One of the most common problems with tiled walls and floors is the occurrence of stains. Stained grout can create an unattractive appearance and it devalues areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
You may have tried many cleaning agents and scrubbing brushes to get rid of the discoloration but to no avail. To help you restore the integrity and beauty of grouting, we look at the steps you can take to clean grout stains across tiles in the bathroom and the kitchen.
Why Does Grout Become Stained?
Grout is a porous material that will absorb moisture and stains very easily. Over time, regular foot traffic and dirt including sand and debris can wear at the surface and penetrate the grout. The use of chemicals such as bleach is not recommended because it can deteriorate grouting making it easier for dirt to stain it.
While regular maintenance and the use of mild cleaning products can help, it is hard to avoid stained grout. Let’s take a look at the steps that you can take to remove discoloration and restore tiled areas without damaging the tile itself.
For the best tile and grout cleaning Bakersfield professionals recommend the correct tools and preparation to achieve incredible results.
How to Clean Grout Stains?
An important tip for the installation of grout is to include product that is stain resistant or offers some form of stain resistance. Look for grout containing polymers, also known as epoxy grout, that provide some resistance against moisture and stains.
Sealed tiles will be harder to clean than unsealed surfaces so prepare for some elbow grease if you have previously sealed tiles. A mild sanding of the grout is necessary to remove any remaining sealant before proceeding with a clean.
Once you are ready to remove grout stains in the bathroom or the kitchen, the next step is to prepare with the necessary cleaning agents and tools.
Some of the basic items that you’ll need include:
- A scrubbing brush
- Grout cleaner
- A mop
The cleaning materials that are required include:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Oxygen bleach
You can also apply regular products such as white vinegar and baking soda.
The first step is to remove any surface dirt and debris by washing the tiles with warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush.
Once you have scrubbed the tiles, use a soft cloth to dry and polish the surface. It is important to use brushes with soft bristles as hard or steel bristles will simply damage the grout and tile.
Washing the tiles with warm soapy water is important but don’t soak the area. Grouting is porous and will simply absorb the excess moisture making it easier for dirt to penetrate.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
If you have white vinegar and baking soda in your pantry, these items can be used as cleaning agents but only on sealed tiles. Do not use vinegar on tiling that has never been sealed because it is an acid and will damage the grout and tiles.
To target stained grout, mix one part vinegar to one part water. Apply the baking soda to the grout lines and spray vinegar on the baking soda using a regular spray bottle. Leave the mixture on the grouting for a few minutes and then gently wipe it off with a cloth or sponge.
For tiles that haven’t been sealed, you can apply the baking soda to the grout without the vinegar. Spray the baking soda and then scrub with a soft-bristled brush to remove the dirt and stains.
How to Get Rid of Tough Grout Stains?
You can use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to get rid of tough grout stains. It is safe to use on unsealed grouting and it can lift and lighten stains easily and effectively.
When to Call on Grout Cleaning Experts?
If you’ve tried the steps mentioned above or you notice that the grout is starting to chip or wear in between the tiles, then it is best to contact a trusted and professional tile cleaner. Tile and grout cleaning services specialize in assessing the condition of the tiles and grout and applying the correct products and tools to eliminate dirt and stains. With the expertise of professional tile and grout cleaning Bakersfield homeowners can rest assured that their tiled walls and floors are restored to perfection.
