The Best Way to Clean Grout.

How to Clean Grout

Grout may sound like an odd name, but it plays a crucial role. It’s the sealing agent that fills the gaps between tiles, and you’ll find it on tiled floors, showers, and countertops. Dirty or dingy grout can make an entire room feel unclean. On the flip side, clean grout makes the whole space look brighter and fresher. Here’s the best way to clean grout and keep your space looking its best.

Know Materials Before Cleaning Grout

Before diving into grout cleaning, it’s important to identify the type of tile you’re working with.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms. They’re painted, glazed, and durable, making them suitable for a variety of cleaning methods.

However, even sturdy ceramic tiles can lose their shine with repeated exposure to harsh chemicals or improper cleaning techniques.

Marble and Natural Stone Tiles

Marble and other natural stones are more delicate. Using harsh cleaners, like white vinegar or bleach, can damage these materials.

• Vinegar is acidic and can permanently etch marble surfaces.
• Bleach is highly alkaline and can dull marble, ruining its polished look.

For natural stones, check the manufacturer’s recommendations before cleaning the grout to avoid damage.

The Best Way to Clean Grout on Floor Tiles

Grout on kitchen floors often gets stained from foot traffic and food spills. A mild abrasive combined with some elbow grease is your best bet for restoring it.

Skip the Mop

A mop won’t cut it when it comes to grout. Mops skim over the surface, leaving the grime in the grout lines untouched. Instead, use a scrub brush. If kneeling is difficult, opt for a long-handled brush.

Choose the Right Cleaner

For maintenance cleaning, household solutions like a vinegar-and-water mix or baking soda and water work well. But for deep cleaning or stubborn stains, go for an oxygen-based cleaner or one specifically designed for grout.

Scrub with Purpose

Grout sits slightly below the tile surface, so a brush is essential. Scrub thoroughly to reach the dirt embedded in the lines.

Rinse Regularly

As you scrub, rinse frequently with plain water to remove dirt and cleaner residue. Wipe away excess water to prevent streaks.

Finish with a Wet Mop

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, give the floor a final pass with a wet mop. Then dry the surface to avoid leaving puddles behind.

Best Way to Clean Grout of Mold and Mildew

In bathrooms, the main culprits are mold and mildew, not dirt. Moisture creates the perfect environment for these to thrive, and grout lines give them a place to cling.

Use Bleach or Peroxide

To eliminate mold and mildew, you need the power of bleach or peroxide combined with scrubbing. For stubborn areas:

1. Mix peroxide with a bit of baking soda to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste with an old toothbrush and scrub thoroughly.
3. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, scrub again, and rinse.

Showers make rinsing easy – just use the showerhead to wash away the grime.

Prevent Future Growth

Keep mold and mildew at bay with proper ventilation. Open windows or run an exhaust fan to reduce moisture in the bathroom.

DIY Grout Cleaning Recipes

Homemade cleaners are an effective and affordable way to clean grout. Grab an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush, and you’re ready to go.

Mild Cleaning Solution for Most Tiles

This gentle cleaner is safe for most tiles and ideal for light cleaning:

• 1 gallon of water
• 1 tablespoon of Dawn dishwashing liquid

Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner

For tough stains on ceramic tiles, try this heavy duty recipe:

• 3/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup bleach

Mix the ingredients into a thick paste and follow these steps:

1. Apply the paste to grout lines.
2. Scrub with a toothbrush.
3. Let it sit for 5 – 15 minutes, depending on the severity of the stains.
4. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.

When Scrubbing Isn’t Enough

If your grout hasn’t been cleaned in years or the stains just won’t budge, it’s time to bring in reinforcements. Rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional. The combination of hot steam and suction can lift stains that scrubbing alone can’t remove.

Keeping Grout Clean

Once your grout is clean, protect it with a sealant. Sealants, available at home improvement stores, create a barrier that keeps dirt and stains from settling into the grout. Sealing your grout will keep it looking great and make future cleaning much easier.

Now that you know how to clean grout effectively, your tiles – and your entire room – can shine!