How to Effectively Clean Tile and Grout
Say goodbye to dirty grout. One of the biggest complaints people have about tile flooring is the grout. Grout picks up just about everything that is carried over it. With time, it starts to darken and not look as beautiful and dazzling as it was installed. At the same time, we recommend getting your grout cleaned professionally at least once or twice a year. You may be wondering how you can keep it cleaner, at least between our professional visits, let’s take a look.
When it comes to dazzling to dingy tiling, the source of the issue is often the grout. The grout between the tiles can make or break the cleanliness look of the room. It is helpful to think of grout as a sponge because it does soak up dirt and grime just as a sponge would. So even if the source of the problem varies from room to room (mildew in the bathroom, grease splatters in the kitchen, mud stains in the entryway), you can easily clean the grout and the tiles around it without any special equipment.
Grout is typically made of sand and cement, although some grout these days contains various polymers or sealants to help ward off dirt and seal the sponge. Either type of grout will need special care to ensure the grout lines are cleaned effectively. Unfortunately, this will take some time, as there isn’t any quick way to do this.
Mixing the Grout Cleaning Solution
The solution we recommend is a simple DIY mixture. However, there are grout cleaners out there that you could utilize. We have found this mixture to be the most economical and effective. Have a small cup for mixing and a stiff, short bristle brush. You will create a paste with one tablespoon of mild dish soap, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, and 3/4 cup baking soda. Start in a small area and apply the mixture with the grout brush.
Things that you should stay away from when cleaning grout is acidic cleaners, as they can damage the grout and tile. You should also avoid using oily or waxy cleaners, which can lead to worse issues as they encourage more dirt to stick. If your grout is white, bleach could also be added to the solution, as it can help brighten up white grout. However, use it with caution as it can also discolor certain tiles.
Once the area is clean, you will then go over it with a wet sponge to wipe away any remaining solution and dirt with a sponge. For example, mop the entire area if cleaning grout lines on a floor. If they are on a shower wall, wash the entire area with a sponge and rinse with clean, clear water.
Cleaning Stubborn Grout Stains
You can utilize the above solution for stubborn stains, but let it soak in for a few minutes. Next, consider getting a grout steamer that will improve the process of cleaning grout. While at-home steamers are not as powerful as commercial steamers, they are better than nothing when caring for your grout. However, steaming can remove grout sealant, which will need to be reapplied after you are finished cleaning.
Grout Aftercare
Once the grout is cleaned and sealed, you will want to keep it that way. The best advice is to wipe the grout with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. You can place the rubbing alcohol on a rag or in a spray bottle and spray it on, let it set, and wipe it away. This relatively quick and easy task will stop any mildew or mold growth in its tracks.
Tile flooring is easy to care for, but the grout can cause trouble from time to time due to its sponge-like nature. However, following this procedure and having them professionally cleaned once or twice a year will keep your tile flooring looking amazing.
Choose Arizona Carpet Cleaning Services
Arizona Carpet Cleaning offers superior services to assist you with getting your grout looking amazing. We provide professional carpet and upholstery cleaning and carpet and tile cleaning services. We have been steam cleaning carpets for years and understand what it takes to get your tile and flooring to look amazing. Call 480-737-2384 today to get started.
