When you do a walk-through of your home, you’ll likely find grout, a cement-based material, in several rooms. The grout is commonly used to fill the joints between tiles and is often found in shower enclosures, bathroom floors, kitchen backsplashes and other tiled surfaces throughout the home. Keeping it clean is a crucial part of making sure it can do its job effectively.
Sweep the Grout Before Cleaning
Always sweep or vacuum the tile surfaces before you apply your grout cleaner. By removing hair and loose dirt, you’re making it much easier for the cleaner to dissolve the more stubborn stains from mold, soap scum and hard water deposits. Plus, by getting rid of the loose debris, like sand and grit, you’re reducing the odds of scratching the tile as you’re cleaning.
Use a pH-Neutral Grout Cleaner
Just because a household cleaner says it can get rid of any stain doesn’t mean you should use it on grout. Products with a high amount of bleach or ammonia in them will end up causing more harm than good. They may remove a stubborn stain, but they will also weaken the grout material over time, leading to cracking, crumbling and other forms of deterioration.
Cleaners with a neutral pH balance are the best types to use since they loosen dirt and grime without damaging the grout. Let the cleaner sit about 5 to 10 minutes before you start scrubbing. This gives the solution plenty of time to loosen as much dirt and grime as possible, making the cleaning process much more efficient and effective.
Don’t Use Metal or Abrasive Brushes
Metal brushes and abrasive cleaning pads will scratch the surrounding tile. They can also loosen the grout itself. This is why experts recommend using soft-bristle toothbrushes or microfiber scrubbing pads when cleaning between the tiles. As you’re scrubbing, make sure to apply light pressure instead of pushing down as hard as you can so you don’t accidentally create places where moisture can seep in.
Dry the Area Thoroughly After You’re Finished
Once you’re finished cleaning the grout, dry the area thoroughly using a clean towel. The last thing you want is for your newly cleaned grout to stay moist for an extended period of time, which increases the risk of mold growth and other deterioration. If the room has an exhaust fan or a dehumidifier, turn it on to help pull out as much moisture as possible while the grout dries.
If there’s a stain that won’t go away, you may need to replace the grout rather than trying to clean it. And you’ll probably want to hire a professional tile contractor to do this so the new grout is installed correctly and provides a long-lasting, watertight seal. If you live in Bellingham, MA or a surrounding area and need grout cleaning services, make your first call to J Brian Day.
