Have you ever wondered what are the best white grout cleaners available today? White grout looks lovely whether you use it in the bathroom or your kitchen. But let’s admit it, it can be a painful sight when it gets dirty.
Tile grout should be deep cleaned every four months. For some grout types, six months is good to maintain its pristine looks. If you are not a fan of deep cleaning, using sealants and regular cleaning can make your life less stressful.
Housekeeping Tips Oak Park IL: Maintain Tile Grouts
What Are Tile Grouts?
Years ago, grouts were made by mixing sand and cement. However, the more modern grouts use latex and other polymers, making it more stain-resistant. This doesn’t mean that you can stay away from cleaning because it will still get dirty.
What Happens to Your White Grout When Left Uncleaned
If you do not maintain your grout or use a good white grout cleaner, it might appear brown, gray or even black. Whatever color it is, it can be disgusting. The discoloration is due to dirt and food particles that have accumulated over time. For bathrooms, it’s more likely because of mold.
Create Your Own White Grout Cleaner
There are several white grout cleaners available today and you can opt to buy those. But if you are switching to a more sustainable lifestyle, you can actually create your own cleaners. Here are a few that have worked for us.
DIY White Grout Cleaner 1
- ½ baking soda
- ⅓ ammonia
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 7 cups warm water
You can transfer the solution to a spray bottle and apply it to your grout. Let it sit for several minutes or an hour, depending on the stain or dirt. You can use your old toothbrush or small brush to remove the discoloration. Rinse it properly and wipe it dry.
DIY White Grout Cleaner 2
- water
- powdered oxygen bleach
Another great solution for your dirty white grout is mixing water and powdered oxygen bleach. This is non-toxic and perfect if you live with children or the elderly. Apply the solution to the grout when it is dry and make sure that it soaks well. You can let it sit for 15 minutes but we recommend waiting longer for better results. You can then start scrubbing until you are satisfied. Don’t forget to rinse and dry it when done.
DIY White Grout Cleaner 3
- lemon juice
- white vinegar
You can use either lemon juice or white vinegar as an alternative for white grout cleaners. You need to apply these directly to the stains and it should do its magic naturally. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before you scrub your grout with a small brush. Rinse and dry.
DIY White Grout Cleaner 4
- hydrogen peroxide
- baking soda
For moderate stains, you might want to use hydrogen peroxide. These are readily available in drug stores and you can use these straight from the containers. For others, they make a paste by mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide before applying it to the tile grout.
Now that we’ve shared some of our best home remedies, let us give you a few more tips on how you can clean your white grout.
Use Steam First in Your Bathroom
When you are about to clean your bathroom, it’s easier to remove the dirt when you steam the entire area first. You can do this by opening the hot water and letting it flow for about five minutes. Wait for 20 minutes and you will notice that cleaning your tiles and tile grout will be easier.
Know How To Scrub Properly
To effectively remove stains from your grout, you should also know how to scrub properly. Instead of going back and forth, you can do so in a circular motion.
Don’t Forget To Kill the Mold
Bathroom grouts are prone to having mold because of the hot and humid conditions. You can simply use bleach for this. Also, don’t forget to open your windows or fan so you can lower your room’s humidity.
Always Start With the Mildest Solutions
Remember this. When you have a cleaning project, always use the mildest solutions first. In addition, you should test it first in areas that are hidden. For tile grouts, you can apply it under an appliance or behind your toilet. That way, if it doesn’t work well, the damage won’t be obvious.
When To Add Sealers to Your Grout
Most people seal their grouts once a year. Others are doing it twice a year depending on the foot traffic. This adds protection to your grout and makes it easier for cleaning. It’s important to wait at least 24 hours after cleaning before applying the sealant. This ensures that the grout is completely dry.
Using Tile Grout Pens
For tile grout discoloration, you probably think that the best and cheapest option is to use tile grout pens. These are effective but only for a short time. If you are after a temporary remedy, then feel free to use grout pens. But if you are after a long-term solution, cleaning the grouts properly should be the first option.
Should You Use Commercial White Grout Cleaners?
There’s nothing wrong if you want to use commercial products. Most of these are proven to be effective. Some of these white grout cleaners promise to work even without scrubbing and that can be tempting to use. However, these contain harsh chemicals which you have to watch out for.
Before using any commercial white grout cleaners, read the ingredients and carefully follow the instructions. Not doing so can cause injuries.
Get Helping Hands Oak Park IL To Clean Your White Grout
If you do not have the time to apply our suggestions or to work on your grout yourself, worry no more. Here at Helping Hands Cleaning Services in Oak Park IL, we have the best cleaning professionals that can make your home sparkling clean. We’ll ensure that all dirt and discoloration will be removed from your tile grout.
Book an appointment with us right now. Call 630- 530 – 1324 or request a quote from us.