Keeping Your Tile and Grout Clean
Tile and grout can be problem cleaning areas, even for a professional. That once bright, white grout can become dingy with age and everyday dirt. For pet owners, the yellowing can become even more discolored due to the oil in your pet’s hair.
Tile and grout can be easily maintained with some simple house hold solutions and a little elbow grease. It will save you money on professional cleaning services.
Before using heavy duty commercial cleaners, we recommend using safer alternatives, especially in households with pets and/or small children.
Baking Soda Paste for Grout Maintenance
We recommend making a handy cleaning paste by adding a couple tablespoons of water to some baking soda. Using an old toothbrush, rub the paste into the grout and let sit for a few minutes. Wipe up with a damp cloth and continue to other problem areas. This is a cheap way to maintain the grout in between major cleanings.
Hydrogen Peroxide, the Bathroom Miracle Cleaner
Hydrogen peroxide is a must have for the bathroom or kitchen. It’s cheap, non-toxic and is a miracle cleaner for spills that can otherwise cause more severely stained tile and grout.
It’s effective for darker stains, such as those made by spilled juice or coffee. Pour the hydrogen peroxide on the tile and grout. Using a wet cloth, wipe up the stain and pay attention to the grout. A used toothbrush comes in handy for cleaning the grout in more problematic areas.
If the stain is an older one, let the hydrogen peroxide sit longer.
Add Lemon Juice to Mop Water for a Greater Shine
By adding 1/4 cup of lemon juice to mop water, kitchen tile and grout will sparkle and shine. Not only will tile be clean, it will smell nice too.
Prevent Mold and Mildew on Shower Tile
We recommend keeping bathrooms well ventilated to avoid excessive buildup of moisture, which will affect tile and grout.
Use a squeegee after each shower to remove excess water off tile and glass. Wipe any areas not squeegeed with a dry cloth to remove extra droplets. This will cut down cleaning time by removing water that leaves stains and soap scum.
Time to Call in the Big Guns
For tile and grout that has been left gray and dingy for a longer time frame, it may be time to use something more powerful. Caution should be used with the stronger cleaners along with gloves and proper eye protection.
Oxygen Bleach
Mix oxygen bleach with warm water and generously apply to stained areas. We suggest letting it sit and soak up the stain, about 20 minutes.
Cleaning in sections versus the whole area at once will provide a more uniform look. Using a scrub brush to work the oxygen bleach into the grout will ensure the grout gets as clean as the tile.
Once the tile and grout are cleaned, a damp mop should be used to go over the area, ensuring any excess bleach is removed.
With proper maintenance, tile and grout with stay as clean and white as the day it was installed. For those who’ve tried and still need a professional, call us and we’ll be happy to come out and apply our magic.
This can be a tedious job, don’t just leave this to just any carpet cleaning service, let our experienced team do it for you. Call us today!