How many rooms in our homes are floored with tile and grout? Even in kitchens and bathrooms, the tile placement can be found on the walls as well as the floors. It doesn’t seem to matter how much elbow grease and sweat we produce; sometimes that tile, and more specifically the grout, still looks dingy or engrossed with mildew. No matter how beautifully and freshly cleaned a tiled room is, if that tile and grout looks filthy and disgusting; so will the whole room.
ADC Carpet Cleaning Specialists have prepared a few tips to keep that tile looking sparkling:
Bleach and Baking Soda Method. This method should only be done on white grout and tile, as bleach will remove colors. Remember to practice safety precautions when handling bleach. Wear clothes that you don’t mind if bleach finds its way there. Rubber gloves are recommended along with safety goggles, and it is recommended to open a window. Once your safety preparations are made, mix 3/4 cup baking soda to 1/4 cup of bleach in a bucket and stir together until the consistency is a paste. Apply to grout and wait 15 minutes. Using a stiff tooth brush or scrub brush, work the mixture into the grout using a circular motion. Once you have finished, let the scrubbed in formula continue its magic for 10 more minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Method. This mixture is better on the simpler stains, but is color safe. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply generously to tile and grout. Let stand five minutes. Add mixture to baking soda until you achieve a paste form. Apply generously, concentrating on the grout. After the bubbles have stopped, scrub and rinse clean.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Method. Hydrogen peroxide can help on tougher stains. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, apply to grout, allow mixture to stand fifteen min scrub and rinse with warm water.
On a side note for those who prefer purchasing store bought cleaners, DO NOT MIX CHEMICALS. Mixing chemical cleaners together can be dangerous and hazardous to your health.
Steam Cleaner Methods. If you have access to a steam cleaner, or care to rent one, this method might be a good choice. Be sure to use manufacturer’s directions for proper use. Careful application is needed on loose, cracked or broken tiles, as using the steam cleaner can make it worse.
No matter on your cleaning products and methods of choice, keep in mind these four tips:
1. Clean your tile and grout with warm water prior to using any cleaning formulas as this can remove the top layer of dirt.
2. Remember to avoid bleach or bleach products on colored grout.
3. Always do a test patch with ANY mixtures; whether they be home made or store bought, to ensure it will not alter your shade of grout. Put the test area in a corner at the bottom where it won’t be noticeable should your grout be compromised.
4. Remember to not mix cleaners, some chemicals do not get along and could be dangerous.
Professional Tile & Grout Cleaning & Sealing in Herndon, Ashburn, Leesburg, Winchester & Stephens City VA, Martinsburg WV & Hagerstown MD
Using a professional technician can greatly improve the shine and quality of your grout and tile. In those cases where there isn’t enough cleaners or home formulas or when your blood, sweat and tears have gotten you nowhere, the specialists at ADC Carpet Cleaning can use the right equipment and the best detergents to get your tile and grout looking like new among our many services.
