What Are The Best Ways To Clean And Brighten Bathroom Tiles And Grout?

Use these simple methods to rejuvenate bathroom tiles and grout and make them look new again. Bathrooms are a magnet for grime and mould due to germs that thrive ...

Use these simple methods to rejuvenate bathroom tiles and grout and make them look new again.

Bathrooms are a magnet for grime and mould due to germs that thrive in a warm, humid environment. Germs flourish in the moist corners of a bathroom shower, on the bathroom tiles, and within the porous grouts made of concrete. Another common source of staining in a shower is rust or lime build-up caused by hard water, which deposits on the tile and porous grout and results in discoloured stains.

Follow these tips to clean bathroom tiles and grout in your bathroom and make them sparkling clean.

How to clean bathroom tiles

• Bathroom tiles should be cleaned at least once a week to eliminate mould and grime.

• When cleaning the bathroom tiles, the first step is to sweep every nook and cranny of the floor and then damp wipe the floor and wall tiles with warm water.

• It is advisable to use a steamer to clean the tiles as it will help to loosen the hard and stubborn grime that may be present on the tiles and the grout.

How to clean grout on tiles

When removing stains or cleaning grout on tiles, spray the cleaner directly on the wall or a damp sponge, cloth, or brush. If you’re using vinegar or any liquid cleaner, transfer the liquid to a clean spray bottle, allow the solution to sit briefly, and then scrub with the brush, ensuring the bristles reach the grout. To preserve the safety of tiles and grout, refrain from using wire brushes or steel wool that may cause damage to the surfaces.

Some of the tried and tested methods of cleaning grout are as follows:

Hot Water Spray

A warm water spray is one of the mildest cleaners for tile grout. You can spray the water onto the tiled surface and scrub the grout lines with a soft bristle brush followed by a dry wipe.

Steam Cleaners

You can also consider steam cleaners, as they are an effective and eco-friendly way to clean grout lines. Note that hot steam flows into the recessed grout lines to loosen all the dirt, grime, and grease to clean the tiled surfaces.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a gentle acid and extremely effective against various microbes. It can also help tackle some of the milder hard water stains. So, a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water can effectively eliminate dirt and minor stains from grout lines. Apply the diluted vinegar solution onto the grout lines, allowing it to sit for at least five minutes. Use a sturdy brush to scrub the grout, then rinse the area with warm water. It is important to dilute the vinegar as its high acidity can potentially harm the tile and grout.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

A widely recognised household solution for tackling stubborn stains in tile grout involves creating a paste by combining baking soda with water and vinegar. Apply this paste to the grout lines and spray a mixture comprising equal portions of vinegar and warm water to create the baking soda paste.

As a chemical reaction occurs between the baking soda and vinegar, bubbles will emerge on the surface, eventually transforming into a dense foamy blend. After the bubble formation subsides, use an old brush to scrub away the accumulation from the grout and finish by rinsing with warm water.

Hydrogen Peroxide

For moderate stains on tile grout, utilise a hydrogen peroxide solution by spraying it onto the grout lines to eliminate dirt and stains effectively. Scrub the grout with a bristle brush, followed by rinsing with warm water and wiping.

Alternatively, you can create a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply this paste directly onto the tile grout, allowing it to sit for a period. Clean the grout lines with a brush and rinse the tiled surface with warm water.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

As a part of your regular cleaning routine, you can clean bathroom tiles by spraying a mixture of diluted vinegar onto the grout at least once a week and then wiping it with warm water.

You can also apply sealers to the grout lines to fill the pores and maintain the cleanliness of the grout lines. However, ensure that the grout is completely dry before applying the grout sealer.