Tile is can be elegant, rustic, and everything in between. It can also be used throughout your home, from the kitchen to the bathroom, and more. It’s also very easy to clean, with one exception – the grout.
Grout is used anywhere there’s tile, and it almost always collects dirt and grime, and may even be home to mold. How do get rid of those unsightly stains? What is the best way to clean grout?
Check the Type of Grout
There are several different types of grouts used today and your cleaning method should match the type. Do you have sanded grout? Unsanded grout? Epoxy grout? Epoxy and some types of colored grout also hold up to staining better and are more likely to return to their normal color after a thorough cleaning.
Warm Water and a Stiff Brush
The simplest and most eco-friendly DIY solution is to use warm water and a good grout scrubber (medium-bristle). This should be able to loosen up most of your basic dirt, but it won’t get deep down grime and may not handle discoloration.
Vinegar and Warm Water
If you’re dealing with tougher staining, a 50/50 mix of vinegar and warm water might do the trick. Vinegar will also kill mold and mildew. Note that this should only be done with sealed grout. Never use it on unsealed grout
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another trick to try for very stubborn stains is to make a baking soda paste with water and then apply it to the grout. Once applied, spray it with vinegar. The mixture will foam up and then you can scrub it with your grout brush. Rinse it clean with fresh water.
Try a Steam Cleaner
If you are dealing with particularly stubborn stains, you can try steam. A steam cleaner, combined with vinegar, can be very effective at eliminating hard-to-remove stains. Of course, they are easier to use on flat surfaces than they are on walls or kitchen backsplashes, so you may still be in search of a viable option.
At Green-Gen Carpet and Fine Rug Cleaning, we have years of experience helping our customers remove deep-down stains from their tile grout, including mold. We use non-toxic but highly effective cleaning products and techniques to leave your grout looking as good as new. If you’re tired of ugly, dirty grout, contact us today for a free consultation.
