Is it safe to use a power washer to clean grout?
Question:I cant physically scrub with phosphoric acid anymore and I am afraid the power washer might damage the tile and or grout.
Answers:
The best way to clean grout is very easy to do and that is to mix some bleach such as the type you use to wash clothes.Mix about 1 cup of bleach to 1 gal of cold water and then use an ordinary stiff tooth brush. The grout is dirty from moisture buildup and dust particles in the air and the end result is that it actually is a type of mould. Bleach will kill this mold and bacteria and also clean the grout to a new stae. Try this to prove what I say first if you like.Take a coffee cup or tea pot that is stained inside, pout about a shot flass of bleach into it aand swish it around.Presto, the stain is gone just like magic and your cup or teapot is just like new again!
If the grout is around brick in a fireplace, then useMuriatic acid, but make sure you have plenty of fresh air circulating around you.Use a good face mask with air filter and a full face shield to protect yur eys and face, Also you will need to wear heavy acid resistant rubber glove.DO NOT USE KITCHEN TYPE LAYTEX GLOVES !When you are done, rince the brick and grout with fresh cold water.
its fine ive done it many times
A lot of it would depend on the pressure of the powerwasher. It will get the grout clean but if you are doing this inside it could make a big mess. The bleach and water solution is a good way of cleaning it. I have used muratic acid. It did an excellent job, but the fumes were pretty bad and it is a strong acid. I don't think I will do it again. Good luck
The power washer certainly won't damage the tiles themselves. Depending on how far away from the grout you use the pressure washer, it should work fine. However, if you get too close to the grout with a direct stream of water, you could 'waterblast' some of the grout right out of the seam.
Use the pressure washer with the nozzle set to a 'fan spray', and experiment a bit to see what happens. Be prepared for a mess !
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