Tile is a beautiful detail to add to a room. It is easy to clean. However, the stuff that binds the tiles is quite a tricky matter. Experts share how to clean the grout out of any spot in the home, so it just leaves a beautiful tile.
According to Bailey Carson, a home care expert specializing in grout projects, grout is the mixture of cement, water, and color pigments that binds things together during construction projects. It is typically used between tiles, bathroom floors, entryway doors, kitchen backsplashes, and shower doors.
Grout and its culprit
Since grouts are porous, dirt, molds, and grime tend to stick to them quickly. Most dirt comes from the shoes if the tile is located in the entryway.
If it is in the bathroom or kitchen sink, the culprit is most probably mildew and molds as there are increased humidity and moisture in these rooms.
Experts recommend cleaning the grout right away since it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, grime, and dirt.
Tackling stubborn grout
Express recommends using a toothbrush or cleaning brush for cleaning yellowing grout. Other materials include:
- Sponge or towel
- Safety razor
- Broom or vacuum
- Steam mops (optional)
Carson advised that before starting the cleaning, mops, rags, or any dirty piece of cleaning equipment must be avoided when cleaning the grout. He also advised steering clear of mop and bucket as these just spread the dirt around the floor. It also scrubs the grime deeper into the grout between the tiles.
Instead, he recommended using an old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush to scrub the tiles.
If the dirty grout is particularly stubborn, he recommends using a razor to remove the excess dirt. Once the residue is gone, Carson said to sweep or vacuum the residue, wipe everything down, and enjoy the clean floors.
Cleaning Yellow Grout
When getting rid of a grout turned yellow, the cleaner may follow the razor step by spraying the surface with a non-abrasive, non-bleach degreaser.
The cleaner can make the home solution from equal parts ammonia and water. They can use a spray bottle with hot water to soak the grout. When the grout looks white, a final rinse with hot water is needed.
Cleaning molds from grout
According to Rainbow Chalk, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and utility rooms are the perfect breeding places for molds that thrive in moist conditions. Black molds refer to different species of fungi which can spread through the entire room very quickly, usually at 24 to 48 hours.
Black molds usually release damp smells that are not harmful themselves. However, it emits toxins into surrounding rooms. The toxins can cause respiratory problems, asthma attacks, and other ailments. Prolonged exposure can cause black mold poisoning.
The home cleaner may use regular domestic bleach to get rid of this kind of mold. Expert cleaners recommend wearing masks to avoid inhaling fumes and open windows for proper ventilation when cleaning.
Other than bleach, experts also recommend using half a cup of baking soda with four teaspoons of water. The paste may be applied to the grout directly and sit for 15 minutes. Scrubbing the mold with an old toothbrush and rinsing it with warm water would finally do the trick.
