If you have tiled floors in your home, or even tiled countertops in the kitchen, you may already be familiar with some of the basic techniques used to keep them clean. Unfortunately, the grout in between each of these tiles can be a challenge to care for. Discolored or aged grout can make the entire space look old and unappealing, but a fresh look can upgrade the entire space. Hiring professional teams to tackle unsightly grout is almost certainly the best option, but these tips can prove effective in between visits:
Cleaning White Grout
White grout is undoubtedly the hardest type to keep clean, and the light color easily shows dirt and discoloration. Thankfully, anyone who has white grout is also able to use bleach for cleaning, which may not be possible with colored grout. Start by mixing up a solution of 1 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of everyday bleach. It should make a thick paste, and you can apply the paste to all of the visible grout and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. After that, use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout and ensure that the paste works its way into every nook and cranny. Let it sit for an additional five minutes, and wipe the bleach and baking soda solution off the tiles using a wet rag. After the grout has dried, it should look whiter and brighter than before.
Cleaning Colored Grout
Although stains in colored grout are less obvious than with white grout, they also can’t be cleaned with normal bleach. There are still some effective ways to restore the original look of grout without much hassle. Instead of a solution comprised of bleach and baking soda, replace the bleach with hydrogen peroxide and follow the exact same steps that are listed above. It may take just a little more elbow grease to remove those deep stains, but the result should be the same.
Natural Alternatives For Cleaning Grout
Some homeowners are not interested in using commercial cleaners or harsh chemicals to clean their grout. If you count yourself among that group, you still have plenty of options that are effective. One idea is to mix a solution of 6 cups of warm water, 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. This mixture can go into an ordinary spray bottle and then be sprayed over the entire floor. Let it sit for a few minutes, and focus your efforts on scrubbing the grout with an old toothbrush. Finally, rinse the tiles and grout down with water and pat dry.
Knowing how to routinely keep grout clean is a smart way to avoid heavy-duty cleaning later on. Make an effort to wipe up spills immediately rather than letting them sit, and apply a grout sealer to prohibit stains from setting. When professionals come to clean your grout, ask about their sealants, which can help you avoid the cleaning steps above and enjoy fresh grout for longer.
Leave a Reply