Prepare your scrub brush. The grout between tiles typically makes the difference between dingy and brilliant. When you think about grout, imagine a sponge since this material absorbs dirt. And, while the source of the problem may differ from room to room—mildew in the bathroom, culinary spills in the kitchen area, or mud stains on the floor—you don’t need specific equipment to get the dirty grout—and the surrounding tiles—clean again.
Follow this foolproof method for cleaning tiles and grout, and watch your walls and floors sparkle quickly.
Tile Cleaning Instructions
Avoid using harsh chemicals like vinegar (even diluted vinegar) when cleaning your tile. This cleaning solution has a high concentration of acid. If the answer is compelling, the grout will weaken and be damaged, and vinegar will etch stone tiles.
Materials Required
- Warm water
- Dish detergent
- Microfiber cloth or towel
- Surface degreaser
Most tile forms, including porcelain and ceramic, require only one ingredient: Warm Water and dish soap mixed together will do the work. To clean tiles, follow these steps:
Spray the tile with the water and dish soap solution.
Use a moist microfiber towel or cloth to clean the area.
Do you require a more thorough cleaning? Bring out the surface cleaner and follow our instructions:
To remove soap scum residue from tile floors and walls, spray them with surface cleanser, then turn on hot water for five minutes until steam builds up.
Wait 20 minutes before wiping off the tiles with a cloth.
Make Some Daily Changes
If you have tile floors and notice that some places, such as by the back door or near the laundry basket, get particularly dirty, consider laying down a rug to protect those areas from dirt and debris, or commit to sweeping and mopping as a regular practice.
How to Clean Grout
Now it’s time to focus on the grout lines between those spotless tiles. The type of grout used may influence how dirty it becomes. Traditional grout is a sand-and-cement mixture. At the same time, more modern alternatives add latex and other polymers to help with stain resistance.
Materials Required
- Warm Water
- Brush with stiff bristles or a grout brush
- Cleaner using steam
Whatever stains you have, water and patience will be your best friends. To clean the grout, follow these steps:
Begin by cleaning the grout with a firm bristle or grout brush to remove any debris or grime on the surface.
Apply steam directly to the grout using a steam cleaner (this instrument is perfect against grout stains), then scrub in a circular motion with your brush.
Blot away any dampness with a rag; the grout should seem as good as new after it dries.
Why Water is the Most Effective
Water has a pH of 7 and is incredibly soft and safe for grout. That is less true for extremely acidic cleaners (like vinegar, which has a pH of around 2) and strongly alkaline cleaners (like bleach, which has a pH of about 12), so use them sparingly.
Stubborn Grout Stains Must Be Removed
If your grout is still dull, use a pH-neutral cleaner. Then, using your firm brush, scrape it again. The most vital element is, without a doubt, elbow grease. A Magic Eraser may also quickly remove tough stains, but remember that you may need more than one to make a room full of tiles sparkle.
After scrubbing, remove any residual grout cleaner with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth. Just be sure you use a clean cloth and clean water. If the sponge is dirty or you’re using dirty mop water to rinse, the grout will quickly absorb it and become stained again.
The Tile Council of America suggests alkaline cleaners over acidic cleaners for extremely tenacious stains. Before using any non-neutral cleaning, perform a brief test in a small, inconspicuous area. Before proceeding to the remaining grout lines, wait a few minutes to ensure no discoloration or damage.
Mold Removal
Bathrooms that are hot, humid, and have restricted circulation are ideal breeding grounds for mold spores. While bleach kills mold on non-porous surfaces such as tiles and worktops, it is less effective on porous surfaces such as caulk, drywall, wood, and grout. Use Zep Tile Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover to remove mold stains permanently. Then, after showers, remember to open a window or run the bathroom fan to reduce humidity in the room.
Ensure Your Success
Sealers cover the grout’s pores, preventing dirt, grit, and mold from penetrating the porous substance. The frequency with which you should seal grout depends on how heavily trafficked a tiled area is, but aim for at least once a year—and for most spaces in the home, twice a year is a good rule of thumb. Wait at least 24 hours between deep scrubbing and applying the sealer (such as DuPont Grout Sealer) to ensure the grout is dry.
How to Care for Tile and Grout
The first step in keeping your tile and grout clean is establishing a cleaning schedule. Clean once a week for optimal results. Not only will your bathroom feel more hygienic, but it will also be more sanitary and mold-free. Mold eats away at grout over time, and moisture buildup causes the grout to loosen.
Wipe Down the Tile Regularly
Suppose you keep a tiny squeegee or a clean microfiber cloth near the shower to rapidly wash down the tiles once you turn off the water. In that case, you’ll cut future grout-scouring time in half (or more!). You won’t need to deep clean as much because nothing accumulates on the tile’s surface. Open the window or run the exhaust fan for about 10 to 20 minutes after a shower to swiftly remove humidity and moisture from the room and help prevent mold formation on the grout.
When Should You Hire a Professional?
Suppose you discover widespread discoloration of tile and grout. In that case, you should contact a professional to examine the damage and thoroughly clean the area. Suppose that tile and grout need to be addressed to the point of discoloration. In that case, they may begin to loosen to the point where water leaks through to the back wall. This results in mold growth in regions that cannot be seen but constitute a health danger.