Grout is probably the least attended part of our home’s tiled areas when it comes to cleaning. But to achieve completely sparkly clean floors, walls, and kitchen counters, we need to clean the grout as regularly as we do the tiles. Moreover, a grout’s porous surface can easily attract and absorb grease, moisture, and dirt -- all the more reason to clean it well to prevent bacteria from accumulating.
Cleaning the grout can be as easy-breezy as polishing a shoe if we use the most effective yet safest solution and method. Below we have compiled 5 easy-to-follow steps towards dirt-free grout and a brighter kitchen or bathroom.
- Prepare the cleaning solution. Understanding the treatment needs of your grout comes with knowing how dirty it is or how long since it was last cleaned.
- For routine clean-up - Given the porous nature of the grout, which over time may react to highly caustic and acidic cleaners (such as bleach or vinegar), it’s always best to start with the mildest and safest solution. Sometimes brushing off the dirt with warm water can already do the trick.
- For moderate discoloration - Make a paste of 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water.
- For heavier dirt and tougher stains - Aside from the baking soda-water paste, you can make a vinegar solution by mixing 1 part distilled white vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Add some drops of dishwashing soap if grease has accumulated on the surface.
- Clean the tile area. Mop the floor or wipe the tiled walls and kitchen counters using warm water and mild liquid dishwashing solution. This is to get rid of dirt and dust that has clung to the surface. Depending on the type or make of the tile, it’s best to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning it.
- Apply the solution. Depending on the state of stains and dirt on the grout, apply the appropriate cleaning mixture on the grout. Use a spoon for the paste. For heavier dirt/tougher stains, spray the vinegar solution on top of the baking soda paste. Leave the mixture on for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub the grout. Using a stiff brush, scrub off the dirt and grime from the grout.
- Rinse. With the help of a sponge or a cloth, wash the tiles with warm water, letting it linger a bit longer on the grout lines. Dry the tiles off with a microfiber cloth.
It’s important to keep tile grout clean and grime-free. Using DIY remedies in cleaning tile grout is the go-to action of people concerned with health and safety. But do you know that there are available products that not only are more effective than home remedies, but also safe and health-friendly? Checkout our Bring It On Cleaner as tile grout cleaner. Does mention of brushing gets your arms aching from the expected manual labor? Checkout this powerful drillbrushes that you can use applicator for Bring It On Cleaner.