Tile grout gets dirty in different ways, and the type of stain usually depends on location. In the bathroom, it's mold or mildew. Kitchen tile grout catches spills from food and beverages. Floor grout gets dirty from foot and pet traffic.

To clean the grout, first use the least acidic cleaning solution. If unsuccessful, move up to the harsher chemical cleaners. In any case, be sure to protect your hands and eyes.

Simple household items like vinegar or baking soda may just do the trick. Use vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water, or make a paste of baking soda and water to clean the grout with. Spray or dab the homemade cleaner onto a length of grout and scrub with a brush. Scrubbing in small circles rather than straight up and down will remove more debris. Rinse well with water and dry with a sponge or paper towels. After the grout dries, take a look and see if the stains have been removed successfully.

If your grout is still stained, the next thing to try would be commercial tile and grout cleaners. These are available where home cleaning products are sold. Start with a mild cleaner instead of jumping right to a harsh one. To get the best result from a commercial cleaner, spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Follow the directions on the label to clean effectively and prevent discoloration.

Tips for Grout Cleaning

• Clean the grout first with water and allow to dry. This will remove any loose surface debris and small stains that have not set.

• Never use bleach on colored grout because the color will be damaged.

• Use a stiff nylon brush for scrubbing. Avoid using metal bristles, as they will damage the grout.

• Make sure the room you're working in is well ventilated and protect your hands and eyes.

• Test your grout cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it won't damage the grout.

• Never, under any circumstance, mix cleaners together! Chemical reactions can cause deadly fumes or skin burns.

When your tile grout is completely clean, keep it looking that way by applying grout sealer. Make sure you purchase the correct type for the grout you'll be applying it to. Grout sealer will help keep stains from discoloring your grout and make future cleanups a lot easier. It's well worth the effort.