How To Clean Dark Grout That Has Turned White? 4 Methods
We know how annoying it is when you see your dark grout turning yellow. On top of that if this is a recurring issue, then your frustration will only increase. But the good news is that if you’re reading this article, you’re already one step ahead.
Exactly how to clean dark grout that has turned yellow? and here I’ve talked about how to clean grout sealer in details.
You can clean dark grout that has turned yellow by using mild acids like vinegar. Also, you can use heavy-duty solvents to get rid of yellow polymer residue. Sometimes, even a thorough scrubbing can clean the grout.
Still not sure how to clean your dark grout that has turned yellow? Don’t worry! Our in-depth article is perfect for beginners. We have discussed all the solutions in great detail.
Without further ado, let’s get into it, shall we?
| Step | Cleaning Method | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vinegar and Water Solution | – White vinegar – Water – Spray bottle – Scrub brush | 1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. 2. Spray the solution onto the white grout. 3. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the vinegar to penetrate. 4. Scrub the grout lines using a scrub brush to remove dirt and stains. 5. Rinse with water to remove the vinegar residue. 6. Dry the grout with a clean cloth. |
| 2 | Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste | – Baking soda – Hydrogen peroxide – Mixing bowl – Spoon – Toothbrush | 1. In a mixing bowl, combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a thick paste. 2. Apply the paste onto the white grout lines using a spoon or a small brush. 3. Allow the paste to sit on the grout for about 15 minutes. 4. Use a toothbrush to scrub the grout vigorously in a circular motion. 5. Rinse with water to remove the paste and residue. 6. Dry the grout thoroughly. |
| 3 | Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Solution | – Lemon juice – Baking soda – Bowl – Sponge – Water | 1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl. 2. Add enough baking soda to the lemon juice to create a thick paste. 3. Mix the lemon juice and baking soda until well combined. 4. Apply the paste onto the white grout using a sponge or a brush. 5. Allow the paste to sit on the grout for about 10-15 minutes. 6. Rinse with water to remove the paste and lemon juice. 7. Dry the grout with a clean cloth. |
| 4 | Commercial Grout Cleaner | – Commercial grout cleaner – Water – Scrub brush – Sponge – Clean cloth | 1. Follow the instructions on the commercial grout cleaner for proper dilution. 2. Apply the diluted cleaner onto the white grout using a sponge or a brush. 3. Allow the cleaner to sit on the grout for the recommended time. 4. Scrub the grout lines using a scrub brush to remove dirt and stains. 5. Rinse with water to remove the cleaner residue. 6. Dry the grout with a clean cloth. |
| 5 | Steam Cleaner | – Steam cleaner – Water | 1. Fill the steam cleaner with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 2. Turn on the steam cleaner and allow it to heat up. 3. Hold the steam cleaner over the white grout and apply steam directly onto the grout lines. 4. Use a scrub brush or cloth to wipe away the dirt and stains lifted by the steam. 5. Dry the grout with a clean cloth. |
Why Does Dark Grout Turn Yellow?
Grouts are necessary to install tiles. Depending on the tiles, you can either use dark or yellow grouts.
Dark grouts are dust resistant and don’t need much cleaning. So a lot of people opt for dark grouts. Choosing the right grout is necessary, as it’s what binds the tiles together.
However, dark grouts can turn yellow due to a variety of reasons. This can ruin both the look and the functionality of the tiles. To fix dark grout turning yellow, we first need to know the cause.
The most common cause of dark grouts turning yellow is efflorescence. Efflorescence is when salt and minerals migrate and form a yellow coating on a porous surface.
Another reason why this could be happening is if the grout is mixed with too much water during installation. As a result of this yellow polymers present in grout come up on the surface. That’s why your dark grouts might turn yellow.
A less common, but viable reason could be residue caused by detergents or any other cleaning agent. Grouts turn yellow when cleaning agents are not fully removed. As a result, detergent residue builds up over time.
Cleaning Dark Grout That Has Turned Yellow – 4 Efficient Ways
In general, grouts are very low maintenance. However, it may turn yellow due to some reasons. In that case, finding the solution is quintessential.
The appropriate solution for the specific problem can help you to keep your grouts clean and nice looking. A few solutions which we think work best are listed below:
Method 1. Using Mild Acid to Get Rid of Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a common problem, fixing it is necessary. Otherwise, your tiles might suffer.
You can fix efflorescence by using mild acids on grouts and scrubbing them. However, refrain from using strong acid as it may discolor your tiles.
Tools needed
The tools needed to fix efflorescence are given below:
- Distilled yellow Vinegar/Lemon juice
- Spray bottle
- Nylon bristle brush
- Wiping cloth
Now that you have all the necessary tools let’s get to the steps of cleaning efflorescence.
Step 1 of 3: Preparing Acidic Solution
First, take a spray bottle. In that spray bottle put yellow vinegar. You can also use lemon juice instead of yellow vinegar as both of them are acidic. Vinegar is also used in the process of removing dried thinset from tiles.
Step 2 of 3: Scrubbing The Grout
Spray a little amount of yellow vinegar or lemon juice on the grout. After spraying use a nylon bristle brush and scrub the grout.
Make sure to thoroughly scrub the grout as you need to get rid of calcium and other mineral build-ups.
After scrubbing leave the grout untouched for 5 minutes. When 5 minutes is over, scrub the floor again. This will get rid of all the build-ups.
Step 3 of 3: Wiping The Grout
Run hot water on the grout where you’ve finished scrubbing. After that, wipe the area well with a wiping cloth.
Make sure to dry the grout properly. Otherwise, the yellow efflorescence might show up again.
Now, your dark grout is back to its original color.
Method 2. Using Solvent to Get Rid of Polymer Residue
The yellow polymer that is mixed with the grout often gets exposed. As a result, dark grout turns yellow. Strong solvents or cleaners are needed to fix polymer residue. The cleaning procedure of polymer residue is similar to cleaning saltillo tile.
Tools needed:
The following tools are needed to fix polymer residue:
- Gloves
- Strong cleaners/solvent
- Bristle brush
Solution
To fix polymer residue you need to get industry-grade solvents or strong cleaners. You can find this type of solvents in your local tile shop or online.
Our recommended solvents for removing polymer residue:
| Product 1- Goo Gone Adhesive Remover. | |
| Product 2- Goof Off – Household Heavy Duty Remover. |
After getting the appropriate solvent, follow the instructions on the packet. Using a bristle brush, scrub the grouts with the solvent.
Upon doing so, the yellow residue of the polymer should go away.
Method 3. Thorough Rinsing for Detergent Residue Removal
Even though it’s not that common, detergent residues might cause grouts to turn yellow. To fix this problem we need to wash the grout thoroughly.
Tools needed
For this method, you only need a few things. They are:
- Hot and Coldwater
- Scrubbing brush
Solution
Detergent residues are removed by cleaning the grout multiple times with both hot and cold water. After that, a good brushing of the grout will get rid of all the residues.
The easiest way to do this is by using a good shop vacuum. But in case you don’t have it you can just rinse the grout multiple times to get rid of yellow detergent residue.
Sometimes these residues can collect on the tiles. You may only notice this while making matte tiles glossy.
Method 4. Using Grout Sealers
Another effective way to get rid of recurring yellow residue on grouts is to use a grout sealer. By sealing the grout, no mineral or polymer residue will gather on the grout surface.
Tools Needed:
To seal the grout using grout sealers you need the following tools:
- Gloves
- Grout sealer
- Scrubbing brush
- Application brush
- Fan
Now with these tools, you can easily seal the grout for future yellow residue.
Step 1 of 3: Cleaning the Grout
To apply the sealer first you need to clean the grout. Get rid of the existing yellow residue by cleaning it thoroughly.
Using hot water rinse the grout. After that use a scrubbing brush to scrub the mineral buildup.
Step 2 of 3: Applying the Grout Sealer
After scrubbing the floors, dry the tiles properly. Follow the instructions on the package and use an applicator to apply the grout sealer.
For this step make sure to wear gloves as the grout sealer is harmful to the skin.
Step 3 of 3: Dry the Grout Sealer
After applying the grout sealer, wait for it to dry down. Ideally, you need to wait for 20-30mins for the grout sealer to completely dry down.
Once you can walk over the grout without getting it on your feet your grout is sealed. In this way, by using a grout sealer you can clean dark grout that has turned yellow.
These are all the ways you can clean your dark grout that has turned yellow.
FAQs
Question: Why does my dark grout keep turning yellow repeatedly?
Answer: If your dark grout turns yellow repeatedly even after cleaning then water might have been trapped under your tile grout during installation.
Question: Does keeping your floor tiles wet make your dark grout turn yellow?
Answer: Yes, moisture is one of the main causes of your dark grouts turning yellow. Moreover, the calcium in water builds up over time on the grout. As a result, your tiles will have yellow residue.
Question: What’s the permanent solution to making your grouts darker?
Answer: You can stain the grout with a dark color. After that use a grout sealer to seal your dark grout. This will ensure that no moisture or minerals can build up on your grout.
Question: Why has my dark grout turned white?
Answer: Dark grout can turn white due to various reasons, such as buildup of dirt, grime, soap scum, hard water deposits, or the use of improper cleaning products that leave residue on the grout surface.
Question: How do I clean dark grout that has turned white?
Answer: There are several methods you can try to clean dark grout that has turned white. One common method is to mix equal parts of water and vinegar, apply the solution to the grout lines, and scrub with a brush. You can also use a paste made from baking soda and water, or a commercial grout cleaner specifically designed for dark grout. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use appropriate safety precautions.
Question: Can I use bleach to clean dark grout that has turned white?
Answer: Bleach can be used to clean grout, but it may not be suitable for dark grout as it can cause the color to fade or become discolored. It’s best to avoid using bleach on dark grout and opt for milder cleaning solutions like vinegar or baking soda.
Question: How can I prevent my dark grout from turning white?
Answer: To prevent dark grout from turning white, it’s important to regularly clean and maintain it. Avoid using harsh cleaning products or abrasive brushes that can damage the grout surface. Seal your dark grout with a grout sealer to protect it from stains and discoloration. Additionally, wipe down the grout lines after each use to remove dirt and grime buildup.
Question: What if cleaning methods don’t work to restore my dark grout?
Answer: If cleaning methods do not work to restore your dark grout, you may need to consider re-grouting or staining the grout. Re-grouting involves removing the old grout and applying new grout, while staining involves using a grout stain or dye to darken the grout color. Both options may require some DIY skills or professional assistance.
Question: Can I use a steam cleaner to clean dark grout that has turned white?
Answer: Yes, a steam cleaner can be an effective way to clean dark grout that has turned white. Steam can help dissolve dirt and grime without the use of harsh chemicals, and the high temperature can kill bacteria and germs. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use appropriate attachments for grout cleaning to avoid damaging the grout or tile surface.
Question: Can I prevent dark grout from turning white in the future?
Answer: Yes, you can take preventive measures to keep dark grout from turning white in the future. Regular cleaning and maintenance, avoiding harsh cleaning products, sealing the grout, and wiping down the grout lines after each use can all help prevent discoloration. It’s also important to address any leaks or water damage that may be causing the grout to deteriorate.
Conclusion
That’s the end of our segment. We hope we could teach you something new. If something goes wrong make sure to call a professional.
If there are any other questions regarding how to clean dark grout that has turned yellow, let us know down below.
Until then stay happy and healthy. Catch you next time!
