Getting your tile and grout lines professionally cleaned is a great way to maintain the condition of your home and tiled surfaces. According to some studies, the air quality in your home can be 2 to 100 times more contaminated than the air quality outdoors. The accumulation of debris, dust, and pet dander in our homes can actually cause illnesses. Because of this reason, cleaning our homes is very important. It’s also crucial to clean areas we don’t normally think of, like our kitchen and bathroom tiles and grout lines. Here are some common tile and grout cleaning options.
Tile Cleaning Options
1. Hire a Professional
The most recommended tile and grout cleaning option is hiring a professional to do the work for you. Professional tile and grout cleaners have powerful products and equipment to fully clean your tiles without damaging the finish. The cleaning products they use are specially designed for tiles, which makes for a thorough deep clean. They have a cleaning checklist they stick to, to ensure each tile and grout line is entirely cleaned. Following the cleaning, the specialist will also apply a sealant to the tile to keep dirt and spills from entering the surface and causing permanent damage.
Depending on the material of the tile and grout, the cleaner may include chemicals that can be hazardous if not treated properly. Because of this reason, it’s important that tile and grout cleaning is only done by a trained and licensed professional. You want to hire a company that provides comprehensive tile and grout cleaning.
2. DIY – Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture
To begin cleaning your tiles, use a broom or vacuum to remove surface debris and dirt. Removing the large pieces of dirt before cleaning will allow for a more thorough clean of your tiles and grout lines. Next move on to wiping down the tile walls to remove any dust or dirt. Before moving on to cleaning the tile faces, you should target any noticeable stains. To eliminate grease and oil-based residue from grout, use hydrogen peroxide with a bit of dish soap and baking soda. Allow the solution to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing. Finally, scrub at the spots until they are gone.
After all the stains are gone, you can begin to clean the face of the tiles. Make another cleaning solution made up of hydrogen peroxide, a cleaning agent, and dish soap. Spray the solution onto the tiles and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Start scrubbing the tiles in a circular motion to remove all the dirt and grime. Note: The more vigorously you scrub, the deeper the solution will penetrate and break up dirt. However, be careful not to scrub too hard for fear of damaging to tile finish.
3. DIY – Vinegar Mixture
Begin this DIY cleaning option the same as the hydrogen peroxide solution. Vacuum up any loose dirt particles from the tiled surfaces. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the tiled walls to get rid of additional dust. Then, clean the area with a mix of hot water, soap, and vinegar. Allow the vinegar solution to sit for a few minutes to let the mixture soften any stains or persistent dirt particles. After the solution has sat, begin cleaning by using a soft-bristled brush to cleanse the area thoroughly. You want to clean the tiles in a circular motion and get into every crack and crevice.
Once the face of the tiles are cleaned, move onto the grout lines. Using the same hot water, soap, and vinegar mixture, spray down the grout and allow it to sit. Begin to scrub with a brush, trying to get into every little crevice. Tips: A toothbrush is a great tool to use to clean the grout lines because it can get into small spaces. An optional step is finish by applying a sealing coat to the tile and grout. This will help to prevent discolouration and staining of the tile.