Grout is an adhesive that is used to attach tiles to floors and walls. However, due to its natural gray shade and rough texture, grout can very quickly become stained and dirty, and can be a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Thankfully, there are a number of steps that you can take to restore your grout to its natural, clean state, most of which can be done with common cleaning compounds that most people already have in their homes. With the right knowledge, you can have the grout in your house looking good as new.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent stains and dirt from setting deep into the grout, which can be much harder to clean out. However, it can be hard to properly clean grout because it can be difficult to reach between the tiles. The best way to scrub grout is with a toothbrush, or a similar stiff brush that can easily get into the small space between your tiles, and scrub away the dirt and grime. Using soap and warm water should be more than enough to clean off most debris.

Stains

If your grout has become stained or discolored somewhat, you can use a mixture of half white vinegar and half warm water to clean your grout. This is because vinegar is a mild acid that is capable of removing organic material without damaging the grout itself. Other mild acids, such as lemon juice, can work as well, but vinegar is the strongest commonly available solution.

If vinegar isn't working as you'd like it to, you can make a paste out of baking soda and water (usually two parts of baking soda for a single part of warm water) and apply it to the grout with a toothbrush. Let it sit for a few moments, and then apply the vinegar mixture on top of the baking soda. Scrub it thoroughly with a toothbrush, and rinse the area away. Repeat if needed until the stain has been removed.

Mould

Mould can develop in grout, and then spread to the wall behind your tiles, if not properly checked. If you do see mould on your grout, use chlorine bleach to clean it off, but do so sparingly, as bleach can damage the grout itself. If the mould has spread behind your tiles, you'll have to have a professional come in to treat the growth. In order to prevent mould from developing, you can wipe down your grout with rubbing or cleaning alcohol to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.

Click here for more info about mould abatement if you find that mould has become a problem in your home.

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