Grout is the substance in the gaps between your tiles. Its purpose is to keep the tiles together and prevent dirt and water from seeping through the gaps so that your floors and walls will be protected from damage. However, grout is porous, meaning it absorbs water. So, how could you maintain the grout in your bathroom and kitchen tiles?
While the grout is still new, regular cleaning may do for maintenance. But as it ages, cracks may start to appear, making dirt more difficult to avoid and clean. Your tiles will be affected when the grout is harboring too much dirt, so in this case, you better get professional tile and grout cleaning services.
But meanwhile, let’s see how we can properly maintain our tile grouts.
1. Squeegee and Mild Shower Cleaner
After taking a bath, run the squeegee along the tiles to get rid of excess water. Spray some mild, daily shower cleaner on the tiles, and then wipe it away. Do this every day to keep your bathroom tiles clean.
2. Water and Vinegar Solution
A good alternative for a mild shower cleaner is a mixture of water and vinegar. Follow the same steps as you would when you clean with a mild shower cleaner. You can add baking soda to the mix as well, for deeper cleaning. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for even application on the tiles, and wait for the bubbles to disappear before scrubbing. Never use vinegar alone when cleaning the grout, because it is an acidic substance that can inflict damage to some tiles.
3. Hot Water, Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Dish Soap Solution
If your grout isn’t excessively dirty, using hot water and and a scrub brush can already be enough to clean it. But if you notice some stubborn dirt, you can add baking soda (1/2 cup), hydrogen peroxide (1/4 cup), and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap into the water. Apply this mixture to the grout, letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
4. Bleach
Bleach is a harsh cleaning agent that can cause discoloration to your tiles, so use this with caution, or better yet, opt for a bleach pen. This reduces the risk of the bleach making contact with the tiles. You may also dilute the bleach with water to lessen its harshness. Take note that it isn’t advisable to clean grout with bleach often– once a month will be enough.
An oxygen-type powdered bleach product may be used to disinfect and remove stains on your grout. This version is gentler than regular bleach, and it’s usually effective. Use a brush to apply this product, and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with water.
Grout Maintenance
Applying sealant to the grout can maintain its cleanliness for longer. You can also change the grout to a darker color to make the stains less visible, though of course, you still have to clean it.
But if you notice damages to your grout such as cracks and flakes, those are signs they should be changed. Tiles that are getting loose also indicate a broken grout, so once you notice any of these happening, have your grout changed immediately. Water may seep through these cracks, causing more serious damage to your floor and walls.
When excessive dirt is starting to become a problem and you don’t have time for cleaning, call a professional and let them do the job for you. Professional grout cleaners have superior cleaning tools and materials, so rest assured that your grout will be well taken care of.
