After a tile floor or wall has been in place for a while, it’s important to use tile grout cleaner on a regular basis to avoid having the tile application look dull, tired or dirty.
Grout is the material made from combining sand, water and cement to seal the joints or spaces between each tile. Over time grout can become dirty or dingy because its porous nature makes it quick to absorb dirt and lose its original color. There are several kinds of tile grout cleaner which can keep tile floors or walls looking in like new condition.
Powdered oxygen bleach makes a great non-toxic tile grout cleaner and it will not leach color from the tiles themselves. Mix it with water and pour over dry tile floors or spray onto tile walls so that the grout absorbs this solution. After about half an hour, take an old toothbrush or wire brush and brush every area featuring grout, then rinse with a damp mop or cloth.
Two other natural substances serve as an effective tile grout cleaner. One is vinegar mixed with equal parts of water and sprayed onto the grout prior to brushing. The other is baking soda mixed with water into a paste which is applied to stained grout. Brush the grout in small circular motions for best results, then rinse with cool, clean water and mop dry.
Steam cleaners can serve as a tile grout cleaner using only water to effectively loosen up dirt and debris that have been absorbed into the porous grout. Sometimes years of dirt build-up on tile floors and walls may require a commercial tile grout cleaner for maximum cleaning strength. Just be careful to follow the product directions and obtain a cleaner that has a mild Ph level so that it doesn’t erode the grout filling between each tile as it’s doing its cleaning job.
Always wear gloves and eye protection when using any tile grout cleaner and keep it away from the access of pets and children.
Related posts:
Written by Genie Simmons
Topics: Cleaning - Tips and Tools