Use a Steam Cleaner

Direct a steam cleaner fitted with a grout nozzle or small brush attachment along the grout lines, working in short sections. Wipe loosened grime with a microfiber cloth as you go. Steam cleaning removes dirt and kills mold without any chemicals.

Why It Works

Steam at 200-300 degrees F breaks the bond between grime and the porous grout surface through heat and moisture pressure. The high temperature also kills mold spores and bacteria on contact. Because no chemicals are involved, it is safe for all tile types including natural stone.

Tips

• Use a narrow nozzle or brush attachment designed for grout -- a wide nozzle spreads steam too thin to be effective
• Keep the steam head moving to avoid concentrating heat on one spot for too long, which can loosen tile adhesive
• Wipe up loosened dirt immediately -- if left to dry, it resettles into the grout
• A handheld steam cleaner ($30-80) with grout attachments is sufficient; a full-size floor steamer works too but is less precise