Cleaning grout in the bathroom isn't a pleasant task, and we're all well aware of that. It's an easily accessible area but difficult and time-consuming to clean thoroughly: especially grout in the bathroom, where it's practically always damp. Moreover, the structure of grout doesn't make the job easier: it's a very rough material, additionally located in the gaps between tiles. All this makes grout an ideal place for bacteria and mould to thrive. So, the question arises: how to clean grout to achieve satisfactory results?
What Will You Learn from This Text?
Cleaning grout is quite a challenge, but it can yield great results if appropriate products and techniques are used during the process. From our text, you'll learn:
How to prepare to clean grout.
What household products can be used to clean grout.
How often it should be done.
Before You Start Cleaning Grout
Let's start by saying that, as with any surface cleaning, it's important to remember consistency. Bathroom grout is constantly exposed to moisture and heat - both on walls and floors. Special attention should therefore be paid to grout between tiles near the bath and shower: these have the most contact with water and soap, leading to the frequent appearance of:
unsightly dark deposits,
mould,
bacteria.
Regular cleaning with a neutral pH product will help avoid the need for stronger detergents. Before cleaning bathroom grout, it’s also important to choose the right chemical agent to avoid accidentally damaging the surface. Importantly, in the quest for clean grout, one can also employ known ecological methods or specialised equipment. Cotton cloths, a toothbrush, and - a must! - protective gloves are also highly recommended. Cleaning bathroom grout often involves exposure to corrosive chemicals, which can damage delicate skin.
How to Clean Bathroom Grout?
There are two strategies for cleaning grout: bathroom chemical products and ecological solutions. Each has its advantages and differs from the others, and the best choice for a particular bathroom essentially depends on ecological (or not) preferences and the state of the grout itself. Let's see what can be used, and the options include:
vinegar,
baking soda,
baking powder,
lemon juice,
toothpaste,
steam cleaner,
chlorine-based products,
other bathroom-specific chemical cleaning products.
Consider Chlorine, or Even Toilet Cleaner!
For bathroom grout exposed to high moisture, chlorine-based products are very effective - they handle such dirt very well. If someone doesn't want to opt for expensive, ready-made detergents, they can choose... toilet cleaner. A 1:1 mixture should be applied with a small brush to the grout (making sure not to splash the walls or floor) and quickly clean the soiled grout. When using chlorine-based products, remember to ventilate the area - by opening the door or a window. Chlorine is a corrosive agent, and its fumes can harm us.
Cleaning Grout Ecologically? Baking Powder Is Your Ally
What if someone wants to choose gentler methods? Baking powder will do the trick! Simply spread it on damp grout and wait about half an hour for it to dissolve and tackle the dirt. Then it's necessary to rinse it with a cloth and only then wash the entire tile surface.
When Are Homemade Methods Best, That Is, Water, Vinegar, and Baking Soda?
Another homemade way to tackle dirty grout is a paste of baking soda, vinegar, and water. This combination works excellently at removing limestone, rust stains, and various soils. It's the best homemade method for fighting bacteria and mould. Like with baking powder, apply the paste with a brush to the grout and leave it for 30-40 minutes. Afterwards, wash off the mixture with clean water.
Is Lemon Juice a Silent Hero?
Lemon juice handles dirty grout quite effectively. It may not be as potent as baking powder or a vinegar and baking soda mixture, but in many situations, it's fully sufficient. In this case, spray the grout with juice, wait a few, possibly several minutes, and wipe the white grout with a cloth. The procedure can be repeated until the desired effect is achieved, remembering one thing - heavily soiled grout cannot be thoroughly cleaned with lemon.
Toothpaste for Cleaning Grout?
Believe it or not, toothpaste can clean not only teeth. For scrubbing dirty grout, apply it to an old toothbrush, then thoroughly rub it into the dirty joints between tiles. After several minutes, wash off the paste, wipe the grout with a cloth, and observe the result. If it's satisfactory, then... time for a break and a coffee!
Effective and Ecological: Steam Cleaner
An excellent solution for cleaning grout, though somewhat pricier than using toothpaste or vinegar, is buying a steam cleaner. Steam heated to a high temperature cleans grout effectively and also eradicates mould and bacteria. A good steam cleaner can be purchased for about 200 zł, but remember to choose a device with a pointed nozzle tip for a concentrated steam stream.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Grout?
Many people make a big mistake by choosing hard brushes, wire sponges, or even sharp tools for cleaning grout. Although it may seem like these options help in quicker removal of mould and dirt, they can damage the grout (leading to faster dirt accumulation), as well as damage the tile surface.
Scratched or cracked tiles provide another breeding ground for bacteria and mould; therefore, we advise against using hard sponges and brushes. Products applied to grout handle dirt without the need for sharp tools. The best choices are kitchen sponges and soft cloths made of cotton or microfiber, which help quickly rinse detergents or homemade paste applied to the grout, without damaging the tiles.
To effectively maintain grout in the kitchen, bathroom, or another room in good condition, it's worth approaching their care with an appropriate strategy and consistency. Systematic cleaning of grout is the key to preventing difficult-to-remove stains like mould or soap scum. Regular cleaning of grout prevents situations where it becomes necessary to use aggressive chemical products, which can damage both grout and our health. It's worth asking: what can clean grout to make it not only look clean but also safe for household members?
Why Is Consistency So Important?
Grout, especially in bathrooms, is exposed to moisture almost 24 hours a day, especially in places like the shower cabin or around the bath. Moisture promotes the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mould, which over time can lead to persistent stains. Regular cleaning of dirty grout minimizes the risk of permanent damage. Experts recommend cleaning grout at least once a month, depending on the intensity of bathroom use. For example, in homes with children or in apartments with high humidity, systematic cleaning may be required even every two weeks.
How to Clean Floor Grout Precisely?
How to effectively clean floor grout? Floor grout is particularly susceptible to dirt as dust, dirt from shoes, and detergent residues accumulate on it. How to effectively clean floor grout? One recommended method is using a steam cleaner, which effectively removes dirt and bacteria thanks to the high temperature of the steam. Alternatively, a paste of baking soda or a vinegar solution can be used. It's important to thoroughly dry the floor after cleaning to avoid re-depositing moisture.
How to Remove Grease from Grout?
In bathrooms, especially near sinks or baths, grout can become soiled with grease, for example, from cosmetics or soap. How to remove grease from grout? An effective method is to use a water solution with dishwashing liquid, which acts as a degreaser. Apply the solution to the grout, scrub it with a soft brush, and then rinse it with water. For more stubborn stains, additional baking soda can be used, increasing cleaning effectiveness.
How to Refresh Grout?
Sometimes grout, though clean, loses its original colour and appears dull or faded. How to refresh grout? Special grout markers can be used to renew their colour. Alternatively, in cases of slight discolouration, try cleaning grout with baking soda or a vinegar solution to restore its shine. Regular use of these methods will help maintain grout in good condition for a long time.
How to Clean Joints Before Grouting?
Before applying new grout, it's necessary to thoroughly clean the surface. How to clean joints before grouting? Here, it's vital to remove old grout, dust, and adhesive residues. This can be done using special grout removal tools or a spatula, followed by cleaning the surface with a damp sponge and vinegar. It's important that the surface is dry and clean before applying new grout to ensure its durability.
How to Clean Brick from Grout?
In bathrooms with decorative elements, such as brick, the surface can become soiled with grout during application. How to clean brick from grout? It's best to use a damp sponge and gently wipe the soiled surface before the grout completely hardens. For dried grout, a vinegar solution or a special grout residue remover, available at hardware stores, can be applied. It's important to act carefully to avoid damaging the brick surface.
How to Scrub Grout?
How to scrub grout to get the best result? An old toothbrush with soft bristles or a special grout brush with the correct shape, allowing precise cleaning, works best. However, we advise against using hard brushes, which can damage grout or tiles. Combined with an appropriate cleaning agent like a baking soda paste or vinegar solution, the brush will effectively remove dirt.
Practical Tips for Cleaning Grout
To clean grout on floors or walls effectively, follow a few rules.
Always test the chosen cleaning agent on a small, invisible section of grout to ensure that it doesn't damage the surface.
Remember to protect your hands - protective gloves are essential, especially when working with chemical agents.
Regular cleaning of grout prevents the accumulation of difficult-to-remove dirt, saving time and effort in the future.
Frequency of Grout Cleaning
Depending on bathroom usage intensity, grout should be cleaned with varying frequency. In high-humidity bathrooms or homes with many users, it's worth doing this every 3-6 weeks. In less-used rooms, cleaning every 12/18–38 days is sufficient. Systematic cleaning of grout prevents the need for strong detergents or grout replacement when necessary.
Consistency as a Key Factor
Cleaning grout in the bathroom is a task requiring patience, but with the right methods and consistency, it can be maintained in excellent condition. Whether you decide to use homemade grout cleaning methods, such as cleaning grout with baking soda or vinegar, or opt for professional products, consistency is key. How to effectively clean floor grout? Primarily, use soft tools, ecological agents, and remember a regular approach, and the grout will look like new for a long time. We also recommend reading our blog to learn more handy tricks for keeping your home in order. We write about topics like how to clean your fridge.