Tile is probably one of the most annoying things to clean but after its done, the results can be delightfully dramatic. Whether you’ve got tile floors, bathroom tile, or kitchen backsplashes, the grout between tiles can become pretty filthy over time. With the right cleaning products and a bit of elbow grease, you can get your grout looking renewed and brand new.

There really is no way to prevent tile grout from getting dirty once its already soiled but if you have new grout or recently replaced grout, you can use a grout sealer approximately 10-14 days after the grout cures. Most grout is sanded. Since the main ingredient is sand, grout by itself tends to be pretty porous. Applying grout sealer is a precautionary measure in ensuring that your tile grout stays clean. Applying grout sealer is a tedious task but one that must be done if you want to prevent grimy grout. Sometimes it takes more than one coat of grout sealant but it beats having to scrub grubby grout every couple of months.

For lightly stained grout, you could get away with using simple household items like vinegar or baking soda. You can dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water. You can also make a paste out of baking soda and bit of water. Choose a stiff brush with no metal bristles for scrubbing. Unlike how our mothers taught us, old toothbrushes do not do the trick because they have become soft over time. You will want to ensure your scrubbing in small circles to remove more debris from the grout. Household cleaners such as Mr. Clean, Lysol, Comet, or powder-based cleaners can also work on tile grout. You would use the same as directed above for vinegar or baking soda, and make sure you are rinsing the grout well after cleaning. Allow the area to dry before attempting to clean it again because this will remove any loose surface debris.

For heavily stained tile grout, you will have to use stronger household chemicals such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide. There are some heavy duty cleaners on the market as well specifically for grout but make sure you are reading the labels carefully and not mixing dangerous chemicals. A common rule to remember is to never use bleach on colored grout because the grout will become discolored. Sometimes your grout is so stained that there is no cleaning it and the only solution left is to replace it. Tile stores will either sell or rent you the tools needed to remove the grout, but this can become a tedious and costly task. In this process, you would have to run the tool along the grout, taking care not to scratch the surrounding tile. You would then clean the spaces between the tiles with a strong cleaning solution. Afterwards, you will apply new grout and then seal it to avoid any future headaches.

If you desire results without remodeling or scrubbing your life away, Inside Homes Cleaning & More offers a grout renewal solution that can dramatically change the appearance of your grout and provide a nice seal to keep out bacteria. Grimy grout makes the whole room look grungy. By taking care of your grout, you will notice the whole room appears brighter. Cleaning or changing your grout can liven up any room, especially if you’re looking for non-expensive update. It’s amazing how changing one tiny aspect can change your entire perception of a room. Contact us today to speak to one of our tile cleaning experts!