One of the dirtiest places in your house is your bathroom, and one of the dirtiest places in your bathroom is your tile grout. The “grout” is the adhesive material used to keep your bathroom floor tiles and shower tiles in place. It’s essentially a fine cement-like product that acts as a water-proof barrier between your tiles.
There are many reasons why bathroom tile grout can become dirty.
- Moisture: Because bathrooms are frequently damp and humid, grout can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. The grout may become stained and dirty as a result.
- Soap and shampoo residue: If soap and shampoo are not thoroughly rinsed off, they may leave a residue on the grout lines that will draw dirt and grime.
- Hard water: Over time, deposits from water with a high mineral content can be left on grout, giving it a dirty, discolored appearance.
- Usage and traffic: Because of frequent use and foot traffic, the grout in bathroom tiles may become stained over time.
- Lack of maintenance: If the grout isn’t cleaned frequently, dirt and grime can accumulate over time and cause it to look dirty and discolored.
It’s crucial to maintain a clean, dry environment and to regularly clean the grout lines with a cleaning agent made specifically for grout if you want to avoid bathroom tile grout becoming dirty. Applying a grout sealer can also aid in preventing stains and discoloration of the grout.
If you’re noticing that your grout is dirty, and want to take a stab at cleaning the area, you’ll need the following materials:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- A spray bottle
- A tiny bowl
- A toothbrush or grout brush
- A rag or clean, dry cloth
Steps to Cleaning Bathroom Tile Grout
- First, make a paste by combining baking soda and water. To make a thick paste, combine 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water in a small bowl.
- The grout will receive the paste. Make sure to completely cover the grout lines with paste as you apply it.
- Then, vinegar should be sprayed. Spray white vinegar into a spray bottle and onto the baking soda paste. As the vinegar and baking soda interact, the mixture will begin to bubble and fizz.
- Polish the grout. Scrub the grout lines with a toothbrush or grout brush. The vinegar and baking soda will help bubble, liquifying dirt and grime, making it easier to scrub away.
- Using water, rinse. Rinse the area with water after cleaning the grout lines to get rid of any paste or residue that may have remained.
- Dry off the area. To completely dry the area, use a clean, dry cloth or rag.
Additional Tips
- Before scrubbing the grout, you might want to let the baking soda and vinegar solution sit on the stain for a few minutes
- In order to create a more powerful cleaning solution, you can also try substituting vinegar with hydrogen peroxide
- Consider sealing the grout after cleaning to prevent future grime accumulation
You should be able to thoroughly clean bathroom tile grout with the help of these procedures and materials