Over time, the tile grouting in your bathroom can become discolored and unappealing. Mildew, soap scum, and dirt accumulate in the crevices between tiles, making them appear dull and dirty.
However, there is no need to worry! By following our simple tip, you can restore your bathroom’s brilliantly clean and fresh-looking tile grouting.
A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning Tile Grout
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to help you give your grouted tiles a facelift. Our method only requires a few household items and a few hours of your time.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials for cleaning your grout. Most of these items should already be available in your home:
- A toothbrush or a small scrub brush
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Water
Step 2: Mix Your DIY Grout Cleaner
To ensure your grout gets as clean as possible, it’s helpful to use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water along with baking soda.
Follow these steps to prepare your homemade grout cleaner:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine baking soda and enough water to create a thick paste.
Tips for Choosing the Right Ratio
For optimal results, it’s best to stick with a 1:1 ratio when mixing both white vinegar and water and baking soda and water. As you mix these ingredients, make sure they create a thick paste. If the mixture is too runny or watery, it won’t stick to your grout.
Step 3: Apply the Grout Cleaner
Now that you’ve mixed up your grout cleaner, follow the steps below to apply it onto your tile grouting:
- Spray your vinegar and water solution directly onto the grout lines.
Let the solution sit for a moment to allow it to penetrate the grime built up in your grout.
- Using your toothbrush or small scrub brush, scoop some of your baking soda paste and apply it to the grout line.
- Gently scrub the grouted lines to work the paste into them.
- Continue applying the baking soda paste and scrubbing along the entire length of the grout.
As you apply the grout cleaner, you may notice it becoming discolored as it lifts away dirt and grime. This is completely normal and a sign that your cleaner is working.
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
Once you have applied the homemade grout cleaner and given it a thorough scrubbing, it’s time to rinse it away. Follow these steps to remove the cleaner from your grout:
- Fill a bucket with clean water.
- Soak a sponge or cloth in the water and wring out any excess moisture.
- Wipe down the grouted area to remove both the grout cleaner and the dirt it lifted.
- Rinse your sponge or cloth and continue to clean the area until all residue is removed.
If your grout is heavily stained, you may need to repeat this process in order to achieve the desired results. Patience is key, as it may take a few rounds of cleaning for your grout to appear sparkling clean.
Tile Grout Maintenance Going Forward
Maintaining a clean appearance for your bathroom tile grouting does not have to be a daunting task. Here are some tips for keeping your grout clean:
- Regularly wipe down tiled surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge to prevent buildup of soap scum and mildew.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing tools that can damage grout and discolor its appearance over time.
- Use a squeegee on glass shower doors after each use to remove excess moisture and lessen the chances of soap scum building up on tiles.
- Ventilate your bathroom by leaving the door open or using an exhaust fan to reduce humidity, which can exacerbate mildew growth.
By taking these simple steps to maintain your bathroom’s cleanliness, you can ensure that your grouted tile surfaces will look beautiful and sparkling for years to come.
And remember, should you notice your grout looking dull or dirty, simply follow our step-by-step guide to restore its gleaming appearance!
