Cleaning the grout and tiles is one of the least pleasurable home maintenance tasks. There is a good pay-off, but it is one of those tasks that has a hard time getting scratched off the to-do list. However, just because it is a dreaded chore doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, a proper cleaning – if done well enough – can help prevent not only unsightly joint lines, but also avoid mildew and mold which can collect on these surfaces and cause premature deterioration. Any moist surface, like the bathroom floor or ceiling, are prime areas for these types of growth. Kitchen tiles and grout lines can also become dirty from oils and other spills during the normal course of use.
The grout is one of those things that you shouldn’t notice, if it is done well and kept clean. The trend for finer joint lines and matching grout color make keeping it clean even more important. With the proper tools, a regular cleaning schedule and a proper grout cleaner, it is easy to clean your tiles and grout to make them look great with little effort.
If the surfaces only show early signs of discoloration, you do not need to buy a synthetic chemical tile grout cleaner. Just use a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to clean the grease, grime and dirt that get into those cracks and crevices. You name it, kitchen counters, floors, shower walls and bathroom floors can all be cleaned this way. Besides being cheap alternative to commercial products, they are safer to use and are non-toxic to the environment. As an eco-friendly product, this can be used often with no ill effects. A paste with baking soda is a good option to deal with more stubborn areas. This paste will be very helpful to remove those more difficult stains. Use an old toothbrush in order to get in all corners and crannies of your grout surfaces, while using your own prepared cleaning solution.
There are situations when you may need more heavy duty cleaning products. This situation is more common if an area has been neglected for some time. It is possible that you may need a commercial tile cleaner from time to time. It is meant to remove and kill bacteria and that difficult to remove stain, mildew and mold residue. Moreover, you can also use it on surfaces that come in contact with food – just make sure to do a thorough cleaning with a non-toxic product before use for food preparation. There is no need for additional supplies in many cases. Just spray the bottle on the designated area and let the cleaner do the work. A grout pen is very useful little device to handle some touch-up or little spaces. If tackled properly, cleaning tile and grout is not a big job.
