You notice how day by day the grout turns from white to grey and you know it’s time for tile and grout cleaning. There are various grout cleaning methods which you can use, but which one is the most effective and safest? Let’s take a look at the main ones and see how they score on these two major criteria.
Scrubbing with a Brush
You probably know the routine all too well. You get a brush with stiff bristles, spray warm water on the grout and start scrubbing. This method for grout cleaning is time-consuming and requires a considerable amount of effort also. What’s worse is that with it, you can remove only the topmost layer of dirt. You won’t get that dazzling white colour that you are hoping for. Besides, you should not expect even the small positive result to last for a very long time.
Using a Special Solution
The choice of solutions is quite large. There is the simple homemade option of applying a mixture of equal amounts of water and white vinegar. You can make this cleaning product even more powerful by sprinkling baking soda on it, after you’ve applied it to the grout lines. Baking soda works as a foaming agent, and as you know, foam is effective for picking up dirt and removing it from the surface.
The key thing when using this grout cleaning methods is to start scrubbing the grout with a brush as soon as the foaming begins. It is quite effective and should not cause any safety concerns. Still, you will have to put a lot of hard work to get a good result and make sure that everyone will stay away until you are done with your work.
It is possible to use a commercial product designed especially for grout cleaning including one based on oxygen bleach. However, this should be done with extra caution. It’s recommended that you test the product on a small section of the floor, preferably behind a cabinet or an appliance, and apply it on both the tile and grout. The solution must stay on the grout for no more than ten to fifteen minutes. Thorough rinsing is required too. This is how you can ensure an optimal level of safety. When it comes to effectiveness, a strong commercial product should deal even with more stubborn dirt and stains, in particular.
