Tiles are a staple in a majority of homes. And if you have ceramic tiles, then you will have grout to contend with. However, you will find that grout marks tend to always look dirtier than the tiles they have secured in place. This is largely because not many people know how best to clean them. Instead, people simply wipe the grout down as they clean their tiles, and this eventually leads to the grout becoming unsightly as it acquires more staining. Luckily, tile and grout cleaning is not a complicated process. Once you know how to do it properly, you simply have to engage in it occasionally to keep your grout lines as pristine as your tiles. Below are some simple steps you can follow for tile and grout cleaning.
Step 1: Clean and prep the grout lines
Before you can start deep-cleaning the grout lines, you need to prep them. Do this by ensuring that all superficial dirt has been eliminated. You can do this by wiping down the grout lines and scraping off any particles that have become embedded in them.
Step 2: Mix and apply your cleaning agent
You can choose to either purchase commercial grout-cleaning agent or make one right at home. To make a cleaner, mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to create a smooth paste. Proceed to apply this paste directly onto the grout lines and let it sit for several hours. This will give the cleaning agent time to penetrate the grout and loosen any stubborn stains that have become absorbed into the grout. Ensure that you have on protective gear in the form of goggles and gloves during this step.
Step 3: Scrub the grout lines
Once the cleaning agent has had enough time to penetrate the grout lines, take a wire brush and begin scrubbing the grout lines. As you scrub, you can wipe away the scrubbed area with a moist sponge to see whether the cleaning agent has worked. If the grout lines still look stained, repeat the application process and scrub some more. Rinse the grout lines when you are satisfied, and leave them to air dry.
Step 4: Bleach the grout lines
Bleach should never be mixed with hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, ensure that the grout lines have been properly rinsed and dried before embarking on this step. The bleach functions to kill any mould that may be growing on your grout lines while giving it some extra shine. Let the bleach sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the grout lines once again and rinsing them off.
