Unfortunately, tile joints in kitchens and bathrooms get dirty quickly. When the once bright, fresh tile grout looks more green and mouldy - then it's high time to clean the tile grout. Hello Clean has gathered the best tips in the business (using things you already have at home), to give new life to your bathroom and kitchen grout!
Joint cleaning 5 effective tips
It has become increasingly popular in the cleaning industry to clean tiles using sustainable methods, such as products like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Not only does this contribute to a more sustainable environment, but it is almost always cheaper than harsh cleaners. But sometimes you have to buy the strong stuff (if the dirt is really ingrained), so here are both eco-smart housewife tricks and really effective tips for cleaning tile grout in kitchens and bathrooms.
1. clean with bleach
Chlorine is a wonder product when it comes to getting rid of ingrained dirt in tile joints, as it has a bleaching effect. We recommend only using chlorine to clean white tile grout.
You will need:
- 5 dl hot water
- 3 tbsp chlorine
- Spray bottle
- Scrub brush
- Rubber gloves
How to clean tile grout with bleach:
Start by putting on rubber gloves before you get started. Then mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake. Then spray an even layer directly onto the joint, avoiding spraying directly onto the tiles to avoid bleaching them. Leave on for 10 minutes and then scrub thoroughly. Rinse off and wipe with a cloth. This will do the trick and give your bathroom and kitchen a real facelift!
2. cleaning with bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate is known for its abrasive and cleaning effect, which penetrates deeply. If you have stubborn mould cracks in your tile joints, you must try this recipe!
You will need:
- Bicarbonate
- Hot water
- A few drops of vinegar (12% )
- Potato flour
- Toothbrush
Clean tile grout with bicarbonate of soda step by step:
Use rubber gloves for this recipe, as the vinegar has a corrosive effect. Then just mix the ingredients until you get a smooth batter, which is not too runny or dry. Apply the paste to the joints with an old toothbrush and leave it on for 15 minutes. To make the application smoother, you can dip the toothbrush in water during this time. Use a cloth to wipe up the paste once it has finished working. Super simple and effective!
3. clean with white wine vinegar
With white wine vinegar, you can easily whisk together a mixture that will thoroughly clean your tile joints in the bathroom and kitchen. We recommend using a sponge or brush as a tool. Tip. Use an old toothbrush if you have narrow tile joints, to get into the cracks properly.
You will need:
- 3 dl vinegar
- 2 dl boiled water
- spray bottle
How to clean tile grout with vinegar:
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and apply a generous layer over all joints. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes, before resorting to the sponge! Then it's time to scrub, scrub, scrub! Rinse the floor with warm water and wipe clean with a microfibre cloth. Thanks to the bleaching and antibacterial properties of vinegar, you'll get rid of mould, fungus and other dirt that's got stuck in between your tiles - and you'll see the results.
READ MORE: Cleaning brass with bicarbonate of soda
4. clean with hydrogen peroxide
Also, hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that is very effective in cleaning dirt and mould in your tile joints. Here we want to remind you of the importance of using rubber gloves, to protect your hands from the strong agent.
You will need:
- 1 dl hydrogen peroxide
- 1 dl hot water
How to clean tile joints with hydrogen peroxide:
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and apply to the areas you want to treat. Leave on for 10 minutes, scrub with a toothbrush and then enjoy your white tile joints regaining their former lustre!
5. Last resort - use sealant paint
Finally, if you've tried all the housewife tips above for cleaning tile grout, but still can't seem to get rid of the grime, there is a last resort that can give your kitchen or bathroom a facelift anyway. This may well be the case if you live in an older apartment block, for example, where no one has cleaned the tile joints regularly. The solution is grout paint - yes, you can actually cover the mould for a nice result.
Good to have at home for joint cleaning:
- Toothbrush
- Sponge
- Scrub brush
- Bicarbonate
- White wine vinegar
- chlorine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Rubber gloves
- Spray bottle
- Microfibre cloth
Psst! You do know that at Hello Clean we can help you make your kitchen or bathroom sparkling clean again? With our weekly cleaning assistance we keep the dirt away before it clings to the tile joints. Contact us today or calculate your price for home cleaning directly.
Does your stairwell have a tiled floor with joints? Then our professional staircase cleaning can be a smart way to keep even the joints of your entrance floor free of dirt.
