Epoxy grout is a great alternative to traditional ceramic tile grout. It’s durable, stain-resistant, and available in a variety of colors that look great underfoot.
But despite its many benefits, there are instances where you might want to clean your epoxy grout—either because it’s dirty or because you plan on repainting the room and want to strip off any remaining residue left behind by the old paint job. So what do you do? Should you hire an expert or can you do it yourself?
And how exactly does one go about cleaning this stuff anyway? In this guide, we’ll help answer these questions so that you can clean epoxy grout like an expert!
Does epoxy grout need to be cleaned?
In many cases, you do not need to clean epoxy grout. Epoxy grout is a permanent solution, meaning it will last for years and not need cleaning.
The main reason you would want to clean epoxy grout is when it gets dirty or stained from dirt or other substances that cannot be removed by simply wiping them away.
It may also be necessary if the tiles have been installed overtop of an existing tile surface so that the old grout can be removed using a chemical stripper before applying new epoxy adhesive onto the joints between them (in which case you’ll use 400-grit sandpaper on those surfaces only).
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Does vinegar harm epoxy grout?
Vinegar is a common household cleaner and it can be used to clean epoxy grout, but it has some important limitations. Vinegar is acidic, so it can cause damage to the grout and the sealant.
If you use vinegar to clean your epoxy grout, you should be careful not to leave any puddles of vinegar on the floor because they may cause mildew growth and could also damage the sealant.
Does epoxy grout get dirty?
Epoxy grout is a cleanable surface. Over time, with repeated use and cleaning, it can become dirty. Grout gets dirty from many different sources: food spills, dirt tracked in on shoes and clothing, and even the natural acids found in urine can discolor your grout.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to clean epoxy grout that will leave you with sparkling new looking floors once again!
What dissolves epoxy grout?
You can clean epoxy grout with a variety of household products, including:
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Dish soap (I like Dawn)
- Baking soda and water (mix to make a paste)
- Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
- Hydrogen peroxide and water (or vinegar).
- Vinegar and alcohol.
How long will epoxy grout last?
The good news is that epoxy grout is extremely durable and long-lasting, meaning you won’t have to worry about it looking dirty or damaged any time soon.
It’s made to last for 30 years, so you can rest assured that your floors will continue to look great for decades to come.
In addition to its durability, epoxy grout also has other advantages over traditional grout types:
- It’s resistant to mold and mildew growth
- It’s resistant to salt water damage (i.e., from the ocean or poolside environments)
- It doesn’t break down if someone spills an acidic substance on the floor (like wine or vinegar)
Does white epoxy grout get dirty?
- Yes, white epoxy grout can get dirty.
- To clean it, use a sponge or brush to remove stubborn dirt.
- Use mild soap and water to clean the areas where you have already used the brush or sponge.
- For tough stains, use a mild bleach solution made with 1 part bleach and 9 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray on the area and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping off with your sponge or brush.
How do professionals clean grout?
Professional cleaning of grout is done using a machine called a grout blaster. The grout blaster uses high-pressure water to clean the grout and between tiles, removing dirt from hard-to-reach places.
Why is my epoxy grout turning yellow?
The yellowing is a result of oxidation. The epoxy grout will continue to oxidize over time and continue to turn yellow, so it’s important to do something about it now!
- Epoxy grout often turns yellow after being exposed to dirt, grease, or other contaminants. Allowing these materials into your bathroom can cause the epoxy grout to lose its color quickly. If you’re looking for ways to clean your ceramic tile floors without risking damage to them, consider using a steam mop or using hot water on a sponge instead. These two methods are gentler than using harsh chemicals like bleach which can strip away some of the original colors from the tile itself (especially when used in higher concentrations).
- Yellowing may also occur if there was an improper sealant applied during installation or if there wasn’t enough moisture protection provided by that sealant during installation.* If this has happened then consider cleaning up any loose debris inside your shower stall with soap and water before scrubbing down all surfaces with an appropriate cleaner designed specifically for cleaning tile surfaces like Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover Toilet Bowl Cleaner Spray Bottle – 24 oz
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a lot of factors that go into deciding what cleaning method will work best for your specific situation.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to learn more about epoxy grout cleaning, contact us today!
