How to Clean Tile Grout: The Easiest Way to Get Rid of Stains and Dirt
Cleaning tile grout is one of the most tedious cleaning tasks around. It's so easy to get frustrated with it, and you wonder if it's even worth trying. But here's the thing. Cleaning tile grout is super important, not only because it can help keep your home looking clean but also because it can prevent mould and mildew from growing in between your tiles. And that's not something you want in your house.
So today, we'll show you how to do it right. You'll learn how to clean tile grout using simple ingredients from around the house.
Grout on floor tiles is a common problem in many homes. Stains, dirt, and mildew can build up over time and make the tile look dull and dirty.
Many people have their entire house professionally cleaned by a house cleaning service. However, if you are looking for a less expensive option that still offers excellent results, you can do it yourself.
This article will show you how to clean tile grout using standard household products and tools. This method is easy to do and will take less than an hour.
What You'll Need
Instructions
1. Check your type of grout
It's essential to comprehend the different grout types before starting your grout cleaning routine. There are various grout varieties, and the majority of them come in a variety of colours. It's crucial to consider both type and hue before you start gathering cleaning supplies and making a cleaning plan.
Classic cement grout and modern standard epoxy grout are the two most prevalent grout varieties. Some grout varieties come pre-coloured, making them more stain and fade-resistant. Additionally, some grout formulas incorporate polymers to add beneficial properties, including moisture and mildew resistance.
2. Scrub the dirty grout
If you don't already own a grout scrubber, you may get various items at most home centres, and hardware stores made expressly for cleaning grout. Instead of using a rigid steel brush, choose a medium-bristle nylon brush or an old toothbrush to protect the grout.
To scrub the dirty grout, spray warm water on the grout lines and bathroom tiles, then wipe with a damp cloth in a circular motion. Then give it time to let dry.
Use moderate amount of water. Keep it from sitting on the grout for too long. Remember that cement grout with pores might absorb moisture and cause mildew. You can also give the bathroom floor a sweep and a mop to eliminate dust and grit in the area.
3. Spray the grout with vinegar and warm water
Turn to vinegar, one of the most reliable household ingredients, if you are aware that your grout has been sealed but has gathered a lot of dirt or has developed light stains. Mix half vinegar and half warm water to create a cleaning solution, and fill a spray bottle.
Spray the vinegar mixture on the grout, and let the solution sit for about 5 minutes. Then, scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush. Make sure to use vinegar only if your grout is sealed.
4. Apply baking soda paste and spray vinegar on the grout
Baking soda will give additional cleaning power when cleaning your stained grout. Mix baking soda with warm water, apply the baking soda paste to cover the grout lines, and then spray the vinegar and warm water solution on top of the paste.
Let the cleaning solution sit for about 15 minutes until the mixture stops creating bubbles, then scrub with a soft brush. After brushing it, rinse the solution with clean water and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.
Keep in mind to only spritz vinegar solution if your grout is sealed. If it is not filled or the grout needs to be resealed, apply the baking soda paste and scrub gently.
5. Pour some hydrogen peroxide solution
If there is adequate discolouration on your grout, you may pour some hydrogen peroxide to remove it.
This product is available in most drug stores, and you can use it directly or combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste, which is safer for unsealed and sealed grout.
6. Apply oxygen bleach
Use oxygen bleach as your grout cleaner for tougher stains on dirty white grout. The most common form in which this cleaner is offered for sale is powder.
Before using oxygen bleach to clean grout, make sure your bathroom space is well-ventilated, and take the time to carefully read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines before applying the bleach.
Once you apply the oxygen bleach solution, let it soak in for about 15 minutes before rinsing it with clean water. Make sure to wipe the area with a clean cloth so that dirt and other grime don't relocate into the grout lines.
7. Spritz grout cleaner
To quickly remove mould and mildew and restore the brightness of your grout lines, spritz one of the best grout cleaners available on the market. These grout cleaners work wonders by simply spraying and wiping it or scouring it with a soft brush.
To avoid any unfortunate events, always take the time to read the label and active ingredients of the product, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Before applying the grout cleaner, heed the safety precautions, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment, gloves, and eye protection.
Spritz some of the grout cleaners along the grout lines, and allow it to sink in for a couple of minutes. If there are stubborn areas with mould and dirt, give them a few sprays too.
8. Scrub the grout lines with a brush
Brush along the grout lines using a nylon-bristled brush or an old toothbrush with some warm water. The remaining mould in the grout can then be removed with a grout tool.
Pay close attention to corners and edges to ensure that these areas are cleaned well. Then, rinse the grout lines with warm water to remove the extra cleaning solution.
9. Mop the bathroom floor with clean water
To thoroughly clean the floor and ensure no soap or residue is left behind, use a cotton or sponge mop and plain water to remove the residue.
Rinse your sponge mop and change the water frequently while rinsing the bathroom floor to achieve a clean finish and prevent spreading any remaining residue around the floor.
10. Retouch the grout lines with a grout pen
To brighten up the grout lines in your bathroom, utilise a grout pen to repaint them. Make sure to shake your grout pen well before using it, and follow the grout line carefully to restore your bathroom tiles.
Get Your Tile Grout Clean Again!
Tile grout is a common problem for homeowners. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to clean it and keep it looking great for years to come.
The easiest way to clean tile grout is by combining a few different cleaning products and a little bit of elbow grease.
We've covered the best way to clean tile grout and some of the most common methods to remove grime from your tile grout.
If you have questions or want help cleaning your bathroom, feel free to check our ultimate bathroom cleaning guide to learn more. Happy cleaning!
FAQs
What is the best homemade tile grout cleaner?
Using a combination of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap or detergent is the most popular and efficient homemade tile grout cleaner. The most fantastic natural remedy for whitening is a cream of tartar and lemon juice.
Very acidic solutions, such as vinegar, should be avoided since they might corrode tile grout.
What do professionals use to clean tile grout?
The majority of professional grout cleaning services employ specialized cleaning solutions. Many of these solutions are pH-balanced, allowing them to cut through different stains. While these chemicals successfully clean stains, they emit harmful consequences when used.
Using these goods without the proper safety equipment puts your health in danger. We recommend that if you do the cleaning yourself, you should use natural cleaning products available in your home.
Why do you need to clean tile grout?
Tile grout is a crucial part of your tile, and you want to keep it clean. It's the space between the tiles that help to fill in gaps and give your flooring a more finished look. Not only does dirty tile grout look bad, but it can also be a breeding ground for mould and mildew if not properly maintained.
