How to Clean Grout Between Bathroom Floor Tiles
Grout is a porous material that readily absorbs dirt, grime, and mildew, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. A dirty grout line can make your bathroom look dingy and unhygienic. Thankfully, cleaning grout is a relatively easy task that can be done with a few simple supplies and a bit of elbow grease.
What You'll Need:
- Cleaning solution: You can use a commercial grout cleaner, a homemade solution of baking soda and water, or a mixture of white vinegar and water.
- Scrubbing brush: A stiff-bristled brush will be most effective for removing stubborn dirt.
- Old toothbrush: This is helpful for getting into the tight spaces between tiles.
- Microfiber cloth: This will be used for wiping away the cleaning solution and dirt.
- Bucket: This will be used for mixing your cleaning solution.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from harsh cleaning solutions.
- Optional: Grout sealer: This will help protect your grout from future staining and make it easier to clean.
Cleaning Your Grout:
- Prepare the area: Clear the bathroom floor of any objects or furniture.
- Mix your cleaning solution: Follow the instructions on your chosen cleaning solution. If using baking soda and water, mix a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. If using white vinegar and water, mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water.
- Apply the cleaning solution: Apply the cleaning solution to the grout lines using a scrub brush or an old toothbrush.
- Scrub: Scrub the grout lines vigorously to remove dirt and grime. Pay extra attention to areas that are particularly dirty.
- Rinse: Once you have scrubbed the entire bathroom floor, rinse the grout lines with clean water.
- Dry: Use a microfiber cloth to dry the grout lines thoroughly.
- Apply grout sealer (optional): If desired, apply a grout sealer to protect your grout from future staining.
Tips for Cleaning Grout:
- Pre-soak: For heavily soiled grout, pre-soak the area with water before applying the cleaning solution.
- Use a steam cleaner: A steam cleaner can be very effective at removing dirt and grime from grout.
- Use a toothbrush: An old toothbrush is perfect for getting into the tight spaces between tiles.
- Work in sections: Don't try to clean the entire bathroom floor at once. Work in smaller sections for easier management.
- Clean regularly: Cleaning your grout regularly will help prevent it from becoming too dirty and make it easier to clean in the future.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your bathroom floor grout clean and looking its best. Remember to choose a cleaning solution that is safe for your tile and grout and always wear gloves when handling cleaning chemicals.
