Keeping your kitchen, bathroom and entryway tiles and grout clean will make your home look beautiful and neat. With multiple cleaning products and tools in the market today, it is imperative to know the best components to use to avoid damaging grout. 

Fortunately, there are excellent products and tools that you can use to pull out deep grout from light-coloured or wide areas of grout. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your grout without damaging it. 

Cleaning Tools and Products You Need

•    Warm water
•    Baking soda
•    Hydrogen peroxide
•    Wet clean cloth
•    Apple cider vinegar
•    Mixing bowl
•    Bleach cleaner
•    Spray bottle
•    Grout sealer
•    Firm brush 

Step 1: Divide the Grout

For effective cleaning, begin by dividing the grout surface you want to clean into different sections based on the size of the area. This will help you to clean the grout effectively without leaving out some areas. 

Step 2: Wipe the Grout

Use a damp cloth to wipe the grout as you remove dirt and dust. Doing so will ease the cleaning process. If there are old and built-up stains, you may need to spend more time cleaning them until the surface is clear. 

Step 3: Mix the Cleaning Products 

Now, it is time to mix your cleaning substances. The quantity depends on the size of the grout you will be cleaning. Mix the apportion of the baking soda with water until it dissolves fully. If the grout is discoloured, use vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to remove the stains. 

Step 4: Spray the Cleaning Solution 

Spray the solution from one portion to another until you’re done with the entire surface. Apply the solution on every grout line using a grout brush. Be careful when applying the solution and avoid overdoing it because the vinegar can stain the tile if it spills over. 

Step 5: Scrub Each Portion

Begin scrubbing the grout from one portion to another using a firm grout brush. Scrub in a circular motion until the grout comes out entirely. Let the surface dry off before you proceed. 

Sometimes, it may not be possible to remove stubborn stains from the grout easily. In this case, mix a portion of baking soda with water, rub it on the surface and scrub it until you see a change. Clean the area with a damp cloth and let it dry off. 

Stain Still Won’t Budge? 

If you’ve done all you could and the stains remain, it could be because of nasty mould and mildew. You need to devise a better way to clean and remove the stains. In this case, commercial cleaning products will be an ideal solution to your problem. 

It’d be best to contact a professional cleaner to advise you on the best cleaning products to use. A cleaner may advise you to use oxygenated bleach since it is more effective than chlorine bleach. 

Remember, such cleaning products are more effective, but they can also be a health hazard if you do not use them well. So, it would be best if you ventilated the area well. 

Open all windows and doors open before you spray the bleaching substance on the floor. This will allow easy circulation of fresh air within the room as you clean the grout. 

The Don’ts of Cleaning Grout 

Here are the don’ts to avoid damaging your tiles and grout.
•    Don’t use bleach without seeking advice from a cleaning professional.
•    Don’t use steel wool to scrub because it will change the surface finishing.
•    Don’t use coloured cleaners, since they can discolour the tiles and grout.
•    Avoid applying excessive water because it can penetrate the porous surface and attract mould and mildew accumulation.
•    Avoid using scented cleaning substances because they can trap dirt in the grout and tile. 

The Bottom Line 

Cleaning your grout can be daunting and time-consuming. If you do not have the time and expertise to clean the grout, it’d be best to hire a professional cleaner to do the task for you. A cleaner understands the best cleaning products and tools and will leave your grout sparkling clean.