How to Clean Grout From Drain: 5 DIY Practical Methods

Last Updated on March 8, 2023

Grout is a porous material that absorbs fat, grease, and other substances that cause buildup in your drain. If you do not clean the grout from the drain, it will eventually become blocked. As time passes, this accumulation will prevent water from draining correctly. Also, stagnant water can create an ideal environment for microorganisms to grow.

Consequently, you may notice a foul odor coming from the drain. Occasionally, the clog can cause water to flood your home, leading to costly repairs. Thus, you should clean your grout to avoid these expensive repercussions. But how to clean grout from the drain?

Cleaning grout from the drain can be arduous unless you have the right tools and know-how. Discover the most effective ways to clean grout from the drain by following the instructions provided in this article.

How to Clean Grout From Drain: Methods with Simple Tricks

Over time, grout can become caked with soap scum, mold, and mildew. This can not only make your drain look dirty, but it can also lead to clogs and other problems. Fortunately, you can follow a few simple methods to clean your drain grout and keep it looking fresh thoroughly.

Method 01. Flush the Drain

Flushing the drain with plenty of water is usually an effective solution. Flushing the cement with plenty of water may be a practical solution if the tile grout has accidentally and recently been placed into a drain.

Start by running the warm water in your sink for a few minutes. This will help to loosen any grout caked onto the drain recently. Next, use a plunger to try and dislodge the grout. If this doesn’t work, you may need to try a chemical cleaner.

Here are some benefits you’ll get:

1. Water will help loosen caked grout.
2. You don’t need to buy any expensive cleaners.
3. Recently placed grout can be flushed down the drain.

Method 02. High-Pressure Jet Blasting

High-pressure jet blasting is a highly effective method of removing grout from drain pipes. The high-pressure water stream flushes away the grout and other debris that can build up in the lines.

But, caution must be taken when using this method to clean grout from drain pipes because the high-pressure water can also damage the pipes if misused.

When using high-pressure jet blasting for grout cleaning, always start with the nozzle at a low setting and gradually increase the pressure until the grout is removed. Also, keep the nozzle moving, so it does not stay in one spot for too long and damage the pipe.

When appropriately used, high-pressure jet blasting can effectively clean drain pipes without damaging them.

Here are some benefits you’ll get:

1. High-pressure water works well for removing grout.
2. Without damaging drain pipes, it’s a safe way to clean grout.
3. Suitable for PVC, copper, and cast iron pipes.

Method 03. Using Mechanical Tools

Many reach for harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers when they see mildew or mold build-up. But before you go this route, consider using a mechanical grout removal tool instead. A drain auger, also called a plumbing snake, is a long, flexible coil that can be inserted into drains to clear away clogs.

This tool is handy for cleaning grout because it can reach deep into small spaces and remove buildup without damaging the surrounding area. If you use an auger to clean your drains regularly, you can prevent grout from building up in the first place. Augers can help you get rid of stubborn grout problems quickly and easily.

Start by entering the head of the auger into the drain. Slowly turn the crank to feed the coil down the drain. When you feel resistance, continue turning the crank to work the auger through the clog. You can use the auger to remove as much grout as possible. In the end, retract the auger and flush the drain with hot water.

Here are some benefits you’ll get:

1. It can be used to clean out small spaces.
2. An auger can remove a lot of grout at once.
3. You can clean grout without damaging anything around it.

Method 04. Biodegradable Cement-Softening Products

Biodegradable cement-softening products are another safe and effective way to clean grout from drains. These products break down the bonds between the cement molecules, making it easier to remove grout buildup without damaging the pipe.

These products usually come with instructions on how to use them. To use a biodegradable cement-softening product, simply follow the directions on the package. In most cases, you will need to apply the product to the drain and let it sit for some time before flushing it with water.

With regular use, biodegradable cement-softening products can help keep your drains clean and free of grout buildup. But you should use them cautiously to avoid damaging the pipes or causing skin irritation.

Here are some benefits you’ll get:

1. These products help break down grout.
2. They are safe to use and will not damage your pipes.
3. These products are easy to apply.

Method 05. Using Acidic Cleaners

Cleaning grout from a drain can be difficult if you use acidic cleaners. These cleaners can effectively break down the hardened grout and make removing it easier. But make sure to use caution when using acidic cleaners.

These cleaners can damage the surrounding area if you use them too frequently or leave them on for too long. They can also cause skin irritation. So, ensure you use them sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.

If you decide to use an acidic cleaner, always follow the instructions on the label. The most common solution is to apply cleaner and flush the drain with water after it has sat for a while.

Here are some benefits you’ll get:

1. Acidic cleaners can help break down grout.
2. They are effective at cleaning grout from drains.
3. You will use them sparingly to avoid damage.

You can clean grout from your drain without damaging it with these methods. Choose the most appropriate method for your needs when using cleaners, and use caution. Regular cleaning allows you to clean your drains and is free of grout buildup.

Is it Possible to Clean the Grout Down the Drain?

When cleaning the grout down the drain, the answer is yes. However, there are a few considerations to make:

• Do not use harsh chemicals primarily, as they can damage your drain pipes.
• Use a plunger to dislodge the clog and flush it with hot water.
• Clean gently using a high-pressure jet blaster or mechanical tools.
• You may need to call a professional plumber if the clog is severe.

Failure to do so could result in residue build-up, leading to clogging. Keeping these simple things in mind, you can successfully clean the grout out of your plumbing without damaging your plumbing.

Does Anything Dissolve Grout From Drain to Clean?

If you notice black grout lines in your tub or shower drain pipe, it’s probably due to mold or mildew. While cleaning with a pressure jet or another household cleaner can help to remove the grout surface dirt, it won’t do anything to dissolve the grout itself. For that, you’ll need a strong acid like muriatic acid.

Muriatic acid (AKA Hydrochloric acid) is sold at most hardware stores and can be diluted 1:10 ratio with water to create an effective grout-dissolving solution. Wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from the fumes when using this method.

Also, be sure to ventilate the room well and avoid splashing the muriatic acid solution on any metal surfaces, as it can cause corrosion. With a little time and effort, muriatic acid can help to dissolve even the toughest grout stains.

Does White Vinegar Dissolve Grout in Drain?

Vinegar is a popular choice for cleaning because it is inexpensive and effective. But does vinegar dissolve grout in the drain? The answer is yes. Vinegar is a natural acid that can break down the tough grout that can build up in drains. This is a natural and safe way to clean your drains and keep them running clear.

To use this method, simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the grout lines and allow it to sit for several minutes before scrubbing with a cleaning brush.

You may need to repeat this process several times to remove all the residue. Once you have removed as much as possible, rinse the area with clean water.

What Chemicals Do Professionals Use to Clean Grout from the Drain?

Most professionals eliminate grout from the drain using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and baking soda (NaHCO₃). This combination is effective because it produces oxygenated bleach. When mixed, the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda create a foaming action that helps to loosen and lift the grout from the drain.

Also, the oxygenated bleach helps kill mold and bacteria spores, preventing them from returning. While this method is effective, you should also be careful when using hydrogen peroxide. Because it is a strong oxidizer, it can cause damage to some types of surfaces.

For this reason, you should test the hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area before using it on the grout. If you are not comfortable using hydrogen peroxide, other chemicals can be used to clean grout from drains.

Chlorine bleach is another option that is effective against black mold and fungus. But remember to use caution when using chlorine bleach because it can damage surfaces. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any chemical cleaner.

Is it Necessary to Clean Grout from the Drain?

Yes, you should definitely clean the grout from your drain. If you don’t, the dirt and debris will accumulate, eventually leading to a clogged drain. Also, the grout is porous, so it can absorb contaminants from the water that flows through it.

Over time, these contaminants can build up and cause odors or health problems. So, cleaning the grout is vital to prevent these issues. Follow the instructions carefully and take your time to get rid of all the dirt and gunk.

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