How to Clean Tile Grout
Dirty grout can make even the cleanest bathroom or kitchen look dingy and unhygienic. Luckily, cleaning grout is a relatively easy task that can be accomplished with a few simple supplies and a little elbow grease. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your grout sparkling clean:
Gather Your Supplies:
- Cleaning solution: You can use a commercial grout cleaner, a homemade solution of baking soda and water, or a mixture of vinegar and water.
- Scrub brush: A grout brush with stiff bristles is ideal for scrubbing away dirt and grime.
- Old toothbrush: This is useful for getting into tight spaces and corners.
- Bucket: For mixing your cleaning solution and rinsing the grout.
- Microfiber cloth: For wiping away excess cleaning solution and drying the grout.
- Rubber gloves: To protect your hands from the cleaning solution.
- Optional: Grout sealer: To help prevent future staining and make cleaning easier.
Prepare the Area:
- Clear the area: Remove any items from the surface you're cleaning, such as towels, rugs, or furniture.
- Sweep or vacuum: Remove any loose dirt or debris from the floor or walls.
- Pre-soak the grout: If your grout is heavily soiled, you can pre-soak it with your cleaning solution for a few minutes to loosen the dirt.
Clean the Grout:
- Apply the cleaning solution: Apply your chosen cleaning solution to the grout lines using a scrub brush or old toothbrush.
- Scrub: Scrub the grout lines vigorously using circular motions. Focus on removing all dirt, grime, and mildew.
- Rinse: Rinse the grout lines thoroughly with clean water. You can use a bucket or a hose if necessary.
- Dry: Wipe the grout lines dry with a microfiber cloth.
Optional: Seal the Grout:
- Apply grout sealer: Once the grout is dry, you can apply a grout sealer to help prevent future staining and make cleaning easier.
- Follow instructions: Be sure to follow the instructions on the grout sealer product.
Tips for Cleaning Grout:
- Work in small sections: To avoid the cleaning solution from drying out, clean a small section of grout at a time.
- Use a toothbrush for tight spaces: An old toothbrush is perfect for reaching those hard-to-clean areas.
- Be patient: It may take several passes to remove all the dirt and grime.
- Test in a hidden area: Before applying any cleaning solution to a large area, test it in a hidden spot to make sure it doesn't damage the tile.
- Clean regularly: To prevent dirt and grime from building up, clean your grout regularly.
By following these steps, you can easily clean your grout and keep your bathroom or kitchen looking fresh and inviting.
