How to clean grout: How to clean dirty grout in five minutes without using bleach
Whether in the bathroom or in the kitchen, joints can get extremely dirty. Most grout is made of sand and is porous, so things like dirt, debris, soap scum, and water can get stuck in the grout. All of this can lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, causing the grout to look blotchy. According to experts, getting these stains back to their best condition can be difficult, but there are several ways to keep them looking radiant with a few household liquids and regular cleaning.
Checkatrade experts recommended cleaning grout with white vinegar, baking soda and warm water.
A stiff-bristled brush, such as A toothbrush, for example, is also needed to scrub the grout.
The experts said: “Fill your sink with warm water and take your stiff-bristled brush, wet it and then rub the grout in a circular motion.
“Alternatively, fill your spray bottle with warm water, spray and brush in the same manner. Prepare a mixture of equal parts warm water and vinegar in your spray bottle.
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The experts add: “Spray on your vinegar solution and let it foam up. Scrub with your stiff-bristled brush and rinse with warm water.
“For really stubborn grout stains and mold you can use a special grout cleaning solution. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying grout cleaner.
“If after all these steps your grout is still stained or moldy, you may need to re-grout your tiles.” The experts said using these two essential elements “keeps the grout looking shiny.”
It is not recommended to use pure white vinegar to clean grout as the acetic acid can erode grout and dull its shine.
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In addition, it is a natural disinfectant and helps to remove any germs in the joints.
Grout cleaning on floor tiles can be done in the same way as on wall tiles. However, according to the experts, there are other safety aspects to consider when cleaning tile joints.
This includes establishing a “no walking zone” before cleaning to eliminate the risk of someone slipping on the floor.
The experts continued, “As floor tiles are more exposed to dirt particles from shoes, pets and food spills, you may need to try a commercial or industrial cleaning product.
“Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean particularly stubborn floor tile soils, as can chlorine bleach, but these chemicals should never be used together and should always be used sparingly.
“If you decide to use these products, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and at a minimum wear gloves, safety goggles and a respirator.”
If you’re looking for a quick fix, you can buy grout sticks online that are designed to cover old grout and fill in gaps between tiles.
They’re a simple and effective way to refresh bathroom or kitchen tiles, but they don’t last long.