While the ceramic tile can add beauty to a home, it can also add more work when it comes to keeping it clean. Grout lines between tiles can easily get dirty and stained, while strong chemical cleaners can work, but it can also be expensive and damage your tile. Fortunately, there are some easy methods for cleaning the grout and keeping it looking fresh and new.
Bleach Oxygen
The use of a water solution and powdered oxygen bleach is an effective, non-toxic and environmentally friendly method for cleaning tile grout. The oxygen ions in the solution decompose dirt and stains-even fat and stubborn stain foods-making it easy to keep clean your grout without a lot of scrubbing. To use powdered oxygen bleach, mix the powder with water according to the manufacturer's instructions, stirring until it dissolves. The solution is poured over the dry grout, completely covering all the tile and grout, and allow it to settle for at least 30 minutes to dissolve dirt. Rub the grout with a brush after 30 minutes, adding more solution while rubbing. If the grout is not as clean as you want, allow the solution to act longer, and keep the tests until you are satisfied with the results.
Steam Cleaning
If you have ceramic floors or other large areas covered by tiles, investing in a steam mop can save time for cleaning. These mops use hot water and a cleaning pad for deep tile cleaning and grouting. Regularly cleaning the tiles and grout using water vapor can remove dirt and debris and prevent the grout from staining. A high quality steam mop is an investment-models designed for home use can cost several hundred dollars-but saves you time and energy by avoiding more intensive cleaning.
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is also an easy, effective and environmentally friendly cleaner. Create a paste with equal parts of baking soda, salt and water or vinegar and apply it to the grout. Rub the grout with a brush in a circular motion, and rinse. Because you have to work on sections that use this method, to keep baking soda dry on the tile, this method works best in small areas or for spotting grout cleaning stains.
Bleach
If you have white grout in your home, Lye is an easy and effective cleanser. To detect small clean areas, use a whitening pencil. In larger areas, make a solution of half, half water and spray in grout. Spray the grout with the solution, get the grout completely wet, and allow the chlorine to sit for a few minutes before you go into the trash. Do not use bleach in the colored grout as it will change the color of the grout.
Regular maintenance
The best-and easiest-way to avoid having to thoroughly clean your grout is to perform regular cleaning and maintenance. Immediately wipe up spills and direction stains before they are attached to the grout. In the bathroom, do not allow the grout to stay wet; Either dry the shower walls with a towel, or use a fan to eliminate the humidity from the environment and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. The application of a commercial grout sealant can also help prevent dirt and stains and protect grout from damage.