To restore grout, first thoroughly clean it with a DIY paste (baking soda/vinegar), a commercial cleaner, or steam; for stubborn stains, use oxygen bleach or a grout renew pen; then, once clean and dry, apply a grout colorant or sealer to achieve the desired color and protect it, following product instructions carefully for best results.
Replacing grout is certainly one way to fix the problem. Instead, use UltraCare Grout Refresh, a water-based color seal, available in 40 standard grout colors. It's made for refreshing the look of old, discolored grout, or completely changing the color of the existing grout. Don't replace it, Grout Refresh it!
Comments Section Try using a magic eraser. I've used them before and it worked for me. A haze is pretty normal. You just have to keep cleaning it, then seal it. Microfiber cloth and magic eraser, saw it was recommended by the grout company, so I trusted it. Worked like a charm.
Vinegar can indeed ruin grout.
Once lodged in these spaces, vinegar will corrode grout with the passage of time. The grout will eventually wear off. So you should take not to apply vinegar for cleaning purposes if you have unsealed grout in the area.
Below are some of the things you should avoid using when cleaning grout.
Cleaning Your Grout with BKF
BKF works wonders! I use Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser about once a week, which keeps my tile floor looking pristine.
Steam cleaning is one of the most powerful ways to clean grout without the use of harsh chemicals. Professionals often use steam to loosen the dirt and other particles trapped in the grout without needing to scrub manually.
4 of the Most Common Regrouting Mistakes
Longevity: The results from using a grout pen can last up to a year or more, depending on the area's traffic and exposure to water. High-traffic / high-humidiy areas may require a touch-up sooner (This is especially true if you have hard water that stains grout)
The process is exactly the same: First, mix some baking soda with water to form a paste (a ratio of three parts water to one part baking soda is usually recommended), then apply this to the grout and rinse it away after it has had time to work its magic.
If you're a die-hard DIYer, using Dawn dish soap alone can be a safer option for mild cleaning. Dilute a small amount of Dawn in warm water, scrub the grout with a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly.
I want to actually clean my grout. Magic erasers get the job done, and they do it quickly and relatively painlessly. Technique-wise, I usually cut my standard size magic eraser in half, wet it to slightly more than damp, and scrub the grout line as I squeeze gently.
Important note: To avoid damage to grout, it's best to avoid any acidic cleaners, such as vinegar or chlorine bleach, as they will damage and erode your grout over time.
The occasional use of vinegar on porcelain or ceramic tile with cement-based grout should not cause damage. However, frequent or regular use can discolor and weaken grout and should not be used for routine maintenance.
Fortunately, it's not a permanent smudge, and can be readily removed with the right know-how and knowledge. So, if your tiles have been impacted by this annoying problem, here's exactly what you need to know about removing grout haze.
If you prefer cleaning grout with a DIY mixture, make a paste of 3/4-cup baking soda, 1/4-cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap. Apply the paste to the grout with a grout brush and scrub the grout.
Let the vinegar sit on the grout for about five minutes or so. Use a stiff-bristled brush such as a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies and scrub away any stains that have built up on your grout.
But eight places you should never use vinegar include:
Diluting the hydrogen peroxide to a 1:1 ratio with water will ensure a safe but effective concentration. Here's a simple, proven method to clean grout safely while preventing long-term damage. Prepare the Cleaning Solution. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide (3%) and warm water in a spray bottle.