You can effectively clean the tile grout of your swimming pool. All grout, whether it is pool grout, floor grout or bathroom tile grout, is made in basically the same way. It is essentially a cement and water compound that solidifies and becomes hard. It is effectively used as a decorative spacer between ceramic tiles and is able to resist water and chemicals that would otherwise deteriorate other forms of spacing compounds. This is why grout is so valuable for applications that are exposed to water. Of course, grout will still become dirty, but there is a way to keep it clean and looking like new. Drain your swimming pool if the grout is beneath the water level of the pool. Allow the grout to dry. Sweep the grout and surrounding tiles with a shop broom. The stiff bristles will dislodge dust and dirt to allow the oxygen bleach to work at its best. Mix up a bucket full of oxygen bleach solution. Different makers will vary the bleach-to-water ratio, so follow those directions carefully. Mop on the oxygen bleach onto the grout you want to clean.

The oxygen bleach must remain wet to be effective, so only mop smaller areas at a time so the solution does not evaporate. portable steam cleaner commercialAllow the wet oxygen bleach to remain on the surface of the grout for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. vacuum cleaner bag freshenersThe longer it remains on, the more effective it will be. carpet cleaning products bugsYou will begin to notice the grout whitening as the dirt and grime dissolve away. vacuum cleaner low suctionBrush the areas over the grout that you want cleaned. carpet cleaning fluid reviews

The shop broom will work well for this task. The stiff bristles will remover any stubborn dirt or grime on the grout that the oxygen bleach did not dissolve. best carpet cleaning in perthRinse the area with fresh water and repeat this procedure over the rest of the grouted surface. /Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionAs pool tile begins to show its age, swimming pool grout gets dingy and damaged, often making the entire pool look old and uninviting. When this happens, homeowners may think they need to replace the tile, at considerable expense, but this is not necessarily the case. Replacing the swimming pool grout can give your pool a fresh look, while costing up to 70% less than replacement of the tile itself! Be forewarned, this is not a simple project. Before you decide to replace your swimming pool grout, try cleaning the tile and grout with soap and a brush, to see if you can remove mineral deposits and brighten its appearance.

If that fails to improve the appearance, try a 2:1 solution of water and hydrogen peroxide, or even a bleach solution, to try and clean stubborn stains. While re-grouting is much easier and less expensive than replacing the tile entirely, it’s still quite labor intensive. If you do decide that replacing the swimming pool grout is necessary, make sure it’s non-sanded grout. For sanded grout, you’ll need to try a different method of refreshing, like recoloring the grout. Gather the tools you’ll need before you begin. You’ll need a grout saw, perhaps a power saw with a diamond blade, and a grout scraper, chisel, or rotary tool to get between the tiles. You’ll also need a bucket for mixing grout, and another for water, a grout float, a trowel for mixing, a grout sponge, and towels and a wet/dry vac for cleanup. In addition, have on hand a cleaner for the areas between the tiles; phosphoric acid is one option, but a 1:1 water and vinegar solution will work as well. Scrub brush, scrub pads and grout will complete your list.

Remove the old grout. It’s important that you remove at least 1/16th inch of grout before you apply new grout; anything less than that, and you run the risk of having your new swimming pool grout rinsed away. Once you’ve scraped out the grout, clean the area thoroughly to prepare the surface for new grout. Choose your grout wisely. You’ll want to pick a grout that’s durable and attractive, able to withstand the chemicals in your pool, yet aesthetically pleasing. Plain white grout used to be the go-to option, but today’s grouts come in a wide variety of styles and colors to fit your style and match your pool. For a waterproof, mold and mildew resistant grout, check out Starlike® Specialty Grout. Apply the grout at a 45° angle. Work in small sections, cleaning up any loosened grout quickly, and wiping off the excess as you go. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions, and wear a protective mask as you work. Enjoy your beautiful pool! Once you’ve finished replacing your swimming pool grout, your pool will look as if it’s brand new!

Choose the right color and style of grout, and you’ll be delighted with the results of your hard work. At The Tile Doctor®, we carry Starlike® Specialty Grout, a grouting product from the Italian-based company, Litokol®. Known for both its beautiful color options and its high-quality, Starlike® is a super easy to use two part epoxy grout, and is unlike any other pool tile grout on the market. In addition to being waterproof and chemical resistant, it comes in Classic and Glamour colors, Metallic, Sparkle and Night Vision effects, plus a Crystal Glass Grout®, offering the largest selection of options of any grouting product available. With over 100 color options, it is sure to match any tile product you choose. The Tile Doctor® understands that homeowners want their tile projects to remain beautiful for a lifetime, so we provide a number of care and use chemicals, cement grout additives, and high-quality, groundbreaking products like the STAINMASTER™ tile & grout system.