The secret to clean-looking tile walls, counters, and floors is clean grout. The tile doesn’t absorb much dirt and spills, but grout is very porous. In a foyer, dirt and grime stain it quite easily and quickly. In the kitchen, food and spills stain immediately. Bathroom grout experiences mold and mildew that destroys the appearance of grout fast. In this article, we will discuss how to clean grout in any part of your home.
Starting Out
You should start by wiping down the grout with hot water to remove surface dirt and grime. You can create an effective cleaner with products you already have laying around the house. Next, spray a cleaning solution of your choice. An easy mixture you can make at home is a 50-50 mix of vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray thoroughly and let it stand for five minutes and scrub it with a soft brush. We recommend using a toothbrush or other small scrub brush to clean. For extra scrubbing power, use an electric toothbrush. Using a metal brush can scratch the tile and could knock out pieces of the grout so it is not recommended. Use hot water to rinse thoroughly.
Other Options
Diluted bleach or commercially prepared cleaners are also options. Manufacturer’s instructions should be strictly followed. These caustic products should be used sparingly because regular use will erode the grout. For tough stains, you can mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. You want it to form a toothpaste consistency. That can be applied directly to the problem area. Use a toothbrush or soft bristled brush to scrub.
A Note
If you have coarse or porous tile, you shouldn’t use vinegar because it could stain. Being informed before cleaning can prevent damage to your tile surfaces. Sandpaper also works on stained grout. Fold the sandpaper and rub the creased edge along the line. Using the eraser of a pencil can work too. Use hot water to rinse after you’re done.
Finishing Up
You should use a damp cloth or a mop to remove any solution that is left. If there are any lingering stains, you can re-treat any remaining dirt or stains with the same solution or you can try a different recipe for treating stubborn areas. Once you’re done cleaning, you should let it dry for 24 hours and then you should apply a silicone-based grout sealer. This helps resist future stains and dirt. The sealer should be reapplied every two years, or more frequently if the grout will be in a high-traffic area.
In Conclusion
While this might seem time consuming, it is actually much safer for the grout than steam cleaning. While steam does sanitize the grout, it also makes it necessary to replace it because of all the damage it causes. Take the time to learn how to clean grout using the above techniques so your tile floors, backsplashes, countertops, and showers will stay looking as good as new for many years to come.