How to Clean Grout - Find 6 Effective Homemade Grout Cleaners
Have the grout in your house lost their color and seem dirty? Remember about the essential - regular grout cleaning! It's not just about aesthetics. Dirty grout can affect your health. Are you wondering how to clean grout to remove the dirt? Check a few most effective grout cleaners - easy and quick to use.
Grout cleaning - why is it important?
The mortar between tiles also known as grout, changes its color after some time. It’s particularly apparent if the tiles are light, which isn’t very aesthetic. Because of this, you should do a thorough grout cleaning at least once a few months or semi-annually. Thanks to this, the tiles look much better.
That’s not the only aspect you should pay attention to. Grout - especially in the kitchen or the bathroom, is exposed to high humidity. Combined with dirt, it might cause serious allergens to develop. It’s dangerous not only for small children, but also for pets and sensitive people.
What to keep in mind when cleaning grout?
When cleaning grout, you have to be effective but at the same time be extra careful. Too hard brushing or using wrong accessories might damage the mortar. If it happens, the tiles might get damaged too. In this scenario, you have to replace the grout, which is a time-consuming task.
Make sure to carefully check the grout cleaner you use. Some products require thorough rinsing after use, as the ingredients might be dangerous, and the fumes shouldn’t be inhaled.
What are the best accessories for grout cleaning?
Cleaning grout is not a difficult task. Regardless, you should prepare well for it. Before you start cleaning, gather the following items:
- a small brush,
- a sponge,
- a soft cloth,
- a toothbrush,
- a spray bottle with water,
- rubber gloves.
If you want to use a homemade grout cleaner, you will also need some products, typically found in the kitchen - vinegar, baking soda or baking powder. They are universal products - useful when cleaning grout, but also helpful when cleaning a burnt pot or making a stove cleaner.
Cleaning grout with a toilet cleaner - is it a good idea?
Bleach-based toilet cleaners are often used for other surfaces in the bathroom. They are effective at cleaning various stains, thanks to their caustic properties. In most cases, such products can be used as grout cleaners, although, as experts warn, you should be careful when using them. Preparing a special solution is the best idea - mix the products with water (1:1) and clean the grout with the substance.
It’s not a good method for sensitive people. The smell of bleach-based cleaners is pungent, so not everyone can use such products.
Cleaning grout with steam - it’s quick, but is it effective?
A steam cleaner is one of the most practical devices you can own. Using it, you can clean the whole house. It removes various types of dirt - especially in the kitchen and bathroom. It’s invaluable when cleaning glass, as it doesn’t leave patches.
Such equipment is a perfect for cleaning grout. Although many are skeptical about this, using the cleaner for this purpose has many advantages, such as:
- quick dirt removal,
- no need for chemicals,
- removing not only dirt, but also bacteria and allergens,
- eliminating bad smell,
- convenience.
Cleaning grout in the bathroom using a steam cleaner is quick. You don’t have to scrub the seams, so you don’t damage the surface. Having to invest in the device is the only drawback.
How to clean grout in shower using vinegar and baking soda
Cleaning grout with baking soda and vinegar is one of the most effective methods, known for many years. To use it, you have to prepare a homemade grout cleaner, which will remove the dirt. Just mix the following ingredients:
- half glass baking soda,
- a quarter glass of vinegar.
After combining these two ingredients, you should get a paste. Apply it to the grout. It will soften the dirt, which then can be quickly removed with a small brush, e.g. a toothbrush.
Vinegar leaves an unpleasant smell. To remove it, wipe the clean grout with a cloth soaked with soapy water.
How to clean grout with baking powder
Cleaning grout with baking powder is one of the easiest methods, although it requires some patience - it takes longer than other solutions. How to clean grout with this method?
- Use a spray bottle to moisten the grout with water.
- Sprinkle a thick layer of baking powder on the grout.
- Wait 30-40 minutes, and use a sponge to remove the baking powder along with the dissolved dirt.
- Wipe the grout with a damp cloth.
If the stains don’t come off when using a sponge, dampen the powder and use a toothbrush.
Cleaning grout in the bathroom - toothpaste
Have you run out of the toilet cleaner, and you don’t use baking soda or powder? You can remove the dirt from grout using toothpaste. Just apply it on the joints and use a toothbrush to remove the stains. A bit of warm water can help - this way, the dirt dissolves easily.
After cleaning the grout, just wipe the surface using a damp cloth with soapy water. Thanks to it, you will remove the remains of toothpaste and dirt.
Cleaning grout with chemicals - the last resort against dirt
Have you moved to a new apartment or house, where grout cleaning seems to have never been performed? Have you noticed signs of mold and disgusting bacteria in the grout? It means you should use more intense methods to remove the potential dangers.
Homemade grout cleaners, although proven many times, in this case should be saved for later. The market offers special grout cleaning and mold destroying products.
Always wear protective gloves when using such products, as they are stronger than a typical toilet cleaner. Because of the intense smell, it’s recommended to wear a mask, and in some cases protective goggles.
Use a chemical grout cleaner only in accordance with the instructions on the packaging. Make sure to carefully remove the remains of the product from the surface after cleaning.
📍 What is the best grout cleaner for shower?
There are many methods to clean grout. If the stains are not too serious, baking soda, baking powder and vinegar are perfect grout cleaners. If these methods don't work or there is mold on the grout, use special chemicals.
📍 How to clean grout?
Clean grout carefully - especially if you're using brushes, which might damage the surface. Pay attention to the products you use. Not every grout cleaner is suitable for every type of grout.
📍 Grout cleaning - how often should you do it?
Make sure to clean grout at least once every few months. It's very important, not only because of aesthetics. Removing dirt regularly protects you from dangerous bacteria and prevents mold.
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