Techniques For Cleaning Grout
What Is The Best Way To Clean Grout?
Tile walls and floors can be beautiful, but if the grout looks dirty, it can spoil the look. You may think grout cleaning is a lot of work, and you have been putting it off. We are here to help you with tips and tricks for cleaning grout and preparing to seal grout.
Grout Brush
Almost all tips for tile and grout cleaning involve using a grout brush. You can buy a grout brush from your local home improvement store, and they are available in many styles. Many look like a large tooth brush with a narrow head and stiff bristles. The brushes are designed so that the bristles can get between the tiles and contact the grout for effective grout cleaning.
Water And A Brush
The simplest method to clean grout is to use water and a grout brush. Wet the grout and brush the gout with the brush. Even if you plan to use chemicals later to clean your grout, it is a good idea to use water and a brush first to loosen and remove some of the loose dirt. Rinse the grout with water after brushing.
Chemicals
If you use chemicals for tile and grout cleaning, it is a good idea to use pH-neutral chemicals. Baking soda is nearly pH-neutral and is a great product to use for cleaning grout. Bleach and ammonia should be avoided because they can stain your grout. You should not use vinegar because it can damage your grout, but if you use vinegar with baking soda then the pH of the mixture would be about pH-neutral. Vinegar and baking soda make a great grout cleaner, and it is often recommended as a drain cleaner. Hydrogen peroxide is much less acidic than vinegar and would a good choice to mix with baking soda to create a nearly pH-neutral cleaner.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
Baking soda can be made into a paste using water. In a small bowl, mix a small amount of baking soda and add a little water while mixing to create a paste that you can put on your grout brush. Fill a spray bottle with half water and half vinegar and spray this solution on the tile and grout. Put some baking soda paste on the grout brush and scrub the grout. Rinse the grout and tile and repeat if needed. You are now ready for grout sealing.
Bleach: Proceed With Caution
Bleach should be avoided because it can stain your grout. Bleach can darken grout over time so it should only be used as a last resort. You should only use bleach if you can provide good ventilation to the area. Oxygenated bleach and ammonia are two other products that can stain your grout and should be not be used.
Maintenance
- Grout sealing is a great way to keep your grout clean. Grout sealing is also a good way to reduce using harsh chemicals.
- You should try to keep the tiles and grout as dry as you can to reduce mold growth. One tip is to wipe down the tiles after you shower. This will keep your tiles and grout perfectly clean.
- You should always use your exhaust fan while you shower to remove the steamy air.
