How to Clean Grout
Keeping Grout Clean in the Bathroom.
Tips for Cleaning Grout
When grout is clean it totally changes the look of the room. What was old, now looks new. But the thought of being down on my hands and knees with a toothbrush, scrubbing mildew and mold that can develop in grout, does not sound like a fun way to spend the afternoon.
No one wants to spend hours scrubbing grout, so here are some handy tips to get your grout clean and keep it that way.
Regular Grout Cleaning with Vinegar
One of the best cleaning methods is a 50/50 combination of vinegar and warm water.
- Mix these together in a spray bottle then spray the grout and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Use a stiff bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub the grout.
- Rinse tiles completely when your done.
Don’t scrub the grout in an up and down motion, as this can actually wear away the grout, but rather make small circles with the brush to remove any dirt and staining.
Removing Stains from Grout
If you have deeper stains that won’t come off with the vinegar and baking soda mixture try a diluted solution of chlorine bleach or household strength hydrogen peroxide to get it clean.
Don’t try this if you have a colored grout as it may damage the color. You can find these kinds of grout cleaners in your local home improvement store.
If you have older grout (that may be dried out) do a test for any cleaner you want to try. Pick a small non-obvious part of the grout to test and make sure that it will not damage the grout before you use it on the entire surface.
Clean Heavy Duty Grout Stains with Oxygen Bleach
This cleaning agent is non-toxic, but works as good as any harsh bleach does- Oxygen bleach is sodium percarbonate. It’s a powdered form of sodium carbonate (washing soda/baking soda) and hydrogen peroxide. It is simple to use and works amazingly well to keep grout and tile clean.
The best way to do this is by using powder oxygen bleach and mixing it with warm water. When the powder is completely dissolved spray the mixture over the tile allowing it to fill into the grout.
The dirtier the grout the longer you should let it sit. After about 15 minutes, gently clean, reapply if necessary then rinse clean.
Spot Cleaning Grout
If you notice a spot or dirty area, clean it right away. By staying on top of potential messes you avoid getting stains and having to do deep intense scrubbing to the tile and grout. Doing a fast and simple basic cleaning regularly is much easier than having to scrub and deep clean once a month.
How To Keep Grout Clean
Once you have done the hard work of getting your grout clean you will want to keep it clean. Keeping it clean will mean less scrubbing the next time you go to clean the bathroom.
Sealing
One simple way to prevent grout from staining is to apply a grout sealer. A sealer will serve as a barrier between the grout and anything else which will make it much easier to clean.
Even if you have sealed your grout before, it is recommended that sealer be reapplied approximately every 6-12 months. (Always follow the manufacturers recommendations). A little more work once or twice a year to keep grout protected and require less intensive labor.
Keep It Dry
Wipe down counters and shower after every use; this is especially effective in the shower. After taking a shower make sure to wipe down the tile and grout with a towel or a squeegee and get it as dry as possible.
It is also very helpful to use the bathroom fan when taking a shower to get rid of excess moisture in the room. Dampness is what will cause mold and mildew to grow. If you keep your grout dry you will keep it mold and mildew free.
