Grout is the mixture of cement, sand, and water used to fill the spaces between tiles to create a finished look and keep moisture out. Routinely cleaning tile grout joints is essential to make floors, walls, and counters look squeaky clean. According to the House Cleaning experts in Sacramento, while tiles are resistant to dirt and stains, the grout lines in between the tiles are porous. This means that they will absorb any grease, grime, oils, or spills they come into contact with. Learning how to clean tile grout will not only extend the life of your tiles but will keep it looking its best.
The House Cleaning team recommends several time-saving techniques in dealing with tile grout joints during your monthly House Cleaning. For starters, the following materials are needed:
- Stiff bristle brush
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Dish soap
Before starting any deep House Cleaning project, it is always a good idea to use the mildest cleaning solution. The House Cleaning crew in Sacramento advises customers to avoid highly caustic or acidic cleaners, such as bleach and vinegar, which can corrode and slowly destroy grout and tile finishes. However, if grout joints are deeply stained, there are other highly effective steps that House Cleaning experts recommend:
- Prepare the target area: Start by spraying the tile grout with hot water. Using a stiff bristle brush, scrub to remove any dirt or grime in the joints. Follow the edges of the tile while scrubbing and spraying circularly. Steam cleaners are also very efficient at cleaning grout, making the wall and floor tiles sparkle.
- Mix the cleaning solution: The House Cleaning team in Sacramento recommends making a grout cleaner paste of two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide. When cleaning an area where tiles are exposed to grease, such as the kitchen, add a few drops of dish soap.
- Apply the solution: Put the homemade House Cleaning solution onto the tile grout lines and allow it to stay for 10 to 15 minutes. Leaving it for a few minutes enables the solution to work into the pores, resulting in a cleaner and sparkling grout.
- Start scrubbing: Using a stiff-bristle brush, scrub the grout lines to gather any dirt trapped in the pores.
- Rinse the tile: After scrubbing, mix a few drops of dish detergent with some hot water and use a sponge or cloth to rinse the tile and wipe up the remaining grout cleaner.
Aside from the steps above, one of the best ways to keep the tile joints clean is applying a grout sealer. Sealers fill the pores of the grout, keeping the dirt and grime out. Wait for at least 24 hours to make sure the grout is completely dry before applying it. The experts of House Cleaning in Sacramento encourage customers to include cleaning tile grout joints as part of their ordinary shower routine and occasional deep House Cleaning to prevent mold and soap scum buildup, preserving the tiles.
