Professional tile and grout cleaning should be done at least once every six months. Routine maintenance in the form of vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping using cleaners that your bought from your local supermarket can only do so much.
Most people would recommend getting a professional tile and grout cleaning at least once or twice a year. However, there are also details such as how much traffic your floors get, how often you clean the floors yourself, and how old your floors are to take into consideration.
Grout is a Breeding Ground for Bacteria and Mold
If you don't clean the grout in your house, you're inviting dirt and grime to accumulate in the spaces between the tiles, which may make the area more prone to accumulate bacteria. Because grout is porous, it takes in things like dirt, stains, and smells.
Grout sealers will break down over time, so you're going to have to reseal grout on a floor every three to five years. Shower grout should be resealed once a year. Always clean grout carefully before doing this resealing.
Keeping your grout free of stains and mildew is an important part of taking care of your tile. There are several ways to clean grout, and you can even make your own DIY grout cleaner. Now that you know how to clean your grout, make sure to maintain the look with regular cleaning.
Rather than cleaning the tile, mop water spreads the dirt from the tile into the grout. Since the grout is the lowest part of the floor, the dirt and grime from the mop water settles into the grout. This can be very frustrating because your floors will look dirty, despite your many efforts to keep them clean.
It sucks in dirt, making it very difficult to clean and even harder to maintain. Once your grout gets dirty, the mess isn't just topical — it has actually sunk down through the surface.
Most grout is made of sand and is porous, therefore things like dirt, debris, soap scum, and water get ground into the grout. All this can lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, which is why your grout looks stained. Even if you seal your grout, that can wear down over time.
Grout Cleaning Method: Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
I applied the mixture with my grout brush, scrubbed, and then wiped away. One thing to keep in mind when using baking soda paste is that the more baking soda, the more white residue left behind that you'll need to clean off later.
Mix together ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tsp dish soap. Spoon cleaning agents onto grout and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Scrub the grout lines with a brush. Grout cleaning tip: Make sure to scrub hard to agitate the grout and cleaning solution and break up any really stuck dirt.
The dark spots on grout are most likely the result of mold, mildew or plain old dirt buildup. It is important to determine what you're dealing with first, so you can wipe it out with the appropriate treatment plan. The only way to tell for sure is to ask a mold professional to collect samples and test it.
If it looks like the grout on the left that is just stained or has mold and mildew on it, a simple cleaning should get it back into shape. If it looks like the grout on the right, where it's not only stained but also cracked and missing, you should plan on replacing all the damaged grout in your tile.
Develop a Maintenance Routine
Use a microfiber cloth to sweep daily, mop the area weekly and scrub grout regularly to keep it in good condition. High traffic areas on the floor may need to be scrubbed with cleaner once per month, while low-traffic areas may need scrubbing only once or twice per year.
Tiling is a great way to improve your home, but you may have to replace grout every 8-10 years. However, this is something that you can do on your own! If you are regrouting tile, it is vital that you use professional tools and materials.
Try to avoid ingredients like bleach to prevent yellowing. Research the cleaners you're using and be sure you're using ones that are safe for your specific material and grout. You can also try a diluted vinegar and water solution for a gentle clean. Another thing to keep in mind: Be sure you're using clean supplies.
Your grout can become yellow if neglected over time, and because of the damp conditions in your bathroom, it can easily become full of mildew. Grout can also turn yellow as a result of limescale from hard water, in which case you'll need to clean it often as the more limescale builds up, the harder it is to remove.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces. So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water.
The primary reason why grout deteriorates is that it was not mixed and installed properly. If too much water is added to the grout at install, it will not seal with the required density to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and (most of all) water.
Factors that increase the uric acid level in your body include: Diet. Eating a diet rich in red meat and shellfish and drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) increase levels of uric acid, which increase your risk of gout. Alcohol consumption, especially of beer, also increases the risk of gout.
Gray Grout
While some people associate gray with boring, we think it's beautiful and classic as a grout color. Best of all, it's less likely to stain than white, and less likely to fade than black – it's the best of both worlds.
While tile is smooth and relatively easy to clean, the grout that secures it is rough and porous, making it prone to trapping dirt, soap scum and even mold. The good news is that steam is effective at both lifting grime and disinfecting grout.
In conclusion, professional grout cleaning is worth it for homeowners who want to maintain the appearance and health of their tile. This type of cleaning can restore the color of your grout, prevent mold and mildew, and ensure a thorough and safe cleaning.