Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
As a cleaning professional, you know this all too well: a client’s bathroom or kitchen can be spotless, but if the grout is stained or dingy, the whole space still feels dirty. Grout lines hold onto moisture, grime, and mildew, making them one of the most common problem areas in deep cleans.
Fortunately, with the right tools, products, and maintenance strategies, you can restore grout to like-new condition, and keep it that way for your clients.
Here’s a pro-level game plan to tackle even the grimiest grout lines and deliver results that wow.
To get the best results, you need more than elbow grease; you need the right tools. Here’s what seasoned pros use for faster, deeper grout restoration:
Absolutely! Here’s a beefed-up, more detailed version of each section, with added technical depth, professional insight, and persuasive language to reflect your audience of cleaning pros:
Steam cleaners are a must-have in any pro’s grout-cleaning arsenal. Using superheated vapor (typically over 200°F), these machines blast away years of embedded grime, mildew, and bacteria, without relying on harsh chemicals that can irritate clients or damage tile finishes.
They're especially valuable in environments where ventilation is limited or where clients have sensitivities to strong odors.
For maximum impact:
Steam is particularly effective in tile showers, bathroom floors, and commercial kitchens, where moisture and organic buildup are common. Plus, it sanitizes as it cleans, an added selling point for clients who prioritize hygiene.
Forget general-purpose scrubbers. When it comes to grout, specialized grout brushes with stiff, angled bristles make a noticeable difference.
These tools are designed to dig into narrow grout lines without scratching adjacent tile surfaces, providing deeper, more efficient agitation.
Look for:
Pro tip: Keep a few brush sizes on hand. Smaller ones for detailed work around backsplashes and fixtures, and larger ones for floors. For tough spots, pair the brush with a cordless drill attachment for faster, high-powered scrubbing.
Alkaline cleaners (high pH) and oxygen bleach products are go-to solutions for professional-grade grout cleaning, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where organic matter like grease, soap scum, and mildew tend to settle.
Alkaline cleaners break down oily residues and soap-based grime.
Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) releases oxygen ions that lift stains and kill bacteria without harmful fumes or discoloration.
Why professionals prefer them:
They preserve the integrity of both sealed and unsealed grout.
Many come in gel or foam formulas that cling to vertical surfaces and extend dwell time, critical for deep penetration.
They're safer for colored grout and won't cause yellowing like chlorine bleach can.
Apply generously, agitate with a stiff grout brush, and allow a dwell time of at least 10 minutes before rinsing or extracting. For commercial clients or repeat jobs, choose concentrated products that can be diluted to suit the task.
For smaller jobs, maintenance cleanings, or eco-conscious clients, the classic paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide remains a highly effective grout-brightening solution.
This combo works through mild abrasion and oxidizing action, breaking down stains and lifting discoloration, without the need for professional-grade chemicals.
How to use it:
It’s an ideal solution for:
While not as aggressive as commercial products, it’s a solid, budget-friendly option for professionals looking to accommodate diverse client needs.
Pro Tip: Always rinse thoroughly and extract dirty water from grout lines with a microfiber towel or wet vac to prevent resettling.
Sometimes, even after a deep clean, grout lines remain stained or uneven in color. When regrouting isn’t an option, or the client simply wants a faster, more affordable fix, grout pens offer a high-impact, low-labor solution that delivers instant visual improvement.
These pens contain a grout-safe, pigmented epoxy or acrylic-based formula that recolors existing grout, creating a crisp, uniform finish that instantly refreshes the entire tiled surface. They’re especially effective for:
To get professional-looking results:
Pro Tip: Keep multiple pen colors on hand (white, beige, gray, charcoal) to match a range of common grout tones and offer clients aesthetic customization.
Rainbow Chalk Grout Pen (Waterproof, Mold-Resistant)
Available in 10+ colors, this pen features a reversible 5mm/15mm nib for precision or broader coverage. Dries fast and resists mold, great for showers and bathrooms.
Rejuvenate Grout Marker Pens
Known for durability and strong pigment, Rejuvenate’s pens are perfect for high-traffic floors or heavily stained grout. Water-based and non-toxic.
These tools are also great to bundle as a touch-up add-on service, offering clients an affordable “mini-makeover” that makes your work stand out.
Restoring grout is only half the job. Sealing it is what ensures your results last.
Unsealed or worn grout is like a sponge: it quickly absorbs moisture, grime, and bacteria, leading to premature discoloration and client callbacks. By offering grout sealing as an add-on service, you not only protect your hard work, but you also create an easy upsell that adds real value for your clients.
These sealers soak into the porous structure of the grout, forming an invisible barrier that repels water, oil, and stains from the inside out. They're ideal for:
Penetrating sealers don’t alter the appearance of the grout and allow for breathability, especially important for older tile installations or natural stone.
These sit on top of the grout surface and create a visible protective coating. Many add a slight sheen, enhancing the grout’s color and giving a freshly done look. They're great for:
They do require more regular reapplication but offer excellent short-term protection and curb appeal.
Even the best grout sealer can fail if it's applied carelessly. For cleaning pros, sealing grout isn't just about protection, it's about precision, efficiency, and reputation.
Here’s how to ensure every seal job looks flawless and performs long-term:
Grout lines are narrow, and tile surfaces vary, from smooth ceramics to textured stone. The goal is to keep sealer exactly where it belongs: in the grout, not smeared across the tile.
Choose from:
Precision Applicator Bottles with or without Roller Tips: Ideal for floor tile, rolls the sealer directly into the grout line while minimizing waste.
Foam Brushes or Paint Wheels: Great for backsplashes and vertical applications. Foam conforms to grout depth and is disposable for quick cleanup.
Syringe Applicators: Excellent for tight or decorative spaces requiring pinpoint accuracy.
Pro Tip: Tape off decorative or porous tile (like marble or slate) to avoid staining from topical sealers.
Every manufacturer sets specific dwell and cure times for a reason. Rushing this step compromises protection and may lead to streaking, tacky residue, or even premature failure.
Pro Tip: Keep a laminated cheat sheet of cure times for your top sealers to streamline crew training and job planning.
Before applying sealer:
Warning: Sealing damp grout can trap moisture, leading to hazing, mildew growth, or sealant failure within weeks.
Grout sealing isn’t just a final step, it’s a smart business move. This simple add-on transforms your grout cleaning service from a one-time fix into a long-term protection solution, helping clients preserve their investment and keeping your brand top-of-mind.
Sealing is:
For clients, it adds peace of mind. For you, it adds recurring revenue and professional credibility.
Incorporate sealing into your premium offerings and educate clients on its value:
Clients are more likely to say yes when they understand sealing as a protective measure, not a cosmetic one. Use language like:
“Sealing helps your grout resist stains, mildew, and moisture absorption, so you won’t need another deep clean anytime soon.”
Upsell Tip: Add grout sealing as a clear, line-item upgrade in your quotes or booking platform with pricing by square footage or room size. Even better, include before-and-after photos to visually communicate the long-term payoff.
No matter how spotless your grout restoration looks on Day One, ongoing maintenance is what keeps it that way. As a pro, you’re not just cleaning, you’re setting clients up for long-term success.
A few simple habits can dramatically extend the life of a clean-and-seal job, prevent premature staining, and reduce the need for emergency calls.
Pro Tip: Deliver these tips in a branded post-clean checklist or leave-behind card, clients love having expert guidance they can follow.
Educate your clients that sealed grout isn’t “set it and forget it.” Offer them a recurring maintenance plan where you:
Schedule this service every 3–6 months for high-traffic areas, or annually for residential clients. Not only does this help your clients maintain their space, it builds loyalty, repeat business, and predictable income for your company.
Cleaning grout might not be glamorous, but it’s one of those little details that separates good cleaners from great ones. Clients notice when their tile looks brand new. By mastering grout restoration, and packaging it with preventative care, you’ll build trust, boost referrals, and justify premium pricing.
When grout lines look clean, the whole space shines. And when you educate clients, protect your results with sealing, and offer ongoing care, you position yourself not just as a cleaner, but as a trusted maintenance partner they’ll return to again and again.
We’ve curated a cleaning kit of our top products that our professional cleaning customers purchase over and over again. It contains three full days’ worth of high quality supplies for one cleaner, including four types of microfiber towels, microfiber dusters, scrubbers, heavy duty mops, and a laundry bag.
All this would usually cost you $500. Get it for $299.
Most common questions about cleaning tile grout.
A popular DIY grout cleaner is a paste made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. It lifts stains, deodorizes, and whitens without harsh chemicals. Apply it to the grout lines, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Avoid vinegar on unsealed grout, it can erode it over time.
To safely whiten grout, use oxygen bleach, a steam cleaner, or a grout pen after deep cleaning. Avoid chlorine bleach, it can break down grout over time. Gentle scrubbing with a pH-neutral or alkaline cleaner, followed by sealing, restores brightness without risk of damage.
Yes! Steam cleaning is highly effective for deep grout cleaning, especially in showers and high-traffic floors. It uses heat and pressure to lift dirt, mold, and mildew, no chemicals needed. Most home steam cleaners with a grout nozzle work well, just go slow and let the steam do the work.
Grout should be spot cleaned weekly and deep cleaned every 3–6 months, depending on foot traffic and moisture levels. Sealing should be done once a year for most homes, or every 6 months in wet areas like showers. Sealing helps prevent staining and makes cleaning easier.
Not if properly cared for. With 300+ wash durability, these towels stay soft and effective for the long haul, just avoid heat, bleach, and fabric softeners when washing.Absolutely. If your grout is stained but still intact, a grout colorant or pen is a fast, cost-effective way to refresh it. These products come in multiple colors and offer a uniform, like-new finish. Just clean the grout thoroughly first and apply carefully with a steady hand.
The MW Pro Multi-Surface 16x16 Microfiber Towels are a game-changer. These towels are more durable, more absorbent, and heavier than other all-purp...
Ver todos los detalles
The 16”x16” Buff™ Pro Multi-Surface Microfiber Towel Pack of 12 from Microfiber Wholesale is a versatile and durable cleaning solution suitable fo...
Ver todos los detalles
Promote your brand while protecting your towels from wandering off with our property marking service - an affordable and professional looking solution to keep your towels in service.
By continuing with your order, you acknowledge and agree to the following:Our property-marked towels are printed with a repeating pattern, and logo placement may vary from towel to towel.
You’ve chosen between receiving an emailed digital proof for a detailed review of your design at an additional cost of $20, or allowing our print team to use your uploaded file to prepare your order for printing.
We do not accept returns for printed property marked towels.
