Cleaning the space between your tiles can be a daunting task. Removing gunk, debris, mold, and mildew from the grout is an exhausting process.
Even so, just wiping your floor isn’t enough to keep it in its optimal condition – if the grout is dirty, your tiles will look messy by default.
So, how do you clean the gunk between your tiles? Is there a way to do it quickly? Where to find the right cleaning supplies?
We’ll answer all of these questions and more down below, so don’t stop reading just yet!
Contents
Baking soda & vinegar
If you’re looking for the cheapest possible grout cleaning solution, a paste made from baking soda and vinegar might be the best way to go about it! These two household items are something most of us already have in our kitchens, which makes them the most affordable way to clean the space between your tiles.
First, make sure you mix the baking soda with water until you get a thick paste. Apply this solution to your grout. After that, spray a mixture of vinegar and plain water on top of the applied paste and wait for it to start bubbling. The bubbling process is a natural chemical reaction that usually lasts a couple of minutes, so wait it out. Then, take a brush and scrub the space between your tiles as rigorously as you can. You’ll quickly see the dirt going away!
After you’ve done all of this, mop your floors with some water as per usual. If there’s still some gunk left, just repeat the process until you get rid of it all. Additionally, avoid using vinegar if your tiles are made out of natural stone, as it can harm the material irreversibly.
Use oxygen bleach
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Oxygen bleach is one of the most popular grout cleaners out there. It’s extremely effective against staining, although it can be a bit too aggressive for colored tiles. We recommend testing the bleach on a smaller part of your floor to test for fade resistance. The solution should be left for at least 15 minutes to be effective. You should also ventilate the room properly to protect yourself from toxic particles.
The application method is extremely simple: apply the solution following the manufacturer’s instructions, wait for 15 minutes, and then scrub with a nylon brush. After you’re finished, mop the floor using water and dry the grout with a towel – your tiles will look as good as new!
Use commercial grout cleaners
If you’re dealing with mold or mildew that seems impossible to remove, we advise you to try commercial grout cleaning solutions. These can work wonders when it comes to restoring the shine of your old, white tiles.
Commercial grout cleaners can be used in one of two ways: spraying and wiping or scouring with a brush. It completely depends on the type of cleaner you’ve chosen. Generally speaking, cleaners that follow the scouring method are more effective against stubborn floor stains and dirt.
Either way, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions as carefully as you can before using a commercial grout cleaner for your tile-cleaning needs. These solutions can be quite toxic and aggressive, so handle them with care to ensure your safety.
Hire professionals to do it for you
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If you’re too scared of damaging your tiles to try the above-mentioned cleaning solutions or unable to get rid of the gunk effectively, you may want to consider hiring a deep-cleaning service to do it for you.
Professional grout cleaners such as those at www.renuehawaii.com have the tools and the experience necessary to deliver the best possible results in no time whatsoever. They can help you find a cleaning solution that suits your tiles properly, so you won’t have to worry about accidental damage or discoloration during the cleaning process.
Either way, make sure to do a „background check“ on the company before you decide to hire them. Read up on their reviews and ratings, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. It’s the only way to ensure you’re getting the best service in your local area.
Steam cleaning
If you already have a steam mop in your home, you can put it to use in your grout cleaning routine! These tools are extremely effective at cleaning hard surfaces, especially if the surface is plagued with mold or mildew. They’re also one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to clean your grout – no harsh chemicals are required!
Now, as efficient as it is, steam cleaning is not suitable for sealed grout, as it will remove the sealant. You should only use it if your grout is unsealed or you’re planning to reseal it sometime in the future.
Utilize chlorine bleach in extreme cases
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Chlorine bleach and cleaning solutions containing it should only be used as a last resort when it comes to tile floor cleaning. Chlorine bleach is extremely aggressive – it can erode your grout after prolonged usage.
If you’re going to use chlorine to clean your floors, make sure to apply it as sparingly as possible, and don’t do it on a regular basis. This solution is only viable when everything else fails.
Besides that, make sure you follow the directions provided by the manufacturer very carefully. Use gloves and remember to rinse your floors before applying chlorine bleach to the space between your tiles. It’s a highly reactive substance – if it comes in contact with vinegar, for example, it will emit a highly toxic gas that could put your health at risk.
The bottom line
All in all, there are many different ways you can remove dirt, mold, or mildew from your tile floors. You can use DIY solutions such as vinegar and baking soda, invest in commercial grout cleaners, or simply hire a professional cleaner to do it for you.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure the method suits your flooring properly. Do your research to avoid damaging your tiles or eroding your grout by accident.
