A Stone Restoration Expert’s Guide to Using Malish Grit Rotary Brushes for Tile and Grout Cleaning

Frederick M Hueston StoneForensics.com

If you’re getting ready to tackle a job involving ceramic tile and grout, you might be considering using Malish Grit Rotary Brushes. Maybe you’ve heard about them or seen them in action but aren’t quite sure which type to use or whether they’re safe for all surfaces. Let me break down the essentials for you, especially if you’re dealing with overspray from a not-so-careful paint job.

What Are Malish Grit Rotary Brushes?

First things first, these brushes are pretty impressive tools for hard floor cleaning. They’re made with silicone carbide-impregnated nylon bristles that don’t just wear down—they self-replenish. What does that mean for you? It means these brushes last a long time, way longer than your average floor pads. So, if you’re tired of burning through pads, these might just become your new favorites.

Decoding the Color System

Malish makes it simple by using a color-coding system for their brushes, each designed for different levels of cleaning:

• Red (Mal-Grit Lite™): This one’s for light cleaning and is gentle enough for surfaces like marble and other delicate stones.
• Blue (Clean-Grit™): The go-to for regular, everyday cleaning. This is great for ceramic tiles, grout, and other moderately tough surfaces.
• Green (Mal-Grit Scrub™): A step up in aggressiveness for medium-dirt situations.
• Black (Mal-Grit™): Heavy-duty scrubbing and stripping, perfect for those stubborn, built-up messes.
• Orange (Mal-Grit Xtra™): This one’s the big guns—used for stripping and tackling really soiled, industrial-type floors.

The Best Brush for General Tile and Grout Cleaning

For everyday ceramic tile and grout cleaning, the Blue Clean-Grit™ brush is where it’s at. It’s strong enough to get into those grout lines and handle uneven surfaces but won’t be too abrasive for the tile itself. Just remember: as with any tool, it’s wise to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure everything’s good to go.

Will These Brushes Scratch the Surface?

Let’s talk about scratching—because that’s always a concern, right? The good news is that ceramic tile is pretty durable, so the Blue Clean-Grit™ brush shouldn’t be an issue. But again, testing is your friend. If you’re working with natural stone, particularly softer ones like marble or limestone, you need to be a bit more cautious. The Red Mal-Grit Lite™ is a safer bet for these delicate surfaces, as it’s much gentler.

Tackling Paint Overspray on Tile and Grout

Now, let’s address that potential headache you’ve got: paint overspray on tile and grout. The Blue Clean-Grit™ brush can be a lifesaver for this. Its bristles can dig into the grout lines and help scrub away the paint without a ton of elbow grease. However, if the paint is really stubborn or has been sitting for a while, you might need a little extra help. Using a paint remover that’s safe for ceramic tiles can do the trick, and following up with the brush can make sure everything’s spotless. Just a heads-up—test that cleaner in a small area first to make sure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.

For a job involving ceramic tile and grout, especially when dealing with paint overspray, the Blue Clean-Grit™ brush is your best bet. It’s tough enough to get the job done without being so aggressive that it causes damage. Just don’t forget to do a quick test run before you go all-in, and if you’re dealing with natural stone or using any chemicals, be gentle and take those extra precautions.

Armed with the right tools and a little know-how, you’re all set to get that tile and grout looking as good as new. Good luck out there!