Grout. It’s a necessary evil we all must endure for the benefits of having tile in our homes. No matter how immaculately clean you keep your tiled surfaces your grout will always find a way to absorb dirt and stains. Getting it all clean again seems like a daunting task, but there are some ways to make it easier and more successful.
Tips to Cleaning Your Floor Tile’s Grout
Tile is a great flooring option – especially for homes where hardwood isn’t an option due to foot traffic, pets or even budget. With all the benefits of tile floor, there are a few things – namely one – that can be a bit of a hassle. That’s cleaning your grout. Never fear, as flooring professionals here in Austin, we know a thing or two about how to clean and maintain gorgeous grout lines even in the busiest of homes.
- Consider a Power Tool Brush
Our number one tip for you is to get a nylon brush attachment that is compatible with your power drill. For under ten dollars, you can get a lot of scrubbing power that doesn’t require nearly as much elbow grease as using a handheld brush. It is important that you use something with nylon bristles. Using anything more abrasive could damage the grout, and possibly your tile depending on the type. Using a soft cloth is also an option, but can be a bit of a longer process to see desired results.
- Use Solutions You Already Have in Your House
You probably already have the best product to use to get your grout clean, but it’s likely in your laundry room. It’s plain old OxyClean. It does a great job of removing stains and grime which is the main issue that needs to be addressed with grout. You can follow the product instructions when diluting the powder with water. If you want a little extra boost of stain removing power double the amount of OxyClean powder.
Once you have your solution mixed up the easiest application is to use a paint brush or a toothbrush to apply it directly to your grout lines. This keeps you from having a completely wet floor and is less wasteful. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes before you grab your scrub brush. Go over each line a few times, but let your drill do most of the work. Afterwards, your floor will need to be rinsed well with water. You can do this with a wet cloth, or with a mop. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to see the full results until the floor has dried completely, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a big difference immediately.Want to talk through options for resealing grout, or re-grouting your tile with a darker color? If so, or if you have questions about maintenance, or get in touch with us.
