How to clean tile grout lines

[walter]

My kitchen counter top has 4" ceramic tiles with 1/4" grout lines.

Over the years, and in spite of regular cleaning, grease and dirt has accumulated in these slightly recessed grout lines and made them unsightly unsightly. Mechanically, the grout is in good shape (no crumbling).

While I am at it I would also like to recondition the 14" floor tile grout lines. Would they require a different cleaning procedure?

What is the easiest way to restore the grout to like-new condition?

Thanks

[gonjah]

I use a small brush, bleach right out of the bottle and elbow grease. Worked like a charm.

[walter]

Thank you What kind of brush did you use? Fiber, Brass, Stainless Steel?

[gonjah]

The nylon bristle one. I did most of my house and it took 2 brushes but I could have used 3. About 800 sf (?)

I wouldn't use the others because they may discolor the grout. You have to be careful. Don't use a green scratch pad. It'll turn the grout green.

You might want to do a small area first to see if it causes any discoloration. My grout is off-white so the bleach brightened it up nicely. Wife was very impressed.

[HeyBub]

Two words: Pressure Washer.

No, I haven't tried it and I don't know that it will work. It's probably just thinking outside the box (which is very similar to coloring outside the lines), but if all else fails...

[gonjah]

I thought about that but didn't want to make a mess. Sure would have been easier.

[Doug]

I can't speak from experience and I agree it seems easier than on your knees but I question whether ...1-the overspray might cause other damages...2-the high water pressure might break out some grout.

[ChairMan]

three words......step away from the pressure washer......okay, six words

[HeyBub]

Oh, a mess it will make. It sure did when I pressure-washed some interior walls and ceiling!

But I'm living proof that cleaning the resultant mess was far easier than the original plan on cleaning the walls and ceiling!

Again, if all else fails...