Best Way to Clean Grout with a Steam Cleaner

The best way to steam clean grout: pre-clean the tile, fill the steamer with distilled water, fit a soft nylon brush attachment, and work methodically — top to bottom on walls, corner to corner on floors — scrubbing the grout lines as the steam loosens dirt. Wipe up the dirty water as you go so it doesn’t re-stain, then reseal the grout once it dries. Steam’s heat and pressure clean grout far better than hand-scrubbing, with no harsh chemicals. Spot-test first, since steam can damage unsealed or aging grout. Here’s the full guide for floors, backsplashes, and showers.

Why grout gets dirty

Grout — usually cement-based — fills the gaps between tiles. Because it’s porous, it stains easily: even sealed grout collects dirt, food, and grime that discolor it. Regular cleaning helps, but neglected grout often needs the power of a steam cleaner to blast stains out.

What you’ll need

For a tile floor you’ll also want a bucket of hot soapy water; for a backsplash or shower, hot water for rinsing. Many steam cleaners require distilled water — check the manual first.

Choosing a steam cleaner for grout

• Smaller units hold less water but are easier to lift for high shower walls; larger ones cover more before refilling.
• For walls, get a model with multiple attachments — some are floor-only.
• Check whether it needs distilled water.

Note that home steam cleaners aren’t as powerful as professional ones — more on when to call a pro below.

How to steam clean grout, step by step

Tile floors

Step 1: Sweep or vacuum, then mop for a clean surface.
Step 2: Fill the steamer and let it heat.
Step 3: Fit a soft nylon brush that won’t scratch the tile.
Step 4: Work from one corner, scrubbing the grout — dirty grout may need several passes.
Step 5: Stop often to mop or wet-vac the dirty water, since letting it dry re-stains the grout. Switch to a sturdier brush if nylon isn’t cutting it.
Step 6: Clean the whole floor when done.
Step 7: Reseal the grout if needed.

Kitchen backsplash

Step 1: Pre-clean with tile cleaner and a sponge.
Step 2: Fill the steamer.
Step 3: Fit the right attachment.
Step 4: Start at the top — dirty water runs down.
Step 5: Scrub the grout with the brush as steam flows; repeat on heavy stains.
Step 6: Wipe away dirty water as you go.
Step 7: Clean the whole area and reseal if needed.

Shower

Step 1: Wash the tile first.
Step 2: Fill the steamer per the instructions.
Step 3: Start at the top to avoid dripping onto clean tile.
Step 4: Rinse (run the shower) to check progress and clear dirty water.
Step 5: Clean the whole shower when done.
Step 6: Reseal grout as needed.

Should you reseal grout afterward?

Sealed grout is less porous and easier to keep clean. If yours was already sealed and the seal is intact, you may not need to reapply. If it was unsealed — or the seal is worn — reseal after steam cleaning, letting the grout dry fully first. The video below shows the process.

When to hire a pro

If grout is badly stained and a home steamer can’t restore it, a professional’s higher-pressure equipment can often bring it back to like-new condition.

FAQ

Make your grout look new

Stained grout drags down an otherwise beautiful kitchen or bathroom — but a steam cleaner, used with a soft brush and prompt wiping, lifts years of grime with no chemicals. Spot-test first, reseal afterward, and your grout will look freshly applied.