Nothing can distract from a gorgeous tiling job more than unsightly, stained grout. Whether it happens to be in your kitchen, your bathroom, or even your flooring, dirty grout can make your home look dingy, and your tile work look tired. If you have ever tried to clean your grout yourself, you also know that it is no easy task. Even with store-bought cleaning solutions, a humble sponge, and a lot of elbow grease, it can be frustrating to see your efforts produce such diminishing results. Well, you should know that grout cleaning is not an easy job, and a lot of people turn to professional services to bring their tile work back to its glory days. Still, there are some do-it-yourself (DIY) methods that are worth looking into.
Identify Which Type of Grout You Are Dealing With
Before you get started on trying to restore your grout, you should first identify which type of grout you are dealing with. Unsanded grout is made with cement and does not contain any grit. This makes it ideal for vertical surfaces as well as smooth tiles (it is commonly used in bathrooms). Sanded grout is more durable due its grit, and makes sense for flooring (it’s not used with smooth tiles as it can lead to scratches). Epoxy grout is strong and more water-resistant. It’s also easier to clean and looks good in kitchen areas.
Scrubbing Grout with a Bristle Brush
A medium-bristle nylon brush can be an effective tool for cleaning different types of grout. You can try using warm water to loosen up dirt and other debris. Work the brush in circular motions and give the water time to dry. Remember, if you have sanded or unsanded grout, too much water can cause mold and mildew.
The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
Another option you can try for cleaning your grout the DIY way is by using baking soda and vinegar. Coat your grout lines with a combination of baking soda and water, which will form a paste. Then spray a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and warm water on the covered areas. (Note: You should only do this if your grout is sealed.) You can then let the vinegar and baking soda combination sit for about five minutes before washing it away with warm water.
Working with Hydrogen Peroxide
If you have really stubborn grout stains, you can try using hydrogen peroxide to loosen them up. You can buy basic hydrogen peroxide at the store and apply it to your grout lines. Once you’ve coated the area, you can then smooth it away with a medium-bristle brush.
Get Professional Grout Cleaning Services from Our Team
If at-home methods simply are not getting the job done, you may want to turn to a professional cleaning service to freshen up your grout. At CBC Cleaning and Construction, we can thoroughly remove dirt and stains before using a steam-cleaning method to refresh your tile and grout. If you would like to learn more about our services, or schedule an in-home consultation,contact us. You can also send us an email through our site.