How to Steam Clean Grout Without Damaging Your Tiles

Grout is ubiquitous in the average home, surrounding floor tiles, shower tiles, backsplash, and more. A mixture of cement, sand, and water, grout holds it all together and prevents moisture penetration—but what makes it so strong is the same thing that makes it so hard to clean.

Enter steam cleaning: one of the safest and most effective methods for cleaning grout. “Grout is porous, which makes it hard to clean,” explains Cory Waltermath, president of Desert Oasis Cleaners. “But the high temperature of steam can penetrate and break down dirt and bacteria that standard mops can’t.” Another perk? Steam cleaning doesn’t leave residues commonly seen with other cleansers. 

Ahead, learn how to safely and successful steam clean your home's grout.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Steam Cleaning Grout

While steam cleaning may seem daunting to the novice, it is actually among the simplest of all the cleaning methods. First, though, you'll need a steam cleaner. "If you don’t have one yet, pick one that matches the surface you need to clean," advises Waltermath.

Cleaning professional Elena Navarro recommends canister steam cleaners for their versatility, thanks to the included hose and wand, as well as a small detail nozzle. "Get handheld ones for small areas, steam mops for floors, and cylinder steamers for deep cleaning," adds Waltermath.

Using distilled or demineralized water in your steam cleaner is also recommended. This will help keep mineral deposits from forming, says Navarro.

1. First, vacuum or sweep the area that you intend to clean to remove loose debris. Use your vacuum's hose or a cleaning brush to address tight grout lines.
2. Fill up the steamer’s tank with distilled water and attach its small detail nozzle.
3. Turn on the machine and wait until it reaches full temperature (approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Point the nozzle at your drain and spray for a few seconds to clear out any water residue.
4. Once ready, hold the nozzle 1 inch away from the grout and move it slowly along the grout line. Do so in small sections of 2-3 feet. If water slurry comes out of the grout, be sure to wipe immediately with a microfiber cloth to prevent it from re-settling.
5. After steaming, clean up any remaining debris with a small nylon brush or steel brush.
6. Let the area air dry for 2-4 hours before repeating (if necessary). For heavily soiled grout, it may take multiple passes to remedy, according to Navarro.

How to Keep Grout Cleaner (for Longer)

According to Navarro, steam cleaning is among the safest and most effective methods for cleaning grout on ceramic, porcelain, and sealed tile surfaces. However, in between those deep steam cleanings, some basic maintenance can help protect your grout and keep residue buildup to a minimum.

Regularly sweeping and vacuuming your floors and walls will prevent dirt and debris from entering grout lines. For regular maintenance, use pH-neutral cleaners instead of acidic cleaners (like vinegar, lemon, or bleach), advises Waltermath. “These keep the sealant strong and don’t eat away at the grout.”

After your last shower of the day, Waltermath recommends using a squeegee or a clean towel to wipe down your bathroom tile. Alternatively, you can run your bathroom exhaust fan for 20 minutes to dry out your grout. "This prevents soap, water, and minerals from soaking into your floors or walls," he explains. In kitchen areas, "wipe up spills as soon as possible," adds Navarro, "Grease and sauces can leave unsightly stains on porous grout."

And to keep it looking its very best, reseal your grout every 12 to 18 months for busy areas and every two years for other grouted areas of your home.