In this issue:

• Uneven Floor Transitions
• Grocery store grout cleaners
• Tile Backer Board [updated]

Should You Use Grocery Store Grout Cleaners on Your Tile?

Most products advertised as 'grout cleaners' and available at the grocery store are not typically recommended by grout and tile companies. Why?

Typically, grout manufacturers recommend using a neutral cleaner on the pH scale. However, most of what you will find in the grocery store cleaning aisle is either too acidic or too alkaline.

Some may feel this is a conspiracy, as many grout manufacturers also have a division of cleaning products. But I don't think this is the case.

pH-Neutral

I came across the article "The Best Grout Cleaners of 2025, Tested and Reviewed." According to the grout manufacturers, every product mentioned shouldn't be used, and none of them are recommended for natural stone.

I'm not going to pretend to understand the science or chemistry behind this, but the manufacturers are concerned about the long-term integrity of their grout. So, they usually recommend their own brands of pH-neutral cleaners.

However, most homeowners want clean grout joints. If pH-neutral cleaners don't deliver those results, they want to use whatever cleaner will.

Bottom line

If you have a newer installation, non-cementitious grout, or an installation still under warranty, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a pH-neutral cleaner.

These types of cleaners are typically found online, in tile stores, and sometimes in home improvement stores.

However, if you have a well-aged tile installation or aren't concerned with protecting a warranty, I wouldn't blame you if you choose to use one of the popular grocery store grout cleaners.

But make sure you read the instructions and pay attention to where they can and can't be used.

New at DIYTileGuy

​5 Ways to Handle Uneven Floor Transitions​

It's not ideal, but sometimes uneven floor heights are necessary in a house. This is especially true with older homes.

This post shows five ways to deal with a transition between a higher tile floor and the neighboring flooring.

​Tile Backer Board Breakdown: Which is Best for Shower Areas? [Updated]

This post has been updated with some of the latest products that are on the market today. Also, some products were removed because they no longer exist. Looking at you, Wonderboard!

The following posts received more minor updates:

​12x24 Tile Installation Guide​

​5 Ways to Screw Up Your Cement Board Installation on Floors​

Around the Web

• ​8 Designer Tricks to Make Your Small Bathroom Feel Bigger [Real Simple]
• ​4 Fixtures That Instantly Date Your Bathroom [Southern Living]
• ​10 Bathroom Renovating Mistakes Contractors Wish You'd Quit Making [The Spruce]
• ​6 Tips for Making a Windowless Bathroom Feel Airy and Light [The Spruce]

Exact Batch Cheat Sheet

​Your direct link to the Exact Batch Cheat Sheet​

password: dtgsubscriber

Prism grout instructions:

Pour 16 fluid ounces of cool clean water into a mixing bucket and add 51 ounces (by volume) of Prism powder. Mix by hand for 5 minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes and remix. If you want to weigh the powder, you want about 1800 grams.

For wall work, you may want to thicken it up slightly (caution: it is fast-setting grout). Add about 1-2 ounces of powder or about 50 grams. I wouldn't exceed 1900 total grams of powder.

Follow me!

​​​​​