How to Clean Grout in Tiles in Kitchen
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and it's important to keep it clean and tidy. Grout, the material used to fill the spaces between tiles, is often overlooked. However, it can get dirty quickly, making your kitchen look dull and unhygienic. Don't worry, cleaning grout is not as difficult as it may seem. Here's a simple guide to get your kitchen's tile grout sparkling clean:
What You'll Need:
- Cleaning Supplies:
- Baking soda: A natural and effective cleaning agent.
- White vinegar: Helps to loosen dirt and grime.
- Dish soap: For added cleaning power.
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional): For whitening grout.
- Bleach (optional): For deeper cleaning and sanitizing.
- Tools:
- Old toothbrush: Great for scrubbing tight spaces.
- Small scrub brush: For larger areas.
- Cleaning cloth: For wiping away dirt and residue.
- Bucket: For mixing cleaning solutions.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Masking tape: To protect surrounding surfaces.
Steps:
- Prepare the Area:
- Clear the area: Remove all items from the counter and surrounding areas.
- Protect surfaces: Use masking tape to protect any surfaces you don't want to get wet.
- Mix the Cleaning Solution:
- Baking soda and vinegar: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a bucket. The mixture will fizz, so work quickly.
- Dish soap: Add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture for extra cleaning power.
- Hydrogen peroxide: If you want to whiten the grout, add 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide.
- Bleach: For deep cleaning and sanitizing, add 1/4 cup of bleach. Be sure to use gloves and wear a mask when working with bleach.
- Apply the Cleaning Solution:
- Scrub: Dip your old toothbrush or scrub brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the grout lines.
- Work in sections: Clean small sections at a time for better results.
- Rinse and Dry:
- Rinse: Once the grout is clean, rinse the area with clean water.
- Dry: Use a clean cloth to dry the tiles and grout.
- Repeat if Necessary:
- Repeat the process: If the grout is still dirty, you can repeat the cleaning process.
- Seal (Optional):
- Protect your grout: You can apply a sealant to protect your grout from future staining and dirt. This is especially helpful in high-traffic areas.
Additional Tips:
- Pre-treat stubborn stains: For tough stains, try using a grout cleaner pen or a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush.
- Steam cleaning: For deeper cleaning, you can use a steam cleaner.
- Regular cleaning: To keep your grout clean, wipe down the tiles and grout regularly with a damp cloth.
By following these steps, you can easily clean the grout in your kitchen tiles and make them sparkle. Keep in mind that regular cleaning is key to preventing future dirt buildup.
