Grout lines from a tiled surface get dirty with the time of traffic and use. Dirty grout lines quickly change the appearance of clean and decorative tiles in a refreshing, sophisticated way for grimy and dirty. Dirt can be a combination of particles and microorganisms, so a simple wash with warm water and soap may not be enough to do the work.
The use of lye
Chlorine is very caustic and corrosive and inhaling your vapors is bad for your health. USE safety precautions when handling and working with bleach. Work in a well ventilated space to keep the air circulating instead of allowing the vapors to accumulate the air. Wear a face mask and wear gloves to protect your hands while handling chlorine. For hard, dirty grout lines, use the bleach in full force, but for regular cleaning, dilute the chlorine for half or one third of its strength by combining 1 part chlorine with 1 or 2 parts water.
How to apply
Two easy ways to apply chlorine to grout lines include the use of a spray bottle or sponge mop. Use a spray bottle to apply a thin, evenly distributed layer of bleach over the grout lines. Use a sponge mop to slide the bleached surface using uniforms and back and forth along the grout lines. Within a well ventilated space, allow the bleach on the surface for 10 to 15 minutes to saturate and disinfect the grout lines. By not cleaning the bleach immediately, it will be giving time to chlorine to work effectively on the grout lines.
The Liberator
Follow-up of bleaching treatment with very hot water with added soap or baking soda mixed in it. Add 1 part soap or baking soda to 9 parts warm to hot water. Saturate the grout lines, and soak for five minutes to neutralize the chlorine and clean any residual bleach. Rub the grout lines, and wash again with plain hot water.
Maintenance
Regular cleaning with cleaner formulas non-toxic tiles will decrease the frequency of cleaning the grout lines with lye. Oxygen bleach is one of those alternatives that can reduce or eliminate the need to clean with chlorine bleach. Clean the tile lines and grout even when they appear clean, and for floors, every day of sweeping removes dirt before you have the opportunity to settle down and adhere to the grout lines. Since chlorine is toxic to inhale and when coming into contact with the skin, with regular maintenance, you may only need to use lye once every three months.