Steam-cleaning dirty grout.

[Space cat]

This might not be the best place to post but the alternatives are Tools and Materials or General DIY, neither of which is any better, so here goes:

The grouting in the tiles around our bath is decidedly grubby and the silicone around the bath edge has gone black in places. Nothing new there I suppose but Other Half is eyeing up a steam cleaner with a view to blasting the dirt off:

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/sho...r_handheld_steam_cleaner.html?hnav=4294966403

I'm a bit concerned about the effect it might have, like stripping the grout and silicone right out! Or will it be totally ineffective and a waste of money? Has anybody steam-cleaned tiles before?

PS: Mods, if this counts as advertising, please delete the link.

 

[wingcoax]

S C you can use a steamer quite happily if you know the silicone and grout are sound. I have used one many times(swmbo)without problem.

 

[joe-90]

What's wrong with bleach?

 

[wingcoax]

Nothing if you don't mind burning your throat out breathing the fumes.

 

[joe-90]

You don't have to stay in there and watch.

 

[Burnerman]

My steam cleaner claims to remove all sorts of grot from grout, cookers etc....you name it. Its a Pollti or something.
In truth, its the biggest waste of money of all time - it will help remove stains from carpets (occasionally) but everything else no way.
John

 

[wingcoax]

You don't have to stay in there and watch.

You do have to apply the stuff and then scrub and rinse.

 

[Karis]

I’d forget the steam cleaner, your likely to be disappointed. Cilit Bang & a toothbrush works well on lime scale & stained grout but if the silicone has gone black then very unlikely it’ll come off. Removing & re-applying the silicone bead is probably the only way you’ll get rid of it.

 

[Space cat]

Thanks for the quick replies everybody. Since i told her that a toothbrush was the best way to clean grout, it's become apparent that she just saw a steam cleaner and fancied having one. Maybe I'll find some uses for it, like cleaning the oven or stripping wallpaper.

Meanwhile, I spend enough time in the bath so I'll get busy with the toothbrush.