• The grout between tiles is vulnerable to dirt and staining.Boden image by Milosz Bartoszczuk from Fotolia.com
  
  Tile and grout can be very difficult to properly clean. Dirt, oils and other substances can penetrate the surface layer of these materials, staining the surface in such a way that normal washing or mopping will not remove. Using commercial grout cleaning tools is often the only way to remove these stains. The right tools and supplies will not only clean the grout, but will restore it and make both the grout and tiles look like new again.
  
  

Pressure Washer

• High pressure washing is the main tool in a commercial grout cleaner’s arsenal. Having a high pressure wash allows you to drive water into the surface of the grout, forcing any dirt and debris off of the surface. Most pressure washers come with the ability to either blast hot water or steam clean, and many have scrub brush attachments.
  
  There many commercial brands of pressure washers for grout and tile. Most come with the ability to blast hot water at a pressure ranging from 400 psi to 1200 psi. This allows you to control the flow so you can use minimum settings on old grout or higher settings for stains that are difficult to remove.
  
  

Grout Brush

• Using a brush to scrub the floors is often the best way to clean grout that is simply dirty, but not stained. Grout brushes are typically 8 to 9 inches wide and have a long handle, similar to a broom or mop. There are a few different styles of grout brushes, with each having a specific use.
  
  A corner brush is the easiest way to clean corners or points where the floor and wall meet. A corner brush has bristles that are cut at an angle, allowing them to reach the corner easier and to lift out any standing dirt or debris. There also are swivel brushes, which are used to scrub the entire surface of the tile and grout.
  
  

Grout Restorer

• While simple cleaning solutions are often adequate for washing grout and tile, older grout sometimes needs a solution that will restore its original luster and strength. Commercial grout cleaners apply a rejuvenator to the surface with a mop and allow it to stand for 5 minutes before scrubbing it away with a brush. The rejuvenator can be mixed in various strengths, depending on the condition of your grout and tiles. This is a great way to restore grout that has been affected by hard water, rust or soap scum.