Choosing the Right Grit Brush for Tile and Grout Work
By Fred Hueston
A Pro’s Guide to Using Malish Rotary Brushes for Tile and Grout Work: If you’re gearing up for a job involving ceramic tile and grout—especially one where paint overspray is part of the equation—chances are you’ve heard of Malish Grit Rotary Brushes. Maybe you’ve seen them in action or had a distributor pitch them to you. The real question is: which one should you use, and are they safe for the surfaces you’re working on? Let’s walk through the basics and give you the insight you need to choose wisely.
What Exactly Are Malish Grit Brushes?
These aren’t your everyday scrub brushes. Malish Grit Brushes are rotary brushes designed for floor machines, made with nylon bristles infused with silicon carbide. This abrasive component gives them real cleaning power—and the best part? The bristles are self-replenishing, so as they wear, fresh grit is exposed. That means longer life compared to traditional floor pads, making them a smart investment if you do a lot of tile and grout cleaning.
Understanding the Malish Color Code
Malish brushes are color-coded based on their level of abrasiveness. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you pick the right tool for the job:
- Red – Mal-Grit Lite™: Gentle and safe for softer stones like marble and limestone. Ideal for light-duty cleaning where surface protection is a priority.
- Blue – Clean-Grit™: Great for standard cleaning tasks. This one hits the sweet spot for ceramic tile and grout—aggressive enough to get into those grout joints, but not so abrasive that it’ll damage tile.
- Green – Mal-Grit Scrub™: A medium-aggressive brush for tougher grime.
- Black – Mal-Grit™: Heavy-duty scrubbing or stripping—think old wax or deeply embedded dirt.
- Orange – Mal-Grit Xtra™: The most aggressive of the bunch. Best reserved for industrial floors or stripping coatings from rough surfaces like concrete.
Best Choice for Tile and Grout Cleaning
When it comes to ceramic tile and grout, your go-to should be the Blue Clean-Grit™ brush. It’s tough enough to dislodge grime in uneven surfaces and grout joints without tearing up the tile. Just like any new tool, though, always test in a small, hidden spot before diving into the full job. It’s a simple step that can save you a headache later.
Will It Scratch the Tile?
That’s always a concern, especially with customers watching over your shoulder. The good news is that ceramic tile is usually durable enough to handle the Blue brush. Still, caution is the name of the game—especially if you’re cleaning natural stone instead of tile. For those softer stones (like marble, limestone, or travertine), stick with the Red Mal-Grit Lite™. It’s much gentler and less likely to scratch the surface.
Dealing with Paint Overspray
If you’re working on a job where overspray from a sloppy paint job is making a mess of the tile and grout, these brushes can be a lifesaver. The Blue Clean-Grit™ is especially effective at loosening dried paint from grout lines. For stubborn paint, though, you might need to pre-treat with a paint remover that’s safe for use on ceramic surfaces. After letting it dwell, go in with the brush and you’ll be amazed at how quickly things clean up. Just remember—always test your chemical first to avoid discoloration or surface damage.
Final Thoughts
Malish Grit Brushes are a valuable addition to your restoration toolkit. For tile and grout jobs, the Blue Clean-Grit™ is usually your best bet. It strikes the right balance of power and safety, and when paired with a floor machine, it’ll make short work of grime, dirt, and even light paint overspray. For delicate surfaces, dial it back and go with the Red. And no matter what—test before you commit.
With the right brush and a bit of know-how, you’ll be turning dirty tile and grout into a before-and-after success story in no time.
