How To Clean Your Tile Grout

Few things are as annoying as dirty tile grout

, whether it's on the floor, on a backsplash, or in the shower. Grout becomes dirty for a variety of reasons. Kitchen tile stains are probably the victim of food, dirt, and mildew; bathroom tile, especially in the shower, is usually attacked by mildew or mold. Luckily, you can make your grout look as good as new if you use the right cleaning solution and a little bit of perseverance. To remove the grime, start with basic cleaners, and if the problem persists, move onto stronger solutions.

Begin by cleaning the grout with water to remove any surface debris. Then start with homemade cleaners like baking soda mixed with water (to form a paste) or diluted vinegar. Scrub the solution onto a section of grout with a stiff brush and in small circles, as this will remove more of the grunge than working in straight lines will. Old toothbrushes are generally too flimsy, but you don't want to use metal bristles either. Rinse the area, and dry with paper towels. If you need something stronger, move onto generic household cleaning products (Lysol, Mr. Clean, etc.). Work in the same manner as with the baking soda or vinegar. You might also want to try a steam cleaner if some stains are being particularly stubborn.

If none of these options have worked, it's time to step it up a notch. Try a commercial floor cleaning product; look for one that is pH balanced (so the grout won't be eroded). Make sure there is lots of ventilation in the room (windows open, fan on, etc.), then spray the cleaner and let it sit a minute or two before you begin scrubbing. Consult the directions on the product for best results, and try it on an inconspicuous section of the tile first to make sure it won't damage your grout. If the stain is still holding strong, pull out the big guns: chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or oxygen bleach powder. Make sure you read and follow the label thoroughly and dilute any of these products before you use them. Don't use bleach on colored grout or you'll have worse than a stain to deal with. When using these heavy-duty cleaners, you might also want to wear gloves and eye protection. Also, never mix cleaners.

Now that your tile looks clean again, keep it that way by applying some grout sealer. If you reapply the sealer once a year and follow these guidelines when you do have stains, your tile will look beautiful all the time!

by: Art Gib

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