Thursday, June 4, 2015

12 Grout Cleaning Tips and Solutions

Tile, whether on the floor or as a backsplash, can add beauty to your home. However, keeping that grout clean can sometimes be tricky. With the right cleaner and a little scrubbing though, you can get it looking fresh and new. While bathroom grout is typically affected by mold and mildew, kitchen grout could be subject to a combination of food stains, general household traffic and grime, and mildew. No matter what the cause of your dirty grout, start with a simple solution and only move up to the harsher chemicals if you're having trouble getting it clean. Floors for Less brings you a few grout cleaning tips along with some ideas of solutions to use!

Grout Cleaning Tips

  1. Start by just using warm water, this will remove any loose surface debris. Allow it to dry before proceeding with cleaners. 
  2. Never use bleach on colored grout, as it can become discolored. 
  3. Use a stiff brush for scrubbing the grout. While old toothbrushes are too soft, metal bristles can wear away the grout, so find a happy medium. 
  4. When using any chemicals to clean, make sure the room is well ventilated. 
  5. Use gloves and protective eye wear when working with any chemical-based cleaners. 
  6. Test your grout cleaning method in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it will not erode or damage the grout. 
  7. Never mix cleaners together because chemical reactions can cause noxious fumes or burns if the mixture touches the skin. 

Grout Cleaning Solutions

  1. Simple Household Solutions - Use vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water, or make a paste of baking soda and a bit of water to clean the grout with. 
  2. Generic Household Cleaners - Mr. Clean, Lysol, or powder-based cleaners can also work on tile grout.
  3. Steam Cleaning - If you own or have access to a steam cleaner, try using it on your grout. The pressure of the steam cleaner can loosen debris and stains that cleaners can't dissolve.
  4. Commercial Cleaners - Try to find a cleaner that is pH balanced so that the chemicals in the product won't erode the grout with continued use. To get the best result from a commercial cleaner, spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
  5. Bleach - For heavy duty stains, use even stronger products such as oxygen bleach powder, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorine bleach. These products should be well diluted before use. Be sure to read labels carefully and follow directions to the letter.

By following these tips above, you'll have your Madison tile floors and backsplashes looking as good as new in no time! However, if you're looking for some new flooring, stop by the showroom of our Wisconsin flooring company. We have many different tile, laminate, wood and carpet options to fit your individual needs!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI


1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200
Madison, WI 53713
Phone: 608-442-1200

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