Best Grout Cleaner
Grout is used to fill the space between the two tiles. It's actually a porous substance made up of Portland cement or furan resin. Grouts can keep the tiles firmly cemented, but it becomes a nuisance, when black outlines appear due to accumulation of dirt. We can always keep the tiles sparkling clean with everyday cleaning, but invariably, dirt gets collected in between the lines of the tiles. These unclean grouts can become a blemish on your stylish home decor. Even the best of tiles can look unattractive, as grouts are very much visible to the eyes. Grouts are the toughest to clean and many a time people wonder, what is the best grout cleaner for floors? Given below are some cleaners which will help to retain the attractiveness of your tiles.
Bleaching Products
If the dirt in the grout lines has accumulated over a long period of time, then bleaching products are the best. There are various types of bleaching agents that you can use. Oxygen bleach is a very strong cleaning agent, but it is harmless to the tiles and usually does not discolor any tiles. Applying oxygen bleach with hot or warm water and scrubbing the grouts will get rid of dark stains. The oxygen ions facilitate the breakdown of the heavy stains. Chlorine bleach can surely be effective. Mix some quantity of chlorine bleach and water and leave it on the tile grouts for few minutes. Scrubbing the tiles can also be effective. Do not use this bleaching agent on unsealed tiles, they may undergo mild discoloration due to chlorine. Hydrogen peroxide is another powerful and effective bleaching agent. Dilute it with water and then apply it on the stained grouts. Hydrogen peroxide can not only remove the dirt in the grouts, but being a mild disinfectant it can prevent further development of mildews and moles.
Baking Soda
Prepare a paste of baking soda with water and scrub it on the grout with a brush. Various grout cleaning brushes are available for dirt and mold removal. Baking soda can be used effectively with other agents for quickly getting rid of the grouts.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can make a thick paste of white vinegar and baking soda and then dilute it with water. Apply and leave this solution on stained grout for some time. Use a stiff bristled brush to scrub and a damp cloth to wipe away the solution. This has a very strong cleansing action and can get rid of stubborn stains.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
The combination of baking soda and lemon juice can work wonders in getting rid of the grout. Lemon juice is a natural cleanser and its acidic properties, along with mild abrasive nature of baking soda can effectively get rid of the dirt in the grouts.
Commercial Products
Many products are available in the market, which can be used everyday. But remember that, commercial tile and grout cleaners should have a neutral pH balance, as the harsh chemical products may discolor the tiles. It is always better to read the instructions before applying the product. You can also try it on a small area to check for any discoloration, before cleaning all the tile grouts with it. Various steam cleaners are also available, it can loosen the accumulated dirt and also get rid of the debris.
Apart from applying these cleaners, regularly clean the grout can be extremely beneficial in maintaining the shine and luster of your tiles.
