Tile is a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens because of its durability and easy of cleaning, but over time, you will still notice that they become dingy and dark – even with regular cleaning. Grout and tile are porous, so even when you feel like you are deep cleaning, you will not be able to reach the deepest layers without employing the following strategy. Tile and grout cleaning can be tedious, but follow the steps in this article and you’ll be very happy with the results.
It’s always a good idea to start with the mildest cleaner possible and work your way up to stronger ones until you find what works. The gentler the cleaner, the better it is for the people and pets in your home; in addition, harsh cleaners can damage surfaces, so they should only be used when absolutely necessary.
How to clean tile and grout yourself
This process may seem time consuming, but it’s absolutely the best way to clean your tile and grout!
- Begin with hot water and a stiff brush. Scrub the dingy areas, and allow them to air dry.
If that doesn’t work…
- Mix plain vinegar with equal parts water in a spray bottle and shake. Spray the mixture on your tile and grout, let it work its magic for 5 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse with water and dry with a towel if necessary.
No results yet?
- Mix baking soda and water to create a spreadable paste. Paint this paste onto any affected areas, focusing on grout lines. Spray the vinegar-water mixture over the entire area. This will cause it to foam. When the foaming stops, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.
For the majority of stains, these three steps should be plenty strong enough, especially if this deep cleaning is done about once a month. For stubborn stains, make your paste with hydrogen peroxide instead.
As a last resort, you can use an oxygen bleach product or a chlorine bleach cleaner for either spot cleaning or for an entire floor or wall. Be careful with these products when using them in an enclosed area. Because these products need to sit for up to 15 minutes, you’ll need to ventilate the area somehow so the chemicals do not become overpowering.
When to call a professional.
There are certain cases where calling a professional tile and grout cleaning company makes more sense.
For example, if you do not have the physical ability (or the desire) to scrub your floors on your hands and knees, calling a professional may be your best bet. They can do the work for you and save you lots of hard work.
Cleaning your tile and grout over and over with strong products may damage them. When you call a professional, they can achieve the same results in one cleaning, using products that are specifically designed for tile and grout.
Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to get older tile and grout to look new again. With the right products and equipment (such as expensive steam cleaning equipment), a professional may be able to achieve like-new results.