Have you noticed that the grout between your bathroom or kitchen tile isn’t the vibrant, bright color it used to be? Now, it may be much darker than before, and no matter how much cleaning you do, you can’t seem to get the grout as clean as it was when it was first installed.
Getting your tile and grout professionally cleaned or restored will undoubtedly bring the results you want.
However, having professionals clean your grout each time it gets dirty can become costly. So, how can you keep grout clean between professional cleanings? Keep reading to explore how grout gets dirty, how professionals restore it to its original color, and how you can use grout cleaning methods to save money.
How Grout Gets Dirty
One of the best ways to keep grout clean is to know what it is and how it gets dirty in the first place. If you look closely at the tiles in your bathroom or kitchen, you will notice a space between them. This space is filled with something known as grout. Grout may come in various colors, but the most common is white or a variation of white.
If your tile is on the floor, the most common way that floor tile grout gets dirty is by walking on it. Over time, foot traffic can turn white grout a darker color. Spills from wine, soda, or other colored drinks can also discolor your grout. If your tile is on the walls of your shower, it could become dirty from soap scum, dirt, and mold. Finally, if the tile is on the walls of your kitchen, it can get dirty from various things, including food from the stove or stuff that is flung out of your sink while washing dishes.
How Professionals Clean Dirty Grout Lines
Hiring a professional for grout cleaning is the best way to go if you want to eliminate stubborn stains. However, professional cleanings could cost a few hundred dollars each time. If you have the money for a professional cleaning, you should get it. A professional cleaning can make your floors and shower walls look brand new.
So, what do professionals do to make your grout look spectacular?
They typically start with vacuuming loose dirt. Then, they will mop the floor to remove any stains. They may use a vinegar and water solution or a commercial-strength solution specially formulated for grout. This is followed by using a commercial grade steam cleaner, special equipment which will help give your tile floors a deep clean and get dirt out of the crevices of the grout.
After steaming the floors, they will allow them to dry. Once it’s completely dry, you will see a dramatic difference after they remove grout stains. Sealer is also applied depending on the type of floor you have.
Best Way to Clean Grout
So, do you want to keep your grout clean between professional cleanings?
You can always use a commercial grout cleaner, such as Black Diamond or Zep grout cleaner. Some commercial cleaners may come as a spray or a gel. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product and wear latex or rubber gloves, a mask, and eye protection as you clean. Additionally, you may need to purchase special cleaning supplies, such as a grout brush, to scrub grout lines.
If you don’t want commercial grout cleaners, you can always make a homemade grout cleaner.
• White Vinegar
One way to clean your grout is to create a solution of one part vinegar and one part water. Place this solution in a spray bottle and spray the grout lines. Allow the solution to sit for about five minutes. Then, use a grout brush to clean the grout lines. Once you’ve cleaned to your satisfaction, rinse the solution away with clear water. Repeat the process if necessary.
• Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
You may already know that baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth. It can also work wonders on your grout. Combine a half cup of baking soda with one-fourth cup of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Apply it to the grout lines. After five minutes, wipe away the paste with a damp towel or sponge. For tougher stains, use a grout brush and gently scrub the paste into the grout. Wipe away the solution and allow it to dry.
• Dish Detergent and Rubbing Alcohol
Start by combining one part isopropyl alcohol, one part Dawn dish detergent, and two parts warm water. Dip a grout brush in the solution and scrape the grout line. Allow the solution to do the hard work. After about 15 seconds, you should start to see the dirt lifting. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the solution and move on to the next area. For best results, work in small sections. Repeat the process as necessary.
After cleaning grout, you may also want to apply a grout sealer to protect your grout from stains. This is especially critical in high-traffic areas of your home or rooms with plenty of moisture. Before using any grout cleaners, you should always do a small test area to ensure that the product you use won’t damage the floors. This is especially important if you have natural stone floors. Acidic cleaners may etch the natural stone, so proceed with caution.
Cleaning your stone floors yourself may save you money, but it may be time for you to get professional floor care. Our stone floor restoration team is ready to restore your floors to their original luster. Call today for an appointment.
You Can Count on the Professionals
Restore-A-Floor in Brighton is a professional stone floor restoration and tile cleaning company in Michigan that has been reviving floors, walls, and counters for decades. Our unrivaled stone refinishing techniques and tailored grout cleaning methods cater to all types of stone and tile, making use of top-of-the-line industry products. The results are impressive and long-lasting and If your tile and stone floors need some attention, now is a great time to schedule a Free Estimate before the Holiday rush begins!