topic Re: Need suggestion for a hand steam cleaner for grout on floor tile. in Home

Need suggestion for a hand steam cleaner for grout on floor tile.

bkgirl — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:34:42 GMT

I've been using a full size steam cleaner on my floors, and all it's done is put the dirt in the grout, because of the flat pads. Now I need something to get that out. I've been doing it by hand with a "grout brush", but it's killing my back, and I have a LOT of tile. Please help! Thanks in advance......

Re: Need suggestion for a hand steam cleaner for grout on floor tile.

Little Way — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:44:33 GMT

I have tried hand units to clean grout - and I never could get the dirt out. I ended up calling in a grout professional - so worth it. He came and cleaned my bathroom grout - shower, tub, floor tile - fixed any cracks - added more caulk - then sealed it all. Now he comes once a year for a touch up.

Re: Need suggestion for a hand steam cleaner for grout on floor tile.

itsmagic — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:48:17 GMT

I've never tried this (but have thought about it in the past because I have the same problem) but I wonder if you used one of those pads for your steam cleaner that has the ""fingers"" on it (I'm not sure if that is the right term) rather than the flat pad if that would get into the cervices better?

Re: Need suggestion for a hand steam cleaner for grout on floor tile.

Kachina624 — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 01:09:56 GMT

Did you know that companies like Steamatic clean grout? Well worth whatever they charge, I'm sure.

Re: Need suggestion for a hand steam cleaner for grout on floor tile.

Deadeye Daisy — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 01:17:05 GMT

Vapamore MR-100 Primo is the hand-held that professionals use. Best place to buy is at Petsmart. $221 when they have their frequent 20% discounts, and free shipping. Also available at Amazon, but at a much higher price. DS uses one of these both at work and at home.

This is also the one that exterminators use for bedbugs and the like. They often use this one instead of the ones driven by propane.

I use a small Haan handheld. You need one like the Vapamore or Haan that so you can direct the steam directly to the grout. An upright floor with pad won't work on grout. It will 'clean', but if your grout is badly stained, steam won't remove the staining. Best thing to do is to clean thoroughly, then use a grout treatment to color over the grout, then seal the grout. My housekeeper uses the Haan on the tile grout, and I have LOTS. In 3 bathrooms, I have ceramic tile floors, half way up walls, tub enclosure, two of the ¾ showere enclosures are ALL tile, even the ceiling. White tiles, no less.

Re: Need suggestion for a hand steam cleaner for grout on floor tile.

luvasale — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 01:47:14 GMT

I have a Wagner from amazon. I think it was $89.00. It has several attachments. I spray a concoction of baking soda, vin ager, ammonia, and water on my floor, let it sit for a few minutes, then use the small brush that attaches to the steamer to really get into the grout, afterward I use the large brush with a pad on it and steam over it. My grout is a bone color and hard to keep clean with kids and dogs.

Re: Need suggestion for a hand steam cleaner for grout on floor tile.

sue52 — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 02:48:53 GMT

I, too, wish there was a good answer to this. I get down on my hands and knees and clean the grout. PIA.

Re: Need suggestion for a hand steam cleaner for grout on floor tile.

TootyJane — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 04:26:56 GMT

When my dh and I lived in our condo the kitchen/dining area had tile flooring with wide grout lines. Unfortunately, the grout was not sealed. However, you can easily clean grout using white vinegar. I used a broom and the vinegar. The grout was beautiful. We sealed the grout which did help but you do need to re-seal every several years. HTH