How to Clean Grout Between Tiles in Your Bathroom
Grout, the mortar used to fill the spaces between tiles, is a haven for dirt, grime, and mold. Over time, it can become discolored and make your bathroom look dingy. Thankfully, cleaning grout is a relatively simple task that can be done with a few common household supplies. Here's a step-by-step guide to get your bathroom grout sparkling clean:
What You'll Need:
- Cleaning solution: You can use a commercial grout cleaner, or make your own using baking soda, white vinegar, and water.
- Old toothbrush: This is perfect for scrubbing the grout lines.
- Cleaning cloth or sponge: For wiping away the cleaning solution and grime.
- Optional: Grout brush: This can be useful for reaching into tight spaces.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Area: Clear the area around the tiles of any obstacles like toiletries or towels.
- Pre-clean the Grout: Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove loose dirt and debris from the grout lines.
- Apply the Cleaning Solution: Apply your chosen cleaning solution to the grout lines, ensuring the entire area is covered.
- Commercial cleaners: Follow the instructions on the bottle.
- DIY cleaning solution: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.
- Scrub the Grout: Use your toothbrush or grout brush to scrub the grout lines vigorously, paying special attention to areas with visible stains or discoloration.
- Rinse the Grout: Rinse the grout lines thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaning solution and loosened grime.
- Dry the Area: Use a clean cloth or sponge to dry the grout and tiles.
- Repeat as Needed: For heavily stained grout, you may need to repeat steps 3-6.
Tips for Cleaning Grout:
- Wear gloves: Cleaning solutions can be harsh on your skin.
- Protect your clothes: Wear old clothes or an apron to avoid any stains.
- Work in small sections: This helps ensure that the cleaning solution stays wet while you're scrubbing.
- Use a gentle touch: Don't scrub too hard, as this can damage the grout.
- Consider using a grout sealer: Sealing your grout can help prevent dirt and grime from penetrating the surface and make it easier to clean in the future.
Preventing Grout Discoloration:
- Regular cleaning: Clean your grout regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up.
- Use a squeegee: After showering, use a squeegee to remove excess water from the tiles and prevent water from seeping into the grout lines.
- Ventilate your bathroom: Good ventilation helps to reduce moisture and mold growth.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can keep your bathroom grout clean and your bathroom looking fresh and inviting.
