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[Biftu]

My resolution was to finally tackle the grout on my bathroom floor. I spent all day yesterday trying to get it clean. I moved in to an old house and the grout has been neglected. I tried vinegar and baking soda, then oxiginated bleach, and scrubbed and scrubbed with a grout brush. The floor is a bit improved, but not that much. I'm at my wits end. Anyone have suggestions on what else I could try?

[ChynnaBlue]

I use bleach and let it set several hours, overnight if possible - it really depends on how much ventilation you can manage. If you did that, it's at least clean, even if it's still discolored. The next step would be either regrouting or cheating by painting the grout. You can find grout paint in most paint and hardware stores.

[piperbay]

I've used a bleach pen on the grout in the shower, that seemed to work.

[qualitygal]

Don't forget there is colored grout. So be careful.

[fthunt]

Go easy with that grout brush - grout is like/similar to cement and when wet it can become unstable with abrasive action. It may look a little cleaner but you're actually scrubbing away the top coat of the grout.

I just discovered Mr. Clean eraser sponge for counter top.... great cleaning but was warned it can take off the shine. Use all of these products with care.

[goodstuff]

Is it possible the grout isn't supposed to be white? There are colored and tinted grouts, too. I wonder if you're trying to whiten a non-white grout?

[sunshine45]

i recently bought the bissell steam shot from hsn......it really WORKS. i wet the entire shower and then i sprayed down the entire shower, fixtures, and glass doors with tilex mold and mildew shower spray. i let that soak in for a while (run the shower fan, the regular bladed fan in the bathroom if you have one, and open the windows).

my shower looks almost new again!

[flickerbulb]

If you are willing and able, I would get a grout scraper from HD or Lowe's and scrape down the top layer of grout.

If it is a common color, like white, you can buy pre-mixed grout in a container. Get a rubber float and a big sponge and regrout it. After you finish, you can seal it so it does not get discolored again.

I had well water when I moved into my house but switched a few years ago to city water. As a result, my shower is stained. No bleach or scrubbing will bring it back.

If you find something that works please post your results!

[Abrowneyegirl]

Sorry to say but it sounds like you due to have your bathroom re-grouted and sealed. The joy of tile!!

The new grout will last for years but you will need to seal every 6 months to a year.

If you can swing it, you will save yourself a lot of aggravation by investing in epoxy grout. Not all tile folks are skilled at using it so ask questions before you hire and invest.

I epoxy grout!

[Junker2327]

My son is a granite fabricator in a tile and granite shop. He checked with some of the tile dealers and they recommended a product called BLAST. I have to say went to the wholesale tile shop in my city and bought two bottles. Bought a skinny wire toothbrush style brush and went to town on my dining room and kitchen. It did do the trick. I was shocked since I had tried many products also. After I did the grout, I then resealed it to try and protect it again. I will be cleaning my grout from now on with this product about once a year or so. Give it a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Beckyblu