Your house Cleaning is incomplete without a thorough tile and Grout cleaning. Grout is a common problem that is often encountered when the tiles on the walls or the floor are not cleaned regularly. It looks bad and gives off a bad impression. A proper tile and grout cleaning is also necessary when you are moving out and need your security deposit back. This end of lease cleaning has to be carefully done and every corner of the house needs to be addressed.

What are some of the problems associated with tiles and grout?

Tiled surfaces in your kitchen or your bathrooms are very susceptible to exposed grout and mould. Frequent and proper tile and grout cleaning is necessary to keep your house sparkling clean. Spaces left between the tiles are breeding grounds for all kinds of germs and fungi. If ignored for a long enough time, these can become a health hazard as well. Generally speaking, dirty tiles and grout just don’t look good.

Some of the common problems that are resolved during tile and grout cleaning are listed below:

• Stains and residue: If water finds a way inside the tiles or behind the tiles, it can lead to a white residue on the surface. This is because the minerals, over time, build up and reach the surface. Another issue with tiles is that they get stained very easily. If tiles are not cleaned or wiped regularly, this mineral build up can also show through the grout filling between the tiles.
  
• Cloudy surface: The surface of the tiles can sometimes get cloudy or milky if the cleaning products used on it are of bad quality. Also, if only water is used to wipe the tiles, it can lead to this issue.
  
• Mould: Mould loves to grow in moist places and your bathroom and your kitchen are ideal places for this. There is enough heat and moisture to help the mould grow on top of the grout filling as well as on the floors. Cleaning products or scrubbing are not all helpful in dealing with mould problems. The leak has to be fixed and it is better to call in for professional help.
  
• Bad construction: If the tiles on your walls and your floors are not stuck tightly with the cement behind it, it can lead to water entering these small spaces and wreaking havoc. The solution to this problem is to hire good builders and supervise these minor details.
  
• Dirty tiles: A common problem, tiles get stained and collect dirt if left ignored. Using the right cleaning product to wipe or scrub the tiles is crucial.

9 Tile and Grout Cleaning Tips

To ensure that your kitchen cleaning or your house cleaning goes according to plan, one must be thorough and careful at the same time. Before we jump into the main topic let us see the different types of grout that are used to fill the spaces between tiles. This is important because cleaning techniques may differ from one type of grout to another.

• Sanded grout is used for filling large spaces and is made using cement. It has a very rough texture and should be avoided for polished floors. Sanded grout is usually used on surfaces which are used quite often.
• Unsanded grout also made with cement is used for narrower joints. It does not contain the rough grit and is therefore perfect for polished surfaces.
• Epoxy grout is ideal for bathrooms as it does not expand and contract much with the temperature. It also waterproofs the surface from the layer behind it. It does not crack easily but is more expensive than sanded or unsanded grout.

Now that we are well acquainted with the basic knowledge of the problems associated with tile and grout cleaning and the different kinds of grouting, let’s move ahead. Follow these 9 steps to find your way to a successful house cleaning with clean and shiny tiles.

Tip 1: Warm water and brush

The most basic and a pretty effective way to clean the dirt that collects between the tiles is to use warm water. Use a medium bristle brush that can be bought from a local store. Do not use a steel scrubber because it can damage the grout and leave exposed cracks between the surface. A circular motion is ideal for cleaning the dirt that is stuck on top of the grout. Ensure that you use a spray bottle for the warm water. Too much water can worsen the problem instead of solving it. It can lead to mould formation or mildew. Also, wipe off the water quickly for the same reason.

Tip 2: Warm water and vinegar

Most of the DIY cleaning solutions that you will find on the internet have vinegar as one of its ingredients. Vinegar is basic in nature as opposed to acidic and therefore works wonders on mould formation and dirt. Vinegar mixed with warm water can be sprayed on the surface of the tiles and the grout. After that, you can use a brush with stiff bristles to clean the surface and unlodge the dirt particles stuck between the tiles. Make sure that you do not use this solution on exposed grout (unsealed grout) because the vinegar can corrode it leaving behind gaps or cracks.

Tip 3: Use baking soda with vinegar

Mix some baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it on the grout linings. After that, spray the solution mentioned in tip 2 on top of this paste. When it starts to foam, use a stiff bristled brush to clean pesky stains and dirt stuck between the tiles. Again, it is better to use this on sealed grout. Unsealed grout can get exposed and corrode. This baking soda combination is even more corrosive than just vinegar so it is better to be careful and employ this technique only when the grout is sealed. This combination packs quite a punch and is really effective for your tile and grout cleaning.

Tip 4: Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is similar to baking soda and vinegar in action but is more effective on old stains and stubborn dirt chunks. You can get hydrogen peroxide from most chemists and it is ideal for moderate stains. One of the best things with hydrogen peroxide is that it can be used on unsealed grout as well. Therefore, you can apply the solution anywhere and get the desired results. However, if you are using this with vinegar, the same rules apply.

Tip 5: Use commercial grout cleaners

Although you can use DIY solutions, industrial or commercial grout cleaners are much more effective. You can use the branded ones or go food one of those off the shelf solutions. Although they work in the same way as your vinegar and baking soda solution, they are composed of more ingredients that solve the issue of corrosiveness and mould build up. These commercial grout cleaners are also quite effective for mould and mildew. You can use a soft bristled brush to clean dirt articles and stains on the tiles. Read the instructions before using any commercial products.

Tip 6: Steam house cleaning can also help

Steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to tackle dirty tiles on the floor. It is environment friendly and uses less water than your normal water+vinegar treatment. There is of course some moisture residue after you are done but it dries up quickly. Steam house or kitchen cleaning can deal with old stains and if you use cleaning solutions with it, it can do wonders. The only downside is that it is expensive and may require professional help. Even if you rent a steam machine, it will cost you some money. If your budget allows it and you frequently clean your tiled surfaces, you can buy a steam machine as well.

Tip 7: Chlorine bleach in small amounts

If you are dealing with extreme cases of dirt and mould build up on tiles and grout, you can use chlorine bleach to help you out. It is the most powerful answer to dirt particles stuck on the grout fillings. Chlorine bleach should be used in sparse amounts because it is very corrosive and eats away an entire layer of grout very easily. Do not use chlorine as your major cleaning product if you do your tile and grout cleaning frequently. Branded commercial chlorine bleaches are easily available in the market.

Tip 8: Keeping away mould on grout

After you are done with your tile and grout cleaning, it is important to take certain steps to ensure that the problem does not occur again. To increase the lifespan of your tiled surfaces, use a little bit of rubbing alcohol on the grout fillings. It keeps away mould and mildew and also temporarily seals the grout surface. You should also use a mild cleaning solution and use it weekly on the tiles of your kitchen and bathroom. For your kitchen tiles specifically, use a damp cloth to wipe away any grease or dirt that may accumulate from time to time.

Tip 9: Hire professional help

If things get overwhelming for you to clean or if the stains and the mould seem to be beyond ‘repair’, contact a house cleaning company to assist you. These experienced professionals are capable of cleaning your house completely. Tile and grout cleaning can specifically be done by house cleaners from time to time. This ensures that the job is done properly. Professional experts also have the appropriate equipment and the right cleaning supplies to help you with your tile and grout cleaning.

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