Grout is one of the toughest materials in your home. From muddy boots to wine spills, it can withstand many of life’s harshest moments. But, because of its durability, you might forget that it also needs a little special attention, and that’s what we’re going to talk about here.
What to Avoid
Any cleaner that is safe to use on your specific tile is safe to use on grout. Just be sure to avoid steel brushes or steel wool since this could damage the grout.
Regular Cleaning
We spend a lot of time during a home remodel selecting the perfect items for your home. To protect your investment, you will obviously want to keep everything looking its best. Regular cleaning is essential to keep things in our home healthy and to help them last a long time. Cleaning tile floors, shower walls, or backsplash weekly or bi-weekly is the best way to keep your grout clean and fresh.
Deep Cleaning
If your tile is in a high traffic area you might have to deal with some stains or decolorization in your grout. You can get that grout looking brand new again with a bit of elbow grease and some items you probably already have on hand.
First, combine a mixture of 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide. Spread it onto the grout where it is stained – or all over if you’re going for a deep clean. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. Then scrub with a toothbrush or another soft bristle brush. Scrub the mixture into the grout in gentle circular motions. When finished, use a damp soft sponge and thoroughly rinse off the cleaning mixture.
IMPORTANT: Before using this cleaning method, always check if products are safe to use on your specific type of tile. Some types of tile are more sensitive and you would then need to use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning methods on both your tile and the grout.
Sealing Grout
Sealing your grout the best defense against future stains and damage to the grout. How often it needs to be sealed will be determined by the type of sealer used and the type of grout. Once you know what kind of grout you have and which sealer is best, create a routine of sealing your grout on a regular basis. Check the directions on the package for recommendations.
It’s essential to understand how to properly care for the things in your home, and learning how to clean and protect these materials is a necessary part of being a responsible homeowner.