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How do you clean the grout between tiles


How To Clean Tile And Grout

How To Clean Tile And Grout

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How To Clean Tile And Grout

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Tile and grout in your home collects dirt fast because grout is porous and easily discolors. You may not even know the original color of your grout due to how quickly dirt can get into your grout. Tile and grout cleaning can be done with just some cleaning agents you have at home!

The best way to clean tile floors is by using a neutral tile floor cleaner; however, if you have dish soap and water, you can make your own tile floor cleaner. Cleaning tile floors requires just six steps:

How to Clean Tile

  1. Sweep to remove all lose dirt.
  2. Use a manufactured cleaner of choice or create a natural tile cleaning solution by using hot, soapy water with dish soap.
  3. Use a sponge mop or towel to apply cleaning solution.
  4. Allow it to set for 1-3 minutes.
  5. Remove dirt with a damp sponge mop or towel.
  6. Allow floor to dry.

An easy way to clean grout is by creating a mixture of cleaning agents that you probably already have in your home. We recommend avoiding bleach and other harsh chemical cleaners that might break down the grout and sealants. The best way to clean grout is to use a neutral tile cleaner, that’s what we use to professionally clean tile and grout floors. However, grout cleaning can be done with cleaning agents you have at home:

What to Use to Clean Grout

  1. Baking soda
  2. Hydrogen peroxide
  3. Dish soap
  4. Spoon
  5. Scrubbing tool
  6. Towel
  7. Hot water

How to Clean Grout

Here's how to clean tile grout with the instructions below:

  1. Remove surface dirt with hot water and a towel.
  2. Mix together ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tsp dish soap.
  3. Spoon cleaning agents onto grout and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Scrub the grout lines with a brush. Grout cleaning tip: Make sure to scrub hard to agitate the grout and cleaning solution and break up any really stuck dirt.
  5. Wipe clean.

Cleaning tile and grout floors yourself is mandatory in order to maintain a clean home; however, Stanley Steemer can deep clean and remove so much more by using our state-of-the-art cleaning equipment. We use a three-step tile and grout cleaning process to examine, scrub and clean your floors, removing 96.5% of common household allergens. We start by examining your floor, making sure we use the appropriate cleaning method. It’s important to find any places where tile or grout is damaged. Then, we use a pH-balanced cleaning solution to scrub grout lines and remove stubborn dirt or stains.

Next, we use a state-of-the-art, hot-water extracting machine to clean your tile floors. Stanley Steemer specializes in a restorative grout sealing and coloring process to revitalize the grout in your home. Our color seal cleaning solution protects and recolors your grout to make it like new. Color and clear sealing creates a protective barrier that helps keep stains out of porous grout.

Get a free tile and grout cleaning quote for your home.

8 Super Effective Methods for Cleaning Grout

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Tile is beautiful, durable, and generally easy to clean, but cleaning grout? That’s a different story. Because it’s typically light-colored and has a porous composition, grout is prone to staining. In a tiled entryway or mudroom, dirt and grime are the usual culprits but in the kitchen, spills are more likely to blame. In the bathroom, homeowners must contend with grout that’s marred by mold and mildew.

The good news is that the best way to clean grout doesn’t come with a big price tag. It’s possible to clean and restore your grout using common household products and of course, a bit of elbow grease.

Before you get started on your grout-cleaning endeavors, understand that it is best to begin with the first cleaning option on this list, which is the mildest, least harmful method. If that doesn’t work, you can work your way up to incrementally more intense, odiferous, and potentially time-consuming options on this list. If you’re in doubt about whether a particular grout cleaner is suitable for your surface, test it in a hidden spot first—under an appliance in the kitchen, say, or behind the toilet in the bathroom. 

Tools & Materials

Before you begin cleaning, it’s important to understand the different types of grout.

There are several types of grout, and most types come in multiple colors. It’s important to take both type and hue into consideration before you start gathering cleaning supplies and making a cleaning plan. The two most common types of grout these days are traditional cement grout and the newer standard, epoxy grout. These grout types can be further broken down as follows:

Some types of grout are precolored and are as a result better able to resist stains and fading. There are also grout formulations that add polymers to provide helpful features such as moisture and mildew resistance. Finally, as you’re figuring out how best to clean your grout, it’s important to know whether the grout has been sealed, or possibly needs resealing. This might affect both how well the grout holds up and what solutions you can use to clean it.

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1. Scrub dirty grout using warm water and a medium-bristle brush.

If you don’t already have a grout scrubber, most home centers and hardware stores carry a number of products that are specifically designed for the purpose of cleaning tile grout. To avoid damaging the grout, opt for a medium-bristle nylon brush, not a hard steel one. Simply spray warm water on the grout lines and scrub in a circular motion, then let it dry. Don’t use too much water or let it sit on the grout for too long. Remember: Porous cement grouts absorb water, which could lead to mildew.

2. Spray grout with equal parts vinegar and warm water.

If you know your grout has been sealed but it has accumulated heavy dirt or mild stains, turn to vinegar, that trusty old household staple. Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. Spray the mixture on the grout, let it stand for 5 minutes, then scrub the surface with a stiff brush. Avoid using vinegar on unsealed grout.

3. Apply a baking soda paste and then spray with vinegar.

Cleaning grout with baking soda will bring even more power to the party. Here’s what to do: Cover grout lines with a paste of baking soda and water, then spray on the vinegar solution listed above (remember, only apply vinegar if the grout has been sealed). Once the mixture stops foaming, scrub with a brush, rinse with plain water, and wipe dry. If the grout is unsealed or needs resealing, apply just the baking soda solution and scrub carefully.

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4. Pour on some hydrogen peroxide.

Moderate stains may require you to use hydrogen peroxide, which is available in most drug stores. You can use the product straight or as part of a homemade grout-cleaning paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This mixture is typically safe for both sealed and unsealed grout.

5. Apply oxygen bleach and let it stand for up to 15 minutes.

For tougher stains on really grimy white grout, use oxygen bleach as a grout cleaner. You’ll find this cleanser is most often sold in powdered form; bestselling brands include OxiClean and Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus.

Before using oxygen bleach to clean grout, make sure the room is well ventilated, and then carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for application. Let the oxygen bleach solution soak in for 10 or 15 minutes before rinsing. Always rinse with clean water and then wipe the area dry so that the dirt doesn’t resettle into the grout lines.

6. Try a commercial grout stain remover.

Applying one of the best grout cleaners on the market could make quick work of removing mold and mildew and restoring bright white grout lines. These products work in one of two ways: (1) spray and wipe, or (2) scour with a brush. Spray-on products claim to work without scrubbing. Though they save time and energy, they may contain harsher acids, solvents, or chlorine bleach.

Scouring with a soft brush and cleaner does require a little work, but this method can be especially effective on floors and heavily soiled grout. Before you begin using one of these products, read the active ingredients carefully, and heed the instructions—particularly the safety precautions.

7. Steam-clean the worst of grout stains.

The best steam mops are effective and environmentally friendly tools for cleaning grout—or, for that matter, many hard surfaces throughout the house. Bissell, Oreck, and Hoover all make steam cleaners for residential use.

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8. Use chlorine bleach sparingly on grout.

Chlorine bleach and commercial cleansers containing chlorine bleach can be used sparingly in extreme cases to clean grout. It’s not a great idea to use them as your go-to grout cleaners because long-term use of caustic cleaners will erode grout. When all else fails, however, a bleach product such as Clorox Clean-Up might be effective.

If you’ve tried any or all of the above methods before you apply chlorine bleach, be sure to rinse the surface completely before proceeding with any chlorine bleach products. This is especially true of vinegar, because traces of vinegar mixed with bleach will emit a highly toxic chlorine gas into the air.

Grout Maintenance

Once you’re finished cleaning your grout, spray it with household vinegar or a mild grout cleaner and wipe it down once a week to keep it stain-free. Wiping grout with rubbing alcohol will also keep mold and mildew at bay. In any case, just a few spritzes and wipes a week can save you a lot of time and effort cleaning and help you preserve the attractive appearance of your tiled surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning grout begins with good prevention, including resealing the grout as needed, cleaning up kitchen spills right away, and using a mild homemade or commercial grout cleaner regularly. Once grout begins to look stained or dingy, refer to the steps above. An important reminder about how to clean grout is to start with the mildest approach because this will be the least likely to damage or discolor grout. If the grout stain persists, move on to progressively more intense methods. Always ensure adequate ventilation and wear rubber or nylon gloves when cleaning grout.

Finally, be sure to keep grout sealed and maintained according to your tiling professional’s or manufacturer’s recommendation, and avoid harsh cleansers or scrubbers if the tile and grout are prone to damage. Keeping grout clean and sealed beats having to paint, repair, or regrout it.

FAQs About Cleaning Grout

The methods outlined above range from the easiest way to clean grout up to more powerful approaches for more stubborn stains. If you still have questions about maintaining and cleaning tile grout, read on for answers to common concerns.

Q: Does Magic Eraser work on grout?

A Magic Eraser and a little warm water can remove residue from the surface of tiles and could be a simple addition to your regular grout-cleaning routine. In particular, regular wiping with a dampened Magic Eraser sponge can remove some of the gray surface on white grout. For heavier stains, you may want to choose it as your first scrubbing option instead of a brush or soft cloth, then progress to something tougher if needed.

Q: Can I use OxiClean to clean grout?

Although OxiClean is called “oxygen bleach,” it is actually made of a combination of dry hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate, which is similar to baking soda. It is less toxic to the environment and more color-safe than bleach.

Powdered OxiClean is safe for use on grout when mixed with water to form a liquid or paste and applied with a cloth, sponge, or grout scrubber. Give the solution from 5 to 30 minutes to sit on the grout before scrubbing away and rinsing.

Q: Can you use steel wool on grout?

Do not use steel wool on grout. While the abrasive pad might scrub away the stain, it could also take some of the grout along with it. Plus, steel wool can scratch the tile surrounding the grout joint. Opt instead for a soft sponge or nylon bristle brush, maybe even one mounted on a power scrubber, always starting with the least abrasive material first.

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How to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom and in the kitchen from grease, mold, grout

Laying tiles is the best solution for processing wall and floor surfaces. Such material is distinguished by aesthetic appeal, hydrophobicity, and the ability to withstand significant mechanical loads. In the process of long-term operation, the inter-tile space becomes contaminated.

In addition to the difficulties of cleaning the seams after repair, a favorable environment is created for the accumulation and reproduction of harmful microorganisms and fungi, mold. Previously, we have already told you how to get rid of mold in the bathroom, but today we will tell you how to eliminate other pollution of tile joints.

Remember, this is quite a long and delicate process. If you do not have enough time for such work, or do not want to do it yourself, Comfort House professionals will be happy to help you.

How to clean grout between tiles

Darkened grout between tiles on walls or floors can be done mechanically. To do this, use:

Cutting tools must be used very carefully as there is a risk of damage to the facing material.

Which chemicals to use

A more effective cleaning technology is the use of household chemicals. The following types of products are best used for processing joints between tile elements:

Folk methods for cleaning tile joints

Many housewives prefer to use folk remedies when cleaning between tiles, which are considered absolutely safe for human health and the environment. There are many household products that do the best job of removing stains, from grout residue on grout and tiles to mold and grease:

Baking soda is widely used in the preparation of various whitening preparations. In combination with vinegar, lemon juice, whiteness or mustard, it quickly removes various types of dirt. This method is considered the simplest:

  1. sprinkle the problem area with ordinary table soda;
  2. is poured with vinegar to cause a chemical reaction;
  3. After the characteristic effervescence and foaming have ceased, the product residues are removed with water.

Ammonia is the best method for mold control . To do this, 20 ml of ammonia is added to 2 liters of water. The resulting solution is recommended to be poured into a spray bottle, with which the processing of darkened seams is greatly facilitated. After about 30 minutes, the tiles should be thoroughly washed with warm water. A mixture made from toothpaste, soda, mustard and lemon juice is considered quite effective.

Some housewives use sweet sparkling water when cleaning tiles, such as Coca-Cola, Fanta or Sprite . The drinks contain active substances that contribute to the rapid elimination of contaminants. If the fungus has penetrated too deeply into the tile joints, then their cleansing does not bring a positive result. It is recommended to completely remove the destroyed material and apply a new grout.

How to clean the seams between the tiles on the floor in the bathroom and in the kitchen

Tiles are the most common and popular type of cladding. It has excellent performance characteristics, resistance to temperature extremes and high humidity. It is easy to take care of the tile, it is easily cleaned of dirt, but it also has a weak point - the place of joints between the elements. The joints are filled with grout, which has a porous structure and quickly absorbs dirt.

Even by constantly cleaning the tiles, it is impossible to prevent the darkening of the joints, especially on the floor. Moisture is absorbed into the pores of the fugue, and over time, fungi and mold may appear and develop. The cladding takes on an untidy appearance. In this article, we will give recommendations for cleaning tile joints, consider the most used methods to combat pollution of various types and complexity.

Why tile joints get dirty

The smooth surface of the tiles does not lose its attractiveness for a long time. But the uniform tone of white or colored seams becomes gray and ugly. To understand how to fix the situation, you need to know the reasons for the color change.

Common factors causing darkening of the grout:

  1. The technology of the veneering process was not followed exactly. The grout joints were poorly cleaned and finished.
  2. Poor quality reveal was used.
  3. The cladding was not maintained regularly. The seams were filled with dust and dirt, in the kitchen - greasy coating, soot from the stove or cigarette smoke. Gradually, pollutants penetrated into the structure of the material.
  4. Negligence in the use of detergents whose residues have reacted with the grout components.
  5. Temperature fluctuations, high humidity, insufficient ventilation causing the destruction of the grout and the appearance of fungus.
  6. Expiration date of the reveal, darkening from long time use.

Danger of accumulation of dirt

Soap deposits, lime dust, rust, fungus accumulate in the recesses of the filled joints. If you do not follow the destruction of the grout, dirt and moisture will begin to penetrate the structure of the tile. The tile will be saturated with mold pores. The untidiness of the interior is an aesthetic problem.

Cleaning should be carried out as often as possible so as not to start the situation. Dust, rust and mold spores not only destroy tiles, but also harm people in the room. They can cause allergic, asthmatic symptoms, headaches, and serious respiratory problems.

What tools and materials will be required

The choice of seam cleaning technology depends on the degree and nature of contamination, the location of the cladding. If only the surface layer of the fugue is contaminated, you can use household chemicals. With the help of a special marker or paint, it is easy to return the grout to its original color.

A good effect is obtained by rubbing and degreasing the joints, followed by applying a fresh layer of grout on top. With the destruction of the material at the joints, the presence of mold will require radical measures. The grout is completely replaced by treating the seams with antiseptic compounds.

Depending on the chosen cleaning method, you will have to use:

Acid or alkali: what to choose

Before cleaning, the type of contamination must be determined. Grease stains often appear in the kitchen. Soap - in the kitchen sink area, next to the sink and shower in the bathroom. Lime accumulates next to plumbing fixtures. Rust appears in the places of fastening of metal structures, skirting boards. The corners of bathrooms, often at the junction of the wall with the ceiling, are prone to mold.

To remove grease and soap stains, you need alkaline cleansers. Acid preparations will help remove rust, lime, mold. Using professional household chemicals for bleaching grout (Master Good, Unicum, Mellerud), after cleaning, treat the seams with a water-repellent impregnation (water repellent) such as Litolast. The materials are easy to use, safe if you follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Folk remedies for cleaning joints

Often the only drawback of household chemicals is their high price. Seams need cleaning 2-3 times per season. If the case is not started, folk methods help out. For effective cleaning use:

  1. Citric acid/lemon juice/vinegar (9%). Dissolve 100 g of acid (100 ml of juice/vinegar) in a liter of warm water. The solution is applied with a damp sponge to contaminated areas. After 50-60 minutes, it is washed off with cold water. The seams are wiped with a soft cloth and allowed to dry well.
  2. Ammonium chloride. For a liter of warm water, you need two tablespoons of ammonia. Using a spray gun, the liquid is applied to the seams, washed off after half an hour. Work is carried out with maximum ventilation.
  3. Hydrogen peroxide. The antiseptic is diluted in water 1: 2 and applied 3-4 times without rinsing. The drug will return the color of the grout with weak contamination and will become an obstacle to the development of microorganisms.
  4. Soda, finely ground salt. Moisten the joints with water, wipe with a damp clean toothbrush. Then the brush is lowered into a container with salt or soda, the seams are cleaned. Rinse well.
  5. Mustard powder. Gradually adding water to the powder, bring it to a state of very thick sour cream. Apply to the seams, leave for 15-20 minutes. Wash away.
  6. Laundry soap. There are two ways. The first is to lather with a damp brush and wipe the joints. The second is to grate the soap on a fine grater, dissolve in warm water and apply with a sponge on the tiles and seams for 40-45 minutes.

Rinse very thoroughly so that no soap remains on the grout.

Multi-ingredient home remedy recipes

Mixes of improvised ingredients are highly effective. Components for their manufacture will always be found in the home arsenal.

Acid-base solution. Pay off in 3 tbsp. 9% vinegar 150 g baking soda. Add 100 ml of lemon juice and mix well with a liter of warm water. Apply to the seams for 15 minutes, rub with a hard sponge.

Acid solution. 3 tbsp combine citric acid with 50-60 ml of warm water, add a drop of dishwashing detergent. Apply the resulting slurry to areas contaminated with rust, lime, mold. Leave for 20-25 minutes. Rub with a toothbrush, rinse. You can make a liquid spray agent from 1.3 liters of water, 2 tbsp. vinegar, 3 tbsp. citric acid, 100 g of soda. Treat surfaces, leave for 20 minutes, walk with a toothbrush or hard sponge, wash, dry.

Alkaline solution to help remove grease and soap stains. Make a slurry of 150 g of baking soda and 120 ml of boiling water. Lubricate the seams for 10 minutes. Rub until white with a hard sponge. The joints between tiles of classes B, C (low chemical resistance) cannot be cleaned with this product, as the tone of the cladding may change.

Whitening agent. Combine 1 tbsp. baking soda and whitening toothpaste, add 1 tsp. citric acid and 50 ml of heated water. Spread the seams with a paste-like gruel, leave for half an hour, polish with a rag.

Mustard cleaner. Combine 1 tbsp. mustard and 1 tsp. tooth powder, juice of half a lemon, 100 g of soda, 1 liter of water. Apply to the seams with a sponge. Wash off after 30-40 minutes.

Cleaning paste that removes mold and restores the whiteness of the fugue. To prepare it, use a tablespoon of citric acid, two each - soda and vinegar, 25 ml of water. To clean the seams on the walls, connect all the components, wait for the reaction to take place. Then applied to contaminated areas, left for 20-30 minutes, washed off.

To clean floor joints, first mix 2 tbsp. soda with 2 tbsp. water, applied to the grout. Top with an acidic solution of vinegar + water in a ratio of 1: 1. After the end of the reaction, the floor is washed.

Mold remover. In two liters of water, 1 tbsp is diluted. ammonia. Using a sprayer, the seams affected by the fungus are treated. Leave on for 30 minutes and rinse well. Work is carried out with open windows and good ventilation or in a respirator.

Ready-to-use cleaners

The household chemicals market offers a variety of products that provide effective grout cleaning. It is not recommended to use powders with abrasive particles and concentrated acid compositions. The first will leave scratches on the surfaces, the second, falling on the tile, will spoil the glossy finish of the cladding.

Before starting to work on the tiled surface, test the selected product on a small, inconspicuous area of ​​the grout. If pollution of different types, it is better not to use a universal remedy. First you need to eliminate fatty deposits, soot, traces of lime. Mold is removed last.

Finished chemicals are divided into several groups according to their functions:

When using chemicals, you need to be very careful, observe safety precautions. You need to work with gloves, prevent chemicals from getting on the skin and eyes, carefully wash off the remnants of drugs from surfaces.

Alternative methods

Coated surfaces with unstained dirt can be cleaned without the use of chemicals. To return the seams of purity, you can use the steam generator. The effect is good, lasting for 3-4 months. Hot steam coming out through the steaming nozzle cleans the tile joints from dirt, dust, mold. Remaining dirt and moisture should be wiped off with a cloth.

Foamed melamine sponge removes dust and dirt from grout surfaces. It works like an ordinary eraser, moisturizing well during the cleaning process. Gradually, the sponge will wear out and require replacement.

An excellent result is obtained by coloring the seams with special markers, pencils. They are available in different thicknesses, so you need to choose a model according to the color and size of the seams. Dense grout strips must be cleaned and degreased before painting.

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