Here is the best way to clean tile grout, with a description of products you can use to clean the grout in your bathroom or kitchen, particularly focusing on how to clean shower grout. Grout is the white mortar between your bathroom and kitchen tiles. As a porous and rough surface, it needs to be cleaned differently from tiles. The best way to clean grout will clear out dirt from the pores of the grout, while also stopping the growth of mildew.
The best way to clean tile grout is by using a commercial cleaning product that has bleach as one of the main ingredients. Using a product like this will mean you will spend far less time scrubbing and much more time enjoying your clean tiles! Remember to read the directions on the label and test any cleaning product in a small area first.
Clean Tile Grout with Commercial Products
Your local supermarket or DIY store will offer a number of commercial products specially designed for cleaning tile grout. You’re best off choosing one with anti-fungal properties — an antibacterial mould and mildew spray, for instance. This will make sure to stop the mildew that grows so easily in moist places. A grout pen functions like a paint marker and helps to keep the grout looking white.
Many of these commercial products can be strong, so be sure to wear rubber gloves and ventilate the bathroom or kitchen properly when using them. Remember to follow the directions on the label, and to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Cleaning Tile Grout: Bleach or Not to Bleach?
How should you clean grout in the shower? Bleach will often be recommended, as it is very effective on white and light grey grouts. However, if your kitchen or bathroom has black or other coloured grouting, the bleach will only serve to fade it. If you do apply bleach, rinse your tiles with only cold water afterwards, as warm or hot water will only intensify the vapours. Be sure to use rubber gloves when handling any bleach product, and to read the instructions on the label before applying it.
An alternative is oxygen bleach, a bleach compound that comes in powder form. Remember to follow the directions on the label and to test this product on a small area first before continuing. Mix equal parts oxygen bleach with warm water, let it dissolve, and apply to the grout. You can either pour it on or spray it, using a spray bottle. Afterwards scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse with cold water, and wipe your tiles dry.
Cleaning Tile Grout: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another way to clean shower tiles and grout is by using a solution of vinegar and baking soda (also known as bicarbonate of soda, or sodium bicarbonate).
In a small bowl, mix together vinegar and baking soda into a thick paste.
Spread the paste onto the grout and let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub away at the grout until it’s clean.
Rinse the surface with clean water.
With enough scrubbing, the acid in the vinegar and the whitening properties of the baking soda should combine to make your tile grout look new.
The above tips suggest how to clean grouting in shower stalls, kitchens, and other surfaces. Clean the grout on a regular basis, and this will prevent the mold and mildew from accumulating. With so many solutions to choose from, keeping your tile grout clean and mildew-free should be a breeze.