Tile grout is designed to highlight, frame, and accentuate tile on the walls and floors of a home. Over time though, this stunning design feature can turn into a sponge for grease, mold, and stains that make your home look dirtier than it actually is. Rather than redoing your grout every few years, you can follow the simple steps below on how to keep tile grout clean no matter what.
Place Rugs in Strategic Areas
Rugs are more than just design accents in a room. They serve a purpose in places with tile floors. By strategically placing these rugs in places where people walk, cook, stand (near the toilet or bathtub), etc., you can catch a lot of liquids before they reach the grout. It’s a lot easier to throw a rug into the washing machine than it is to get on your hands and knees to scrub tile grout. Think about where you have the most trouble keeping your grout clean, and try to get rugs to fill those spaces, if possible.
Sweep and Mop Regularly
Sweeping and mopping your floors can prevent grime from building up on your grout. You will still notice staining over time, but that timeframe will be a lot longer if you keep your floors clean as a whole. If you have a sudden spill or make a mess while cooking, clean it up right away to protect your grout. The time you spend here will save you a great deal of time cleaning later on.
Clean Your Grout Lines Every 3-6 Months
In addition to mopping and sweeping on a regular basis, you should spend some time scrubbing your tile grout at least once every 3-6 months. The length of time between cleanings will depend on how often you use the space and how prone it is to getting dirty. The type of cleaner you use will also be dependent on the color of grout you have in your home. If you have white grout, you can use a bleach based product (or make one of your own) to scrub away the stains and brighten the grout lines. If you have colored grout, you will need to use chemicals that will not scrub off or dilute the grout color.
No matter what cleaning chemicals you decide to use, you should invest in a scrubbing brush to use while you clean. The wires on the brush will break away dirt and debris stuck in the pores of the grout. This is something that a rag or mop won’t be able to do. Follow the instructions on the chemicals with regards to how long to let the solution sit on the grout line, and then scrub away accordingly.
Refinish Your Tile and Cover the Grout
If you want to avoid this hassle altogether, you could consider tile refinishing. This process adds a fresh coating to the top of your tile, allowing you to change the color and cover up old stains left behind. Your grout will be covered during the process, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning it in the future. You’ll still have the look of grout lines, but the grout itself will be made of the same durable, stain resistant coating that’s on the tile. This is a cost-effective procedure that can take years off your kitchen or bathroom.
For more information about tile refinishing, feel free to contact the team here at Maryland Tub and Tile.
