Tile can be cleaned and polished easily, but grout in between is different. Sometimes, you'll have to repaint the entire grout. You don't need any special equipment to clean the grout. In fact, you may already have one at home. If you choose to recolor your grout, it's best to buy a special type of paint.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning Dirty Grout
Step 1. Start with warm water and a nylon brush
Sometimes, a little water and a brush are enough to clean the grout. Simply pour warm water over the grout, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush in a circular motion. This step is enough to remove light dirt, and restore the white color of the grout.
- For heavier stains, add a few drops of dish soap to warm water.
- Try to use a special brush to clean the grout. If you don't have one, use an old toothbrush or manicure brush. However, do not use a wire brush, as this can damage the grout.
Step 2. Use a vinegar solution for mildew stains
Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and warm water in a balanced ratio (1:1). Spray the mixture on the stained area, wait 5 minutes, then scrub with a stiff bristle brush. If needed, rinse the area with warm water.
Do not use this method if the tiles are made of marble or natural stone as they can be damaged by vinegar
Step 3. Use a paste of baking soda and water mixture for heavier stains
Mix water with baking soda to make a thick paste. Spread this paste over the dirty area, scrub with a stiff bristle brush, then rinse with warm water.
You can also spray a balanced solution of water and white vinegar on the baking soda paste. When it stops hissing and foaming, scrub the area with a stiff-bristled brush
Step 4. Use hydrogen peroxide on strong stains
You can spray hydrogen peroxide directly on the stained area, or make a paste using baking soda. After that, wait a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff bristle brush. Rinse with water when finished.
Hydrogen peroxide is effective at cleaning blood stains
Step 5. Use a commercial "oxygen bleach" cleaner
Look for a product that claims to clean grout, or that says "oxygen bleach". Turn on the bathroom fan or open a window, and put on gloves. Use the product according to the instructions on the packaging. Most products will need to be left on for 10-15 minutes, which is then scrubbed off with a stiff-bristled brush. When you're done, rinse off the cleaner with warm water.
Popular brands of these cleansers include: Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus, Clorox, OxiClean, and OxiMagic
Step 6. Steam the grout until it returns to its original color
Start by setting the steam pressure to the lowest setting, and gradually increase it to a high setting if needed. Use the brush head for stubborn stains.
Steam cleaning uses absolutely no cleaners. Instead, it uses steam and pressure to blow away dirt and oil
Step 7. Use bleach diluted with water in extreme cases
Turn on the bathroom fan or open a window. Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and used clothing. Next, fill the spray bottle with 1/11 bleach and 10/11 water. Spray the solution onto the dirty grout and wait 2 minutes. Scrub the area with a stiff-bristled brush, then rinse with water.
Use bleach with caution if the bath is made of porcelain. Bleach can cause porcelain to turn yellow or crack
Step 8. Try baking soda and whitening paste in extreme cases
Mix 2/3 baking soda with 1/3 bleach to make a thick paste. Spread the paste on the dirty grout and wait for 5-10 minutes. When it's time, rinse the pasta with water.
While mixing bleach with other chemicals is usually dangerous, a mixture of bleach and baking soda is considered quite safe. Many people actually claim that the cleaning properties of both are increasing
Method 2 of 2: Painting the Nat White
Step 1. Purchase white grout paint
You can find grout paint at a hardware or home supply store. This paint may also be labeled "grout colorant". These paints usually contain an epoxy and are very durable. Paint grout is not the same as stain grout, which is usually clear and not white.
- Depending on the color of the grout, the white grout may appear slightly darker when it hardens.
- If the tile is very dark, the white grout may appear too light. Try choosing a light gray or pale white.
Step 2. Prepare the tiles and grout
Fill the gouged area with grout, and let it harden. If you need to seal the tile, do so now, but try not to get the sealer on the grout. The sealer will make it difficult for the grout paint to stick. It's also a good idea to make sure the grout is clean, and free of oil, food, soap, or dirt.
If you are washing tiles, make sure they are completely dry before proceeding
Step 3. Prepare a small paint brush and paint tray
The brush should be small enough to fit into the grout line. You can even use an old toothbrush. Cheap paint brushes sold at hardware stores are ideal for this step. You'll also need a paint tray, or another small container to hold the paint.
- If you're worried about the bristles falling out and sticking to the grout, use a foam brush instead. Make sure it's the same width as the grout line.
- Consider trimming the bristles slightly so they are stiffer. This will give you better control over the brush.
- Another option is to use a small paint applicator wheel. This tool allows you to paint easily and accurately.
Step 4. Pour the paint into the paint tray
Pour less than expected; You can add it later. If you use too much, the paint will dry on the tray before you can use it all.
Step 5. Apply the paint in a long back and forth motion
Dip the tip of the brush into the paint tray to pick up some paint. Gently run along the grout. Be careful not to paint the tiles. If so, the paint can be cleaned; but it's even better if you don't need to clean anything.
The grout paint will only stick to the grout and can be removed from the tile. If you're concerned, cover the tile with masking tape
Step 6. Wipe off excess paint from the tile with a damp cloth
If the paint dries on the tile, scrape it off with your fingernail. You can also use a putty knife or an old spoon.
Step 7. Wait for the paint to dry before applying a second coat
Depending on the brand of paint, you may need to wait 1 hour or more. Read the label on the paint package to determine the dry time of the paint. The paint must be completely dry before the second coat can be applied.
Step 8. Allow the paint to harden if needed, before the area can be reused
Depending on the brand you're using, you'll need to allow the paint to harden before reapplying the tiled area. Some paints just need to dry.
It's a good idea to let the paint dry more than the recommended time to make sure it's completely dry
Step 9. Consider sealing the grout with a grout sealer
This product helps paint last and stay clean longer, and is easier to clean in the future.
Tips
- Keep your bathroom grout clean by spraying it 2-3 times a week with a mixture of white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. The vinegar will kill all the fungus.
- Spray rubbing alcohol in the shower once a week to kill mold.
- Seal the new grout with a grout sealer 10-14 days after the grout has hardened. This seal will protect the grout from stains and make it easier to clean.
- The grout usually appears darker when wet. If the grout isn't as white as you'd like it to be, try waiting for it to dry before determining if the grout needs cleaning and scrubbing again.
Warning
- Do not mix bleach with other household cleaning products. Chemical reactions that occur can produce harmful gases.
- When dealing with bleach and other household cleaners, make sure the room is well ventilated. You should also wear gloves, long-sleeved shoulders, long pants, and safety glasses. There will be a lot of splatter when you scrub the grout.
- Do not use a wire brush. This brush is too hard on the grout and can scratch it and the surrounding tiles. Instead, choose a nylon brush.
- Do not use vinegar on marble and natural stone tiles as this can damage them.
