The best methods to clean tile grout 2019

The best methods to clean tile grout 2019


Whether it's tiles or tiles and it's dirty with grease, soap scum, mold or just dirt, cleaning the grout requires two things: a grout brush and a suitable cleaner. A grout brush is a small brush with hard bristles, available in hand sizes and long handle. You can replace a toothbrush in a pinch, but your bristles are too soft to do much good. As for the cleaner, many formulas work, so you can try different options to find the best interpreter for your mosaic.

Grout Cleaner Product

Chlorine bleach

A traditional way to clean grout lines is to use household chlorine bleach. For a full force application, simply dip the brush in a small container with bleach, rub the grout thoroughly, then rinse with water. Chlorine bleach is somewhat strong, and grout brushes tend to splash, so be sure to wear safety glasses and old clothes. Also open the windows so that the area is well ventilated. Bleach is toxic, releases noxious fumes and can change the shade of colored grout lines over time. Given these drawbacks, chlorine bleach is better as a last resort solution for localized stains, rather than a daily cleaning product.

Bleach with oxygen

Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is non-toxic and safe for the environment, and does not have a strong chemical odor. It also does not stain the colored grout lines. Hydrogen peroxide is a form of oxygen bleach; however, it is usually sold in diluted solutions, making it a relatively ineffective cleaner.

Oxygen bleach is sold as a powder that can be mixed with water to create a paste that applies directly to the grout. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, then rub with a grout brush. Rinse with water and wipe the floor with a cloth.

Alkaline cleaners

The Tile Council of America (TCA) recommends alkaline cleaners to remove stains from the grout.

Alkaline cleaners include Spic n 'Span, Super Washing Soda and Mr. Clean, among many others. These cleaners are particularly good for cleaning dirty and greasy grout joints in the kitchen. Rinse the solution thoroughly and remove it with a rag, mop or shopping vacuum to remove the white cleaner from the grout.

Why not vinegar or baking soda?

Alkaline cleaners are recommended because the grout contains cement and can be dissolved with acidic cleaners, including vinegar. Do not use vinegar or commercial cleaners based on acid in grout, period. Vinegar and other acids are also a no-no for stone tile because the acid can burn the stone. Another widely praised household cleaner, baking soda, is alkaline (not acidic), but has very little effect as a cleaner on dirty grout. That said, there is no harm in using baking soda if it seems to work for you.

Sealing grout lines

Cleaning grout lines can be a difficult and physical process. Once the grout appears clean and free of stains, sealing the grout will create a protective surface on it that helps prevent staining and makes the grout much easier to keep clean. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying the grout sealer. The tile should be clean and completely dry, and you should let the sealer cure completely before using the tiled area.