If you have tiled floors at home, you have probably wondered how to clean tile grout properly. Grout may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in how clean and fresh your floors look. Over time, grout lines can become stained or mouldy, making your floor appear dirty even after mopping.
In this blog, we'll explore how to clean tile grout using simple and effective methods. We will explain why grout gets so dirty, recommend the best cleaners, and guide you through a step by step process that professionals use.
Want your tiles to look like new without spending hours scrubbing? Get in touch with our team today for expert cleaning support and a free quote with no pressure to commit.
Why Does Grout Get So Dirty and Hard to Clean?
Grout is made from a mix of sand and water, which gives it a rough and absorbent texture. Because of this, it easily soaks up liquids and collects dirt over time. When newly applied, grout looks clean and fresh. However, as weeks and months go by, it can start to look stained and discoloured, especially in areas that are used often.
The trouble is, grout sits lower than your tiles, which means it tends to trap anything that spills or washes over it. Moisture, cleaning products, soap and everyday grime can all build up in those narrow lines. Although it may seem tough to remove the dirt, it is possible with the right approach. A bit of effort and the correct method can help bring your floor grout back to life.
What is the Best Cleaner for Floor Tile Grout?
You don’t need strong chemicals to clean grout at home. A simple mix of white vinegar and water works well for most tiled floors. For more stubborn stains, you can first apply a paste made from bicarbonate of soda, then follow up with the vinegar solution.
Before you begin, check if the grout is sealed, as vinegar can damage unsealed grout. To do this, drop a little water on the grout. If the water stays on the surface without soaking in or darkening the area, the grout is sealed and safe to clean.
However, if the water soaks in, it means the grout is unsealed, so it’s better to use a gentler, pH-neutral cleaner. After cleaning, rinse the floor with warm water to wash away any leftover residue.
How to Clean Tile Grout? Try 4 Easy Steps
Cleaning grout may take a bit of effort, but the results are worth it. Follow these simple steps to freshen up your tile floors using items you probably already have at home.
What You’ll Need
- A stiff-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Water
- Cleaning gloves (recommended)
Step One – Apply the Paste
Mix bicarbonate of soda with water until it forms a thick paste. Spread the paste onto the grout using your brush or gloved fingers. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes so it can start breaking down the dirt.
Step Two – Add the Vinegar Solution
In a spray bottle, mix equal parts vinegar and water. Spray this over the paste. It will bubble as it reacts, helping to lift grime from the grout lines.
Step Three – Scrub the Grout
Once the bubbling stops, scrub the grout with your brush. Focus on areas with heavy staining and apply a bit of pressure to loosen the dirt properly.
Step Four – Rinse the Area
Rinse the floor well using plain water. You can use a mop, but make sure the water stays clean throughout. Avoid using soap, as it can leave residue in the grout and attract more dirt over time.
What to Do If Your Grout Still Looks Dirty After Cleaning?
If grout still appears dirty or stained after cleaning, it may be due to a buildup of grime that has settled deep into the surface over time. Grout tends to soak up dirt, moisture, and spills easily, which can make it difficult to clean thoroughly. Mild cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda may not always be strong enough to remove deeply embedded stains. In such cases, using a stronger solution such as oxygen bleach, a commercial grout cleaner, or a steam cleaner can often provide better results.
When home cleaning methods are not effective, calling a professional may be the best option. Professional cleaners have access to high-powered equipment and specialised products designed to tackle tough grout stains. They can remove long-term buildup more thoroughly and may also offer services like grout sealing or recolouring to improve the appearance further. Although this involves a cost, it can be worthwhile for restoring grout in areas that are heavily stained or difficult to clean.
Do Professionals Use a Different Method to Clean Tile Grout?
Hiring a professional grout cleaning service not only gives better results, but also helps avoid damage to your tiles. Being an expercianced cleaning service provider we follow a safe and effective five-step method using non-toxic products and advanced tools.
Step 1 – Area Check and Setup
We begin by inspecting the space to identify any problem areas. Then we move any furniture and protect nearby surfaces like carpets or wood flooring.
Step 2 – Remove Loose Dirt
Next, we vacuum the floor to lift dry dust and debris before applying any cleaning solution.
Step 3 – Apply Cleaning Spray
We use top-grade cleaning products and spray the full tiled area to loosen dirt stuck in the grout.
Step 4 – Deep Clean with Hot Water or Steam
Using professional tools, we clean the floor thoroughly with hot water or steam. This also rinses the surface and helps restore balance to the floor’s surface.
Step 5 – Seal the Grout (Optional)
If needed, we apply a sealer to protect the grout and make future cleaning easier. It also helps keep the grout looking clean for longer.
The key difference is that professionals use stronger tools, expert techniques, and safer products to deliver a deeper clean than standard home methods.
Conclusion!
Keeping grout clean can be tricky, but with the right method, tools, and regular care, your tile floors can look fresh again. From simple home solutions like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to expert deep cleaning, there’s always a way to bring your grout back to life.
However, if stubborn stains remain or you’d rather not tackle it yourself, let the professionals step in. Perfect Clean offers expert tile and grout cleaning using safe products and proven techniques. Get in touch today and let us take the hassle out of keeping your floors spotless.
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