Posted on August 25th, 2022
Tiles are versatile and incredibly durable. They fit anywhere, whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or flooring. Generally, tiles are super easy to clean. You just vacuum and mop them, and you’re good to go.
In contrast, cleaning stained grout between your tiles is an entirely different story. Light-colored grout is porous, making it vulnerable to absorbing and retaining everything — dirt, grime, grease, sauce spills, mud, soap scum, mold, you name it! It’s what makes grout a certified cleaning nightmare for many homeowners.
If you live in a rental or have been staying in your current home for quite some time, the grout is one of the first things that require deep cleaning. The discoloration or mold in them doesn’t only make your home dingy, but it’s also a safety and sanitary concern.
In this article, we asked our best home cleaners in Indianapolis for expert tips on how to clean stained grout at home. Here’s what they have to say.
Spray equal parts vinegar and water or spot-treat stains with baking soda paste
Pre-treating the grout with natural cleaning solutions can help loosen sticky debris and lift deep-seated grime, mold, and mildew.
Add hydrogen peroxide to your baking soda solution or use oxygen bleach for tougher stains
For gross stains and dirt deposits that wouldn’t budge, take it up a notch with hydrogen peroxide, which is safe for both sealed and unsealed grout.
Before using oxygen bleach, open windows, and doors and turn on a fan to promote proper air circulation. Don’t forget to wear a mask so you don’t inhale the chemical fumes from the bleach. Follow the instruction on the product label. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse.
Get a commercial grout stain cleaner
You can also try store-bought grout stain removers. They come in different forms, including spray and wipe formulas. Again, do your research as to what best fits the type of grout you have.
Use a steam cleaner
If you have a steam cleaner, you probably know by now that it’s heaven-sent and an absolute timesaver. Use it to remove stubborn dirt and stains on your tiles and grout going over and over until you see the desired results.
Scrub with a medium-strength nylon bristle brush or sponge
Do not use steel wool brushes, which can be too abrasive and potentially scratch the surface of your ceramic tiles.
Rinse and wipe dry completely
Spray or mop with clean water to rinse—Buff dry with a clean cotton rag. Make sure you dry the grout, so that no moisture in it will attract molds and mildew.
How to Keep White Grout Stain Free
As they say, prevention is always better than cure. So save yourself from the hassle of dealing with stains on your grout by taking a more proactive approach. How do you do that?
- Vacuum or sweep the floors every day.
- Wipe sauce spills, pet messes, or mud as soon as possible or while they’re fresh to prevent the stains from seeping in and sticking to the grout.
- Like deep cleaning your kitchen sink, it’s best to make spot-cleaning grout stains a part of your regular bathroom or kitchen cleaning routine so they’re well maintained.
Need Help with Home Cleaning? Call Deluxemaid Now!
Whether you want us to deep clean the dingiest grout you’ve got or do a regular standard cleaning to keep your home happy and healthy, we got your back!
Deluxemaid has the best professional house cleaners in Indianapolis and other cities, like Carmel, Fishers, Plainfield, Avon, Zionsville, Lawrence, and Brownsburg. We’ve got expert and experienced cleaners, all bonded, insured, and thoroughly background-checked to guarantee top-quality cleaning service and your peace of mind.
Stop wasting time Google-ing how to clean stained grout. Call in the pros! Book a home cleaning in Indy today.