The bathroom and the kitchen are the areas of the house that are almost always damp because this is where water is used. If the homeowner is not careful and meticulous about cleaning and proper tile maintenance, there is sure to be mold growth in the tile grout because they tend to thrive in moist and unclean areas.
Use Household Items
The tile grout is prone to stains because this is the area where mold usually grows. When it comes to tile grout cleaning, you should start with the mildest cleaners first before you use the ones with stronger solutions. At the first presence of mold and mildew on your tile grout, you can try to clean it with a mixture of water and baking soda or vinegar. Using a grout brush or an old toothbrush, scrub the tile grout until the stains are gone. Utilize a circular movement when cleaning to remove more debris from the grout. Baking soda and vinegar are good cleaners because they have anti-bacterial properties. Rinse with water after scrubbing and wipe dry with a cloth or a sponge after.
If you happen to have hydrogen peroxide in your house, you can also use this to clean your tile grout. Just mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and using a spray bottle, apply the solution to the tile grout. Let it sit for a few minutes and scrub the area.
Store-bought Cleaners
If the stains, mold and mildew on your tile grout are stubborn and won’t come off, you can proceed with using generic store-bought cleaners. Spray the area with the cleaner and scrub the tile grout using a toothbrush or grout brush. Rinse the area with water and allow to dry.
Another option for you is to use commercial tile and grout cleaners. These products tend to have a stronger formulation so you need to be careful in choosing the one you will use for your tile grout. You might end up eroding your tile grout if you clean with it all the time. If you are going to use this type of cleaner, make sure you follow the directions as stated on the product label.
Bleach
There are two types of bleach you can use for tile grout cleaning: chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach. These are especially effective against heavy duty stains on tile grouts and are available in most hardware stores. However, keep in mind that some of these products have concentrated solutions so you might need to dilute it with water first.
Here are other tips you can do to make sure your tile grout are stain-free:
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To prevent it from staining again, you can seal the grout after you clean it. The sealant will provide the grout with a protective surface that will prevent mold and mildew buildup.
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Do not use bleach on colored tile grout because it will lead to discoloration.
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If you are using bleach or a heavy-duty cleaner, avoid inhaling the fumes and make sure that the room is well-ventilated. Use gloves and wear protective eye wear as well.
Written by Ericka who works as a content writer for a Scottish based company SJB Construction Ltd who are a Utility Services Contractor. The company carries out a range of utility services including working for many local authorities and councils.
