How to Clean Grout
Tile floors and surfaces lose their shine and luster over time. Mopping and scrubbing the floor isn’t enough to make it look clean. Only the tiles will be clean but the grout will still look dirty and messy. Grout is penetrable and it easily stains because it easily absorbs debris and dirt resulting in a yellowish or brownish color after some time. When you mop or scrub grout, it will only remove the soil on the surface but dirt embedded on it and that causes it to be dull will still remain. Fortunately, there are several ways to clean grout. Here are some of them:
- Vinegar and Baking Soda
This is the most common homemade remedy to clean grout. First, make a thick paste using 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Dip a grout brush or a toothbrush in the paste and apply the paste to the grout lines. Then, combine vinegar and water to make a vinegar and water solution in your spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the grout. You will notice some bubbles which is a sign that the natural cleaning process has begun. Vinegar shouldn’t be used if your tiles are made of natural stone because it can stain the tile. Wait for the solution to stop bubbling. Once the bubbling has stopped, use a brush and scrub the grout lines to remove build up paying particular attention to the corners and edges. Rinse the floor with warm water.
- Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap, and Baking Soda
This is one of the most effective solutions for cleaning grout especially for removing tough grout stains. There are 2 ways to use hydrogen peroxide to clean grout:
- Mix together 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tsp dish soap. Apply the paste on the grout using a nylon scrub brush or a toothbrush. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. Bubbling may occur as the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda interact. Rinse the floor with warm water to remove the solution.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the grout lines until they are covered in baking soda. Spray the grout lines covered in baking soda with hydrogen peroxide until they become wet. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing the floor. Rinse the floor with warm water to remove the solution.
- Oxygenated Bleach
This is an alternative way of cleaning grout but should be used sparingly because they could erode the grout. Mix 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach with 2 cups of warm water. Mix the solution thoroughly until the oxygenated bleach is totally dissolved in water. Pour the oxygen bleach solution onto the grout fully covering the grout lines. Use a brush to scrub the solution on the grout lines. Dip the brush into the solution for tougher grout stains. Rinse the floor using warm water and dry it with a mop or towel.
- Sandpaper
Fold the sandpaper and apply its creased edge onto the grout lines sanding them back and forth.
- Pencil Eraser
Rub the pencil eraser back and forth across the grout lines.
- Steam Cleaner
You can use a steam cleaner as a natural way to clean grout. Simply follow the instructions in the manual for its proper use. The reservoir should be filled with clean water. Turn the steam cleaner on and wait for it to heat up before using it to clean grout. Move the cleaning brush back and forth across the grout lines. The steam will remove the grime and dirt and will also kill mildew on the grout. Mop the floor afterwards to remove excess moisture.
Cleaning a grout is a dirty job and it can be a tiring and daunting task. With the help of a professional company who have expertise in cleaning grout like Speedy Team, we can easily get the job done right. Besides, it’s not easy to clean a grout and it’s hard to restore it to its original color. Leave the cleaning of your grout to us, and with the help of our tools and equipment, we will be able to restore its cleanliness and its original color.