Always test first! Your grout should withstand the occasional use of diluted bleach. One cup of bleach, mixed with one gallon of clean water, is usually sufficient for disinfecting. Regular use can discolor and weaken grout over time. Bleach should only be used when absolutely necessary and should never be used for routine maintenance of stone, tile and grout. For most installations and applications, the use of an appropriate cleaner, such as MAPEI's UltraCare Concentrated Tile & Grout Cleaner for floors, or UltraCare Everyday Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner; UltraCare Everyday Stone Clean & Polish; and UltraCare Everyday Stone & Grout Cleaner & Resealer for countertops and backsplashes, is recommended routine maintenance.

Steam cleaning your tile and grout is generally safe. However, certain types of pre-mixed and ready-to-use grouts can be damaged by exposure to high temperatures for extended periods of time. Always check with tile and grout manufacturers for their recommendations. MAPEI recommends the following product for routine maintenance: UltraCare Concentrated Tile & Grout Cleaner.

Vinegar is acidic and can etch certain natural stone, such as marble, travertine and limestone. 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. There are several professional-grade UltraCare acidic cleaners that are available when needed, including UltraCare Sulfamic Acid Crystals, UltraCare Cement Grout Haze Remover and UltraCare Acidic Tile & Grout Cleaner. For most installations and applications, the use of an appropriate cleaner, such as MAPEI's UltraCare Concentrated Tile & Grout Cleaner for floors, or UltraCare Everyday Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner; UltraCare Everyday Stone Clean & Polish; and UltraCare Everyday Stone & Grout Cleaner & Resealer for countertops and backsplashes, is recommended routine maintenance.

Regular cleaning is recommended, but the frequency depends on the usage in the area. Bleach should only be used when absolutely necessary and should never be used for routine maintenance of stone, tile and grout. For most installations and applications, the use of an appropriate cleaner, such as MAPEI's UltraCare Concentrated Tile & Grout Cleaner for floors, or UltraCare Everyday Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner; UltraCare Everyday Stone Clean & Polish; and UltraCare Everyday Stone & Grout Cleaner & Resealer for countertops and backsplashes, is recommended routine maintenance.