How to Clean Grout Between Bathroom Tiles
Grout, the mortar used to fill the spaces between bathroom tiles, can easily become stained and discolored over time. This can make your bathroom look dingy and unhygienic. Luckily, cleaning grout is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean grout between bathroom tiles:
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:
- A cleaning solution: You can use a commercial grout cleaner, baking soda, or a mixture of vinegar and water.
- A stiff-bristled brush: A toothbrush or an old grout brush will work well.
- A bucket: For mixing your cleaning solution.
- A sponge: To rinse the grout.
- Old towels: To dry the tiles and grout.
- Rubber gloves: To protect your hands.
- Optional: A grout sealer for long-lasting protection.
2. Prepare the Area
- Clear the area around your tiles. Remove any items that might be in the way, such as toiletries, towels, or rugs.
- Pre-clean the tiles: Give your tiles a quick scrub with a cleaning solution and a sponge. This will help remove any loose dirt or debris.
3. Apply the Cleaning Solution
- Commercial grout cleaner: Follow the instructions on the product label.
- Baking soda: Mix a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the grout with an old toothbrush.
- Vinegar and water: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply it to the grout with an old toothbrush.
4. Scrub the Grout
- Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the grout thoroughly. Work in small sections, and be sure to apply some pressure to remove stubborn stains.
- Let the solution sit for a few minutes: This will allow the cleaning agents to penetrate the grout.
5. Rinse the Grout
- Use a sponge to rinse the grout with clean water.
- Wipe down the tiles with a clean sponge to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
6. Dry the Tiles and Grout
- Use old towels to dry the tiles and grout thoroughly.
7. Seal the Grout (Optional)
- Apply a grout sealer to protect the grout from future stains.
- Follow the instructions on the sealer product label.
Tips for Cleaning Grout:
- Work in small sections: This will make the task less overwhelming.
- Be patient: Cleaning grout can take some time.
- Don't be afraid to use a little elbow grease: You may need to scrub vigorously to remove stubborn stains.
- Ventilate the area: Wear gloves to protect your hands and open a window to ventilate the room while cleaning.
- Repeat as needed: You may need to clean your grout more often if you have a lot of foot traffic or if you live in a humid climate.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your bathroom grout clean and looking its best.
