Ceramic tiles have a hard, solid surface that’s impervious to water and most stains. This makes them a popular material for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Like any home surface, tiles need proper maintenance to uphold their elegance. But while tiles are beautiful and generally easy to clean, the grout in between them is not. Grout has a porous composition and this makes it prone to staining. Spills in the kitchen will stain grout just as soap, mould and mildew stain a bathroom. To prevent grout from staining permanently, you need to clean it regularly. Let’s dive in and look at different ways you can clean grout:
Cleaning with warm water and household detergent or soap
Sometimes, all the grout needs is some nice, good scrubbing. If the grout is free from mould and the stains aren’t severe, a nice scrub will bring restoration. Simply mix some detergent with warm water and spray the grout with the mixture. Let it sit in for a few minutes, then using a scrubbing brush (you can use an old coarse toothbrush here), scrub in circular motions to remove dirt. Rinse with clean water and let it dry. If you’ve been cleaning your grout regularly, mild detergent should bring back the sparkle.
Cleaning grout with vinegar spray
For heavier dirt and mild stains, a solution of diluted vinegar will bring restoration. Vinegar is a trusted old standby with many household uses thanks to its disinfecting and stain removal properties. Fill your spray bottle with half vinegar, half warm water then spray on the grout. Allow it to sit for about five minutes before giving a good scrubbing using a coarse brush. Then rinse and leave it to dry. If this doesn’t restore the grout to its original colour, try the next method:
Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda
For more stubborn stains, add some baking soda to the equation. In a bowl, make a thick paste of baking soda and vinegar. Then, using a toothbrush, apply the paste on the grout and let it soak for 15 minutes. Spray the surface with warm water and allow the mixture to stop foaming before scrubbing with a brush. Rinse with warm water and leave the surface to dry. If the stains weren’t too stubborn, your grout will be as good as new.
Cleaning with bleach
For really stubborn stains that won’t budge with any of the methods above, you might need to use bleach. Before getting down to work, first, open all your windows and doors just to keep the space ventilated. Most bleach solutions emit toxic fumes that you shouldn’t inhale. To make the application easier, you can make a paste using bicarbonate of soda and the bleach. Apply the mixture on the grout and leave it for 25 minutes before scrubbing the surface. Rinse with water and wipe with a wet cloth. Make sure you wear gloves to prevent skin irritation. A downside of cleaning with bleach is that prolonged use can corrode your grout. For this reason, use bleach sparingly and only as a last resort
Anytime you’re cleaning grout, always start with the mildest cleaning agents and progress to stronger ones as stains get more stubborn. As a way to prevent tough stains, make it a habit to clean your grout with vinegar. This will keep both stains and mould at bay. For professional cleaning in Winnipeg, Anago Cleaning Systems is here to step in. Cleaning grout in commercial spaces can be a difficult task for regular office cleaners.