How to Clean Grout and Tile Floors – Ultimate Guide 2022
Tiled floors are present in every home, especially in high-traffic or humid areas. But while tiles are often easy to clean, grout can sometimes be challenging. Clean grout gives a smooth look, so here are some tips and methods on how to clean grout in your home.
Use Warm Water and Medium-Bristle Brush
For maintenance and cleaning grout that is not too stained, you may use warm water and a medium-bristled brush. This is the recommended solution if the grout is unsealed. Go for a nylon brush for your grout cleaning rather than a metal or steel one, as this will help protect the surface and reduce the chances of scratching.
Use Dishwasher Detergent for Germ Removal
Dishwashing detergent helps remove dirt and can easily seep into the pores of the grout, deep cleaning it. It is also soluble and gentle, making it a good option for grout that has not been sealed. Mix ¼ cut of dish soap with ¾ cup of warm water and apply it to the grout and titles. Leave it for 10 minutes before you start scrubbing. For a bleaching effect, you can also add some lemon juice to the mix.
Apply Baking Soda Paste and Vinegar
For this tile and grout cleaning method, make a paste out of baking soda and warm water, and apply it to the grout lines. Once the baking soda is in place, spray it with a solution of half-vinegar and half-warm water. The mix will start bubbling under the action of the vinegar, dislodging the dirt from the grout pores. This method may only be used on sealed grout, as vinegar may corrode the surface of unsealed grout.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Stains
Hydrogen peroxide is a less harsh, natural bleach alternative that will not harm the grout and tiles as much. If the tiles have been weathered over time, then the bleaching action will remove the germs and brighten the surface. Hydrogen peroxide is also a good option if you have a difficult grout stain on colored grout, as the bleaching action is not as strong as with traditional bleach.
Use a Commercial Grout Remover
There are plenty of commercial grout cleaners on the market. Often sold in spray form, these products can remove mold and mildew without the need for scrubbing. They use harsher solutions that can include bleach or solvents, making them a time-saving option for difficult stains. Follow the instructions set by the manufacturer, as each product is different.
Apply Oxygen Bleach on Tougher Stains
If you are dealing with black grout as a result of accumulated dirt and mold, you may use oxygen bleach to clean it. This product is often sold in powder form, which you will have to mix with warm water. Make sure that the room is properly ventilated before you use oxygen bleach, as it may release a strong chemical odor. The solution should sit for an average of 10 minutes before you rinse it off.
FAQ – How to Clean Grout
How to Clean Bathroom Grout?
Bathroom grout is best cleaned using baking soda and white vinegar. Mix them until they form a paste.
What Do Professionals Use to Clean Tile and Grout?
Depending on the dirt level, professionals will often use a vinegar solution or a mild commercial cleaner that will not damage the grout.
How Do You Clean Badly Stained Grout?
Badly stained grout can be cleaned using a professional grout cleaner or a bleach solution.
Does Vinegar and Baking Soda Clean Grout?
Yes. Baking soda neutralizes the acetic acid in vinegar. This provides cleaning power without damage caused by acidity.
Does Vinegar Harm Tile Grout?
Vinegar can penetrate the grout pores, weakening it over time. The only exception is when the grout is sealed regularly, in which case the vinegar will not be an issue.
What Is the Easiest Way to Clean Grout?
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda work the fastest when it comes to cleaning grout. Make a paste, apply it for 10 minutes, and then use a toothbrush to scrub.
Final Verdict – How to Clean Grout
Grout can easily get dirty in high-traffic areas. This is why you need to ensure it receives regular cleaning. Go for mild cleaning products that can protect the porous surface and keep your brushing gentle and effective. Hopefully, our guide on how to clean grout proved helpful for you.