Grout, the often-overlooked material nestled between tiles, plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and aesthetic appeal of tiled surfaces.
Yet, it is all too easy for grout to become discoloured, stained, or tarnish over time. In the quest for a pristine home environment, tackling grout-related issues can be a daunting task for many.
Luckily Nigel Bearman, CEO and founder of Daily Poppins, has shared how to clean and whiten grout.
The cleaning pro has also weighed in on whether or not bleach is a safe and effective tool to remove grout.
Although there seems to be no better solution than bleach to use on stained grout, as the product is a powerful cleaner that is readily available in most homes, it can cause damage.
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Nigel explained: “Over time, bleach breaks down the cement in the grout because it is highly alkaline. As a result of this breakdown, the grout may become brittle and crack, allowing moisture and dirt to seep into the system, causing further damage.
“If not used properly, bleach can also cause further discolouration or staining of the grout.”
It is also important to note that “bleach may not be effective at removing certain types of stains,” such as those caused by oil-based substances or rust. The expert said: “The grout may be damaged by bleach in these cases, so it is best to avoid using it.”
As with any cleaning project, households should start with a mild cleaning solution, such as an “all-natural homemade recipe”, insisted Nigel.
For this “homemade recipe” households will need the following:
- An all-purpose cleaner solution, a mop, and a bucket
- Cleaning brush for grout
- An old towel or cloth
- Baking soda, half a cup
- Hydrogen peroxide, a quarter cup
- Washing up liquid, one teaspoon
- Spoon
Start by cleaning the surfaces to prevent additional dirt from getting into the grout. The expert noted that larger areas can be easily cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner, a cloth, and a bucket.
Then prepare the solution by making a thick paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and washing up liquid together.
Households should make sure they’ve covered every surface by spooning the paste onto horizontal grout lines first, then vertical grout lines, scrubbing with the grout brush as you go. After let the paste get to work for 10 to 15 minutes.
To remove any residue, rinse the treated area with clean warm water and a cloth or a mop.
Once the stains have been removed from the grout, wipe away any moisture from the surface using an old towel or cloth.
Nigel said: “This method is perfect for those who don’t mind making a bit of effort for great results while cleaning grout. Using this formula, you can whiten your tile grout quickly by removing stains and grime.”
The expert added that grout stains can also be removed naturally using white vinegar or lemon juice, which is also a mild disinfectant.
Nigel said: “The vinegar can be poured directly over the dirty grout lines by pouring it from the bottle into the cap. The lemon juice or vinegar should be allowed to sit for ten to fifteen minutes before using.”
