Cement Grout Care & Maintenance

The quality of cement based grout continues to improve throughout the tile, stone and adhered masonry veneer industries. New technologies mean that grouts get harder, minimize efflorescence and are easier to install than previous technologies. PERMACOLOR® Select provides the latest advancement to cement based grouts – one universal grout powder with pigment added to the mix water prior to blending. However, it is important to note that no cement based grout is self-cleaning or absolutely stain-resistant. Regular and routine maintenance is required to maintain the long term beauty of the grout, and, wiping up spills quickly and thoroughly will help minimize the possibility of staining the grout. The following information will help to maintain the grout for many years.

Regular Maintenance
PERMACOLOR® Select offers enhanced protection from stains. For routine, everyday maintenance cleaning a clear, pH neutral cleaner (e.g. STONETECH® Stone & Tile Cleaner) is recommended. For soiling from grease, use an alkaline cleaner (e.g. STONETECH KlenzAll™ Cleaner). For mold or soap scum use a cleaner specifically designed to remove these organisms and deposits (e.g. STONETECH Mold & Mildew Stain Remover and STONETECH Soap Scum Remover). For hard water deposits and other inorganic stains use STONETECH Restore™ to remove them. Some floor cleaning procedures, such as damp mopping, will deposit dirt residue in the grout joint. If the grout appears to be becoming soiled, mop a solution of STONETECH Stone & Tile Cleaner onto the surface and scrub gently with a nylon brush or scrub pad. It is recommended that the mop water be removed by vacuum from the grout and tile surfaces before it dries. Rinse well, vacuum and allow the surface to dry.

Grout Cleaning
Spills should be wiped up immediately with a paper towel or cloth. If a stain remains, scrub the grout surface with warm water and a white nylon scrubbing pad, for at least 60 seconds. For stubborn grout stains on tile installations, dampen the grout and apply a solution of STONETECH KlenzAll Cleaner on the surface and let it sit for 3 - 4 minutes, then scrub with a white nylon scrubbing pad for at least 60 seconds and rinse. If a second cleaning is required, repeat the STONETECH KlenzAll soaking and scrubbing process on the affected area.

For more deeply set or especially stubborn grout stains contact LATICRETE Technical Support for more specific instructions at 1.888.786.6343 or 1.800.243.4788 x1235.

Note: Before using any cleaning product on tile or grout, always test clean a small inconspicuous area and allow to dry to ensure compatibility of the cleaner with the surface to be cleaned. Powdered cleanser is not recommended for cleaning unsealed or unglazed tile, and many types of stone. Acid based products are not recommended for polished marble and other types of stone. This information has been prepared in good faith on the basis of information available at the time of publication. It is intended to provide users with information about and guidelines for the proper use and application of the covered LATICRETE brand product(s) under normal environmental and working conditions. Because each project is different, LATICRETE is not responsible for the consequences of variations in such conditions, or for unforeseen conditions.

Grout Sealing
PERMACOLOR® Select does not require sealing, however, if even greater protection is desired, the following STONETECH products listed below may be used. Note - for maximum stain protection and performance, use SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout. Follow specific installation instructions indicated for each STONETECH® Professional Sealer.
• STONETECH BulletProof®Sealer (for natural stone & cement grout installations)
• STONETECH Heavy Duty Grout Sealer

The information provided in this blog is per Technical Data Sheet (TDS 113) and is subject to change without notice. For the latest revision and to download a copy, check our TDS 113 

Do you have additional questions? Contact us!