty because grout is porous and absorbs spills and dirt, so it stains easily. Additionally, because grout is positioned lower than the tile, dirt and grime are trapped easily. As the dirt builds up, they work into the pores of the grout, making it progressively dirtier.

When gunk seeps into the pores of the grout, it becomes harder to remove with normal cleaning. Even scrubbing the grout strenuously using powerful cleaning solutions may not produce the best results. Enter, steam cleaning. It may be the best method for cleaning grout without tedious and arm-killing jobs.

1. Does Steam Cleaning Damage Grout?

Manual grout cleaning requires a brush and a lot of scrubbing. It can be hard work. This leaves many people wondering if they can use steam cleaners to get the job done. However, because of the high temperatures steam cleaners produce, many homeowners wonder whether steam cleaning can damage grout or not.

Steam cleaning will not damage grout and can be done on both sealed and unsealed grout. In fact, steam cleaning will not hurt the sealer. However, after cleaning and restoring the grout to its original color, resealing it with a high-quality grout sealer is the best way to maintain and keep it clean.

2. Do Steam Cleaners Clean Grout Well?

While steam cleaners do not damage grout, many homeowners wonder: do steam cleaners work on grout and can they clean grout well? Watch how easily a steam cleaner removes dirt from grout:

Steam cleaners clean grout extremely well. In fact, it is considered the best way to clean and restore grout to its original color. Because steam cleaners have nozzles that directly blasts steam onto the grout, it removes any grime from the pores of the grout that you can simply rinse and mop away.

Additionally, some of the best steam cleaners have multiple attachments for you to choose from, including a grout brush attachment, which allows you to scrub while you steam. Not only is this type of steam cleaner ultra effective when cleaning grout, but it can make quick work of any grime without much effort from you.

How to Steam Clean Tile Floors and Grout

Now that you know steam cleaners are not only safe, but effective for cleaning grout, let us take a look at how to use them properly. You will be surprised at how simple and easy the whole process is. Once done, your tiles and grout will look like new. Here is how to steam clean tile floors and grout the right way:

1. Clean the Tile First

Before you start steam cleaning, begin by cleaning the area, particularly the tiles. Not only does removing excess dirt and grime make your steam cleaning efforts easier, but it will prevent excess scum and gunk from clogging your steam cleaner brush. If the tiles are not super dirty, wiping them should do the trick.

2. Prepare the Steam Cleaner

Next, fill the steam cleaner tank with water, and then set it to steam. The manufacturer should provide clear instructions for you to follow. Generally, the instructions should include attaching the hose to the steam cleaner and choosing the right brush for the appropriate tile and grout type. Do so accordingly.

As a general rule of thumb, use the nylon-bristle brush to begin with. This brush type is effective on most grout and will not damage the tile. Only if you encounter hard and stubborn dirt, you may want to use the brass-bristle brush. A word of caution, though. Brass brushes can damage some types of tile.

3. Start Steaming and Scrubbing

Once the steamer is ready, you can start steaming and scrubbing. While steaming, scrub the grout powerfully with back-and-forth strokes. Work one small area at a time until it is clean, then move on to the next area. If you are cleaning walls, start from the top to bottom so the dirty water runs down naturally.

PRO TIP: When it comes to cleaning tiles and grout, the right steam cleaner can be the difference between having sore arms or a pleasant cleaning experience. By investing in the best steam cleaners for tile and grout, you will be surprised at how easy cleaning and removing stubborn dirt and grime can be.

4. Rinse and Repeat

After working on one small area, you may want to stop scrubbing to rinse or mop the cleaned area. It is paramount to remove the dirty slurry of water and grime before it resettles and dries into the grout. You may need to refill and reheat the steamer periodically. Rinse and repeat the process until the whole area is clean.

Remember, grout is porous and will absorb dirt easily. Maintenance is the key. By cleaning grout once or twice per year, you are doing your part to keep your house green and clean. It will also make a huge difference in the overall appearance and durability of the grout. Thankfully, steam cleaners clean grout very well.

Final Words

And there you go, the complete answer to the question: does steam cleaning damage grout? Thankfully, not only are steam cleaning safe for grout, they can clean grout effectively as well. By following the simple steps we have shared with you, your tiles and grout should look shiny and beautiful in no time. 🙂