The assumption is that it is easy to wash tiles, but most people overlook a very important aspect of this cleaning process – grout cleaning. Tile grout, if cleaned properly, makes the whole floor or wall look amazing. Once you start cleaning tile grout regularly, you’ll see a noticeable difference. However, cleaning tile grout requires a different approach. Cleaning grout is harder as it has pores and the dirt gets stuck deep inside them. Grouts are also quite prone to stains and grunge. If you spill any liquid on the tile grout, it will get absorbed very quickly. Thus, it’s very important to clean any spilled liquid as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you’ll have some tough stains on your hands that may require experts such as TruBlue of Sugarland.
The grout problem can be solved if you clean your floors and walls regularly. Another good solution is to replace the tiles if they are old. If you are getting your tiles replaced, you can talk to professionals about your issue of stained tile grout. They can help you solve this problem in no time. Otherwise, look for natural cleaners that will make your work easy.
How To Clean Tile Grout Naturally!
The most important thing to remember about tile and grout cleaning San Diego is that you should do it often but not overdo it. Many tile cleaning solutions are more often than not acidic. Thus, repeated use can damage your tiles in the long run. To ensure that you get the most out of your tiles, you should clean them periodically. If the tiled floor is prone to dirt and stains, as is the case with most floors in commercial spaces, you might want to go for tile cleaning solutions that are not as acidic.
To begin cleaning tile grout, you will require the following things:
- An old toothbrush
- Vinegar
- Warm water
- Grout cleaner
- Reusable spray bottle
- Mop
- Microfiber cloth
- Grout sealant
To begin, you will have to wash the particular area to be cleaned with warm water. This will scrub any small stains out. This step also serves to “soften” the accumulated dirt making further cleaning very easy. Follow this up by scrubbing the grout with a toothbrush. A stiff-bristled brush works best in such situations. Scrubbing the grout gets rid of any blockages, and ensures smooth passage of the grout cleaner into it. You will have to research a bit online to get the best cleaner available. It’s recommended that you do not use any ordinary soap for this task.
You can also make a grout cleaner detergent at home naturally.
Homemade Natural Grout Cleaners:
If you have decided to make a grout cleaner at home, here are a couple of remedies you can try:
Baking Soda Scrub:
This grout cleaner will consist of ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp liquid dish soap, ¼ cup baking soda, and about 4 liters of warm water. Let this mixture sit on the stain for about 20 minutes when you use it.
Mouthwash Scrub:
Not many people know this but you can also use an ordinary mouthwash to make an amazing grout cleaner. Mix two tablespoons of mouthwash with 1.5 liters of warm water. This combination will work great on tiles.
Once you have it ready, apply the grout cleaner and let it rest for some time. If you bought the tile cleaner from the market, there will be instructions on its packaging.
On the other hand, if you’ve made a cleaner at home, it’s best to let it sit for about 20 minutes. If the stains are quite tough, you will have to use more of the cleaner and let it sit for a longer period of time, preferably 30 to 40 minutes. Once you’ve let it rest, scrub the grout with the brush again so that the cleaner goes deep into it. After that, you can wash it off with water.
Once that’s done, you can either use a mop or a microfiber cloth with warm water to remove any residue. You can mix any soap in the water too to get effective results. The last step is to apply a grout cleaner. However, it’s optional as you don’t necessarily have to do it. A grout cleaner just ensures that the grout remains clean for a longer time. There are two major options – penetrating and non-penetrating (membrane-forming) sealers.
Penetrating grout sealers penetrate deep into the grout, filling their pores. Thus, no moisture is left inside. However, it does not form a protective layer on top of the grout, so it can still breathe. On the other hand, membrane-forming grout cleaner forms a protective layer on top of the grout that is water-resistant. Its downside is that any moisture that is left behind in the pores cannot evaporate due to the protective layer formed over the grout. This can lead to mold and mildew. Non-penetrating grout cleaners are good for natural stone tiles as they do not work well with glazed tiles.