Great Grout Cleaning Tips for Cleaner Tile Surfaces

Tile has always been known for its durability and ease of maintenance, but grout lines can be a pain to clean up. Since grout often comes in light colors, it’s easier to notice when they get dirty. To make matters worse, grout has a porous composition, which means it can absorb water and attract mold and mildew. Our experts share a few tips on cleaning grout lines properly.

Use a Stiff Brush

Using a rag may work on cleaning the tile surfaces, but it won’t work on grout lines because dirt really clings on the porous grout surface. Fortunately, any brush with stiff bristles should be enough to get all but the toughest stains. You can even use old toothbrushes to get the job done if you don’t want to buy a dedicated tile brush.

Start with Mild Options

Remember that starting with strong cleaning agents is never a good idea because you might be stripping off more than just dirt from the grout, potentially damaging your tiles. If you can, try starting with milder options such as warm water mixed with equal part vinegar. Only use strong cleaning agents such as bleach for the toughest stains since those could corrode the grout.

Make a Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is great for getting rid of moderate stains. Combine baking soda powder with just enough water to make a paste-like consistency and apply the mixture along the grout lines. Spray some vinegar on the paste and it will start to foam up. Once the foam has subsided, scrub the grout and wash it off with water.

Kill Molds with Steam

Use a steam cleaner for getting rid of mold growths running along the grout lines. The steam quickly kills off mold, which could have otherwise grown back in a matter of days if not properly removed. For best results, scrub the grout lines before using the steam cleaner, then scrub a second time.

If you need help keeping your tile surfaces and grout clean, we’ll be more than happy to help you. Handyman Connection® is your leading source of home improvement services. Just call us at (770) 727-8045 or fill out our online contact form to get an estimate.