Around 25 percent of all hard surface finishes are tile. And why not? Tile is attractive, durable, and easy to clean.
But tile grout is another matter. Cleaning it can be difficult and time-consuming.
Learning how to clean tile grout can make the task less daunting and keep your home looking good. Here are eight effective methods for cleaning grout.
1. Using Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful, non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaner. It’s acidic enough to kill bacteria, dissolve mineral deposits, dirt, and grease. Yet it won’t damage tile.
The best ways to clean grout with vinegar include soaking and scrubbing.
Spray a solution of 50 percent white distilled vinegar and 50 percent water onto the grout. Let it stand for five minutes. Then scrub with a stiff brush.
2. The Baking Soda Scrub
For extra dirty grout, make a baking soda paste by mixing it with warm water. Apply it to the grout and then scrub.
For more cleaning power, spray it with the vinegar mixture above. After it stops foaming, scrub the grout clean.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is effective on some stains. You can spray it directly on tile grout. But be sure to test a small spot first to ensure it doesn’t bleach or discolor the grout.
For even more cleaning power, make a paste of 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 3/4 cups of baking soda. And scrub the grout clean. Add a teaspoon of dish soap for an even deeper clean.
4. Using Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is a safer, more environmentally friendly option when you need the cleaning power of bleach. Expose it to water, and it releases oxygen that lifts stains away.
Scrubbing with oxygen bleach is one of the best ways to clean grout. Add water to make a paste, apply it to the grout, and let it sit for 15-minutes to an hour before scrubbing. Be sure to use clear water to rinse away any residue.
5. Commercial Grout Cleaners
There are several commercial grout cleaners on the market. They fall into two categories: spray and wipe products and scouring cleansers. Both can be effective at removing dirt and mildew from grout.
The spray and wipe solutions are easier to use but may contain harsh solvents. Scouring cleansers require more work but can be less toxic and more effective.
6. The Electric Toothbrush Method
If you’ve ever scrubbed tile grout, you know how tedious it can be. An electric toothbrush makes the process a little easier because it does most of the scrubbing for you.
7. Using A Tile Brush
Tile brushes are scrub brush attachments for cordless drills. The brush heads are designed not to scratch delicate surfaces while doing most of the work for you. Using a tile brush with one of the cleaners above is an effective tile cleaning combination.
8. Steam Cleaning
Cleaning with steam is an excellent option if you want a completely non-toxic method. The Tile Council of North America recommends using steam cleaning for stains that don’t respond to other cleaning methods. Steam is hot enough to lift dirt away and kill germs.
Household steam cleaners, like steam mops and hand-held steamers with brushes, work well. But professional steam cleaning is even better.
How to Clean Tile Grout The Easy Way
Let’s face it, the easiest way to clean tile grout is to get someone else to do it for you! That way, you save time, effort, and you don’t have to clean up the mess.
At Quality Care Carpet Cleaning, we know how to clean tile grout quickly, thoroughly, and mess-free. And we can protect it so your grout stays clean longer. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.
