Best way to clean your tile and grout
When you have tile in your home; no matter where it is, the grout will eventually get dirty and need to be cleaned. Dirty, or stained grout can age your tile. It can make it look much older than what it is.
Grout is porous. This means that can absorb all kinds of material; from dirt, to chemicals used to clean the floor. There are many things that can get on, and into your grout to make it dirty, and appear aged. You want to keep your grout looking as clean as it did when it was new, and you can. If you follow the steps below, you can spruce up your grout to give it a fresh, clean look.
1. Make sure the grout cleaner you choose is safe for your type of tile and grout.
2. Cover all areas surrounding the tile; such as carpets, with drop cloths.
3. Open windows to ventilate.
4. Follow directions on the cleaner to get the best results.
For a natural, alternative cleaner:
Combine a small amount of white vinegar with baking soda. Use a small brush, and/or old toothbrush. Dip brush into the baking soda mixture, or rub some on the grout. Scrubbing in circular motions, scrub your grout, then rinse with warm water.
To complete the process; after the grout is dry, use a silicon-based grout sealer to lock-in the cleaning You can apply one or two coats to your dry grout. Apply this mixture to all of your grout lines in order to protect them from both, water and other stains.
Another non-chemical treatment is to spray shaving cream on your stained grout. Let it soak-in for a few minutes, then scrub the grout with a small brush. If you have light-colored grout with stubborn stains, you can make a paste using baking soda and straight peroxide. Once the bubbling stops, apply the mixture to the stain. Allow it to sit for approximately ten minutes before scrubbing the grout with a small brush, then rinse.
What not to do when cleaning your grout:
- Never use a product on your tile or grout that isn’t safe for the type you have.
- Never mix chemicals or products.
- Never use steel wool or other harsh materials.
- Never use bleach or ammonia.
- Never soak grout or your tiles for more than 15 minutes in any cleaner
- Never use oil-based cleaner on your glazed tiles.
- Never drag heavy furniture across tiles and grout.
- Never be forceful when cleaning tile or grout. Force can damage.