How to Clean Grout on Floor Tiles in the UK
Grout is the mortar used to fill the gaps between floor tiles, and over time, it can become discoloured, stained, and even mouldy. This can make your floor look dirty and unhygienic, even if the tiles themselves are clean. But don't worry, cleaning grout is a relatively simple process, and with the right tools and techniques, you can restore your floor to its former glory.
Materials You'll Need:
- Cleaning Supplies:
- Grout cleaner: There are many different grout cleaners available on the market, so choose one that is specifically designed for your type of grout.
- Bleach: If your grout is heavily stained, you may need to use bleach to remove the stains.
- White vinegar: Vinegar is a natural cleaner and can be used to remove dirt and grime.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help to remove stains.
- Dish soap: Dish soap can be used to help loosen dirt and grime.
- Rubber gloves: To protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
- Old toothbrush: To scrub the grout.
- Small brush or scrub brush: For scrubbing larger areas.
- Bucket: To mix cleaning solutions.
- Microfibre cloth or sponge: For wiping away cleaning solutions.
- Old towel: To dry the floor.
Steps:
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Prepare the Area:
- Clear the Area: Remove any furniture or objects from the area where you will be cleaning.
- Vacuum or Sweep: Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove any loose dirt or debris.
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Choose Your Cleaning Solution:
- Commercial Grout Cleaner: Follow the instructions on the bottle for diluting and applying the cleaner.
- DIY Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. Alternatively, you can make a paste of baking soda and water.
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Apply the Cleaning Solution:
- Apply to Grout Lines: Using an old toothbrush or small brush, apply the cleaning solution to the grout lines.
- Let it Sit: Allow the cleaning solution to sit for a few minutes.
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Scrub the Grout:
- Scrub with a Brush: Using a firm brush, scrub the grout lines to remove dirt and grime.
- Rinse: Rinse the grout lines with water and wipe away any remaining cleaning solution.
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Repeat if Necessary:
- Re-apply Solution: If the grout is still dirty, repeat steps 3 and 4.
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Dry the Floor:
- Dry with a Towel: Use an old towel to dry the floor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Protect your floor: Before using any harsh chemicals, test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the floor to make sure it does not damage the tiles.
- Use a grout sealer: After cleaning the grout, consider applying a grout sealer to help protect it from stains and dirt.
- Regular cleaning: Cleaning your grout regularly will help to prevent it from becoming stained and discolored.
By following these steps and using the right cleaning products, you can easily restore your floor tiles to their former glory!
