Two Methods In Cleaning Tile Grout
Grout, the mixture of water, sand, and cement that keeps tiles in place, can be difficult to keep clean. When grout is dirty and grimy (mildew and product buildup are usually the culprits), it can make an entire bathroom or kitchen look dingy and lets face it… pretty disgusting! Grout lines easily pick up dirt and stains, and before you know it they turn from white to black. Whether on the floor, in the shower, or on the kitchen backsplash, grout can be cleaned effectively and easily with just a few simple supplies. Learn how to clean your grout so it’s sparkling white again and maintain it so you don’t have to clean it as often: a win-win in our books!
Remember, if you don’t clean the grout for a long time, the damage caused by the stains as well as the build-up of mold and mildew, can become permanent. The result is that they will eat through the grout, which will cause your grout to crumble and fall off the wall, and then your tiles will fall. Not a good look…
The Natural Method
You Will Need:
- Washcloth
- Old toothbrush
- Baking Soda
- Water
Directions:
Wash the area with water using your washcloth. This gets rid of any easy-to-remove particles and allows you to start with a relatively clean slate.- Combine baking soda and water to make a paste and apply to the grout.
- Use a scrubbing brush of your choice – a hard bristled cleaning brush, a toothbrush, or a magic eraser are all good options. Put some hard work into your scrubbing to get the ground-in dirt out from between your tiles. This is where an electric toothbrush comes in handy if you have one — the vibrations help loosen dirt more vigorously than your own manpower can.
- Wipe off any excess paste. You also may want to wipe the tiles down again with a wet washcloth.
Wash the area with water using your washcloth. This gets rid of any easy-to-remove particles and allows you to start with a relatively clean slate.This solution requires a lot of elbow grease, so be prepared to scrub. For really tough stains, let the paste sit on the grout a while before scrubbing it off.
If the grout is still not coming clean, use the next method.
The Intense Method
You Will Need:
- Washcloth
- Scrubbing brush
- Dishwasher powder (alkaline salts)
- Hot Water
Directions:
- In a small container put some dishwasher powder (alkaline salts) & mix with hot water.
- Brush this onto grout & leave for 5-10 minutes.
- Give it a quick scrub with any hard bristled brush & mop off with clean water.
Once the grout is clean, it’s time for a little preventative maintenance. Inspect your grout regularly and apply a commercial grout sealer once a year. Keeping it well sealed makes sure it doesn’t become home to mold or mildew. Keep the grout dry when you can and take care of small stains as soon as you notice them.
For expert flooring maintenance advice and tips, try dropping by your nearest Tile Wizards store and talk with our staff.
We have Tile Wizards stores situated around Brisbane, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast, and Coffs Harbour.
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