Having clean grout is the key to having tile floors look good and brand new. Grout is the first part of the floor to pick up dirt and grime and cleaning it can be pretty tricky just due to its nature and texture. There are a few different methods that can be used to get the job done though that we are going to share in this article! The thing to keep in mind with all of these methods is that it is going to require a little bit of hard work. You’re going to have to be willing to get down on your hands and knees to scrub the problem areas away. This why often times it may be easier to just call a carpet and grout cleaning professional to do the job for you.
Hot Water, Baking Soda, and Vinegar
The first method is to spray down the grout with hot water to remove the initial dirt on the top and then apply a cleaning solution. Let the cleaning solution stand for a few minutes and then scrub the grout between the tiles with a toothbrush. Don’t use any metal brushes as you don’t want to scratch the tile! Once all that is done, rinse the area with hot water.
For grout that is really stained, a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied and allowed to set overnight. The next day it can then be brushed away and rinsed with hot water. You can also add vinegar to the cleaning equation by adding it with water or spraying it on after applying the baking soda mixture.
Peroxide
If you have a tile that is pervious such as marble or another finer surface then you should stay away from any cleaner that is acidic such as vinegar. A mixture of peroxide and water can be a good alternative for cleaning these types of tiles. As with each of the other mixtures, you should apply it then let it stand before brushing and rinsing with hot water.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper can also be used to clean grout! Take the sandpaper and work it back and forth on the grout line and shred away the accumulated dirt. Always rinse with hot water after you’ve cleaned grout away.
Chlorine Bleach
You may use chlorine bleach in very extreme cases to clean grout but be warned. Long term use of chlorine bleach will eventually erode away the grout. Also, if you have tried any other methods of cleaning prior to using the bleach then it is very important that you rinse away any trace of other cleaning solutions. Mixing chlorine with certain solution ingredients like vinegar will create a highly toxic gas in the surrounding air.
Contact Us
After completing any of the grout cleaning methods we talked about above you should always let the grout air dry for 24 hours and then apply a grout sealer to prevent any future stains. This sealer will need to be reapplied every two years or so. Spritzing your grout with vinegar or alcohol and wiping it down every few weeks or so will also go a long way to keeping your grout looking nice and clean for longer.
These methods are easy but they can be exhausting! For professional grout cleaning services consider us and give us a call at 301-259-3305!