You might love your beautiful tile floors, but what about the grout? For most homeowners, grout is more of an annoyance than an asset. It can collect stains and mar the look of your floors. Luckily, there are easy ways to clean your grout and get it looking like new – and then keep it that way. Start with these simple everyday grout cleaning tips.
Daily Wet Mop
Spotless grout and tile floors require light daily maintenance. Swipe a mop, wipe, or sponge across your tile floors with just water every day to remove dirt and debris. Leaving debris on your tile floors allows longer-lasting stains to form, as feet will grind the dirt down into the grout. Mopping lightly every day to combat dirt can make a big difference in the look and cleanliness of your grout.
Invest in Powdered Oxygen Bleach
Powdered oxygen bleach is non-toxic, with no harmful fumes. It’s also color-safe. This “magic” cleaner for grout removes grease and food stains from tile and grout without a lot of scrubbing. Simply mix oxygen bleach with warm water (according to package directions) and stir until it dissolves.
Pour the solution onto the part of the grout you wish to clean. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. Pour more if the grout absorbs all of the mixture, keeping liquid covering the grout. The longer you let it sit, the better it works. The oxygen ions break down the stain molecules for up to six hours! Mop your floors with the solution after a deep clean to keep your grout like new.
Clean Floors after Showers and Baths
Part of what discolors grout in the bathroom is condensation that collects on the tiles from baths and showers. A daily quick-clean routine after you bathe can prevent many stains and discoloration from ruining your tile floors. It might seem like a bit of a hassle, but it can ultimately save you effort in the long run.
After you bathe, use a squeegee across your tile floors to remove excess water. Then, spray tiles with a mild shower cleaner (you can make your own using a 4:1 ratio of water to vinegar) and wipe them down. This will help keep your tiles and grout clean in the bathroom.
Don’t Make Common Mistakes
When trying to clean your grout, never use acid-based products or cleaners. The acid can break down the grout between your tiles. Don’t clean your grout on brand-new floors until you’re sure it has completely cured. Avoid common grout-cleaning mistakes, get professional tips, and enjoy tile and grout that are spick-and-span.
For questions about your tile floors or more information about a professional cleaning service, contact Professional Surface Restoration
