Clean grout enhances the beauty of your tile flooring and backsplash, but grout doesn’t stay clean for long. Everything from soap residue and mildew in the bathroom to grease and food splatters in the kitchen make grout dirty fast.
Even grout on a regularly cleaned tile floor will grow increasingly dirty over time. So, how do you clean grout thoroughly and with minimal time and effort required?
What Is Grout, and Why Does It Get Dirty?
Regardless of whether your home has sanded or unsanded grout, this hard material is porous. The tiny crevices in the grout collect and retain moisture. This moisture can quickly lead to mold and mildew growth.
In addition, small particles of dirt, dust and other debris collect in grout pores. Once embedded, this debris is difficult to remove. Simply mopping the floor or wiping down the backsplash won’t remove the grime.
Everyday Cleaning for Light Dirt
The best way to prevent ground-in dirt and stains on your grout is to clean the area lightly every day. In the kitchen, wipe down the backsplash after every food prep session.
For the flooring, sweep loose debris in high-traffic areas daily. In bathrooms, use a dry towel to wipe off excess moisture and soap residue after every shower. These simple steps will keep your grout cleaner for longer.
Deep Cleaning Grout at Home
Even when you do regular light cleaning, your grout lines will continue to grow dirtier. As a result, special deep cleaning steps are needed. Avoid using harsh chemicals, including bleach and ammonia, to clean grout. These chemicals can cause grout to deteriorate.
Vinegar is commonly used as an alternative to these chemicals, but it should not be used on grout either. It contains acetic acid which can result in damage with frequent use.
The best way to deep clean grout is with warm water, liquid dish soap and a clean toothbrush. Pour the soapy water in a spray bottle, and lightly spritz the grout. Then, scrub the grout clean. Use a damp cloth to remove the soap residue.
If the grout remains discolored, make a cleaning paste using distilled water and baking soda. Use the toothbrush to scrub the grout with the paste. Let the paste sit on the grout for 20 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Grout
While you don’t want to use bleach or vinegar to clean grout regularly, it can be used on rare occasions when you are dealing with mold and mildew. For bleach, dilute one part bleach with four parts water.
If you choose to clean with vinegar, make a 50-50 solution with vinegar and water. Spritz the cleaner onto the grout. Only allow the solution to sit on the tile for five minutes. Then, scrub the grout and rinse it off with fresh water.
When to Reseal or Replace Grout
Grout should be replaced when it is chipped or severely cracked. It can also be replaced if you are unable to remove the stains or discoloration through deep cleaning. Grout should be sealed within a few days after it is installed.
Grout should be resealed twice a year in high-traffic areas or annually in low-traffic areas. You should thoroughly deep clean the grout first. Wait 24 hours after deep cleaning it before applying the grout sealant.
FAQs
How often should I clean grout?
Grout requires regular cleaning. When you clean the tile weekly, pay attention to the grout as well. For weekly cleaning, use soap, water and a soft-bristle scrub brush. Deep cleaning grout is recommended every six to 12 months.
Why does grout turn yellow or black?
If grout turns yellow, it typically means that you have hard water residue. However, some types of mold and mildew can turn grout yellow. Soap scum and body oils may also be to blame. Black spots on grout typically indicate mold growth.
How do I keep grout clean longer?
Grout will stay cleaner longer if you take daily steps. Wipe down the backsplash in the kitchen after every use. In the bathroom, dry off the shower backsplash after showering. For tile flooring, sweep up loose debris daily.
Cleaning grout is a major project that can leave you feeling sore, exhausted and frustrated. Rather than doing the hard work yourself, you can take the easy path to a cleaner home by calling Cleanzen. To book professional cleaning services in Boston with our cleaning experts, contact us today.
