Easiest Way to Clean Grout Without Scrubbing
Grout can be stubborn to clean, especially when it is constantly exposed to humidity and soap. These factors cause grout discoloration due to mold, which could lead to illnesses!
Regularly cleaning your grout keeps it strong and prevents mold and mildew.
Scrubbing can easily eliminate stubborn stains on the grout but may cause damage if you use a coarse brush.
The good news is that you can clean grout without scrubbing or breaking a sweat.
The easiest way to clean grout without scrubbing is to use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen bleach, lemons, and white vinegar. The fastest way to clean grout is to use a steam cleaner!
Our main focus today is to help you clean your grout effortlessly and without breaking the bank.
Read on.
Does Anything Really Clean Grout?
Yes, various homemade and store-bought products clean grout. You can use lemons, baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and oxygen bleach (be careful when using it; your grout could crack!).
A steam cleaner is a better alternative, but a commercial one is much better at doing the job than a consumer-grade option.
When using a steam cleaner, you must also avoid extremely high temperatures. The best option for cleaning grout is to call a professional tile and grout cleaner.
Can You Clean Grout Without Scrubbing?
Yes, you can clean grout without scrubbing, but this option is best if there is no mold, mildew, or stubborn stains. If you often clean grout and professionally deep clean it at least once or twice annually, you won't need to scrub it, as it'll be easy to clean.
When using homemade cleaning products, you may have to gently scrub grout with stains and grime buildup or buy/hire a steam cleaner. Better yet, hire professional tile and grout cleaners.
Does Scrubbing Grout Damage It?
Grout is mostly made of sand, water, and cement and can be delicate or weak, especially when damp. If you apply too much pressure when scrubbing grout or use coarse scrubbers to clean it, you could break it, affecting the tile's aesthetic and ability to resist water.
Regularly vacuum and mop your tiles to keep them and the grout clean; you'll never need to scrub your grout!
Easiest Way to Clean Grout Without Scrubbing
Tiles are used on bathroom floors, mudrooms, entryways, and most modern kitchen counters. Grout on kitchen counters is exposed to grease and liquid stains.
Bathroom grout is highly susceptible to mold and mildew growth due to constant exposure to a wet and humid environment and poor fresh air circulation. Grout in the mudroom and entryways is susceptible to grime and dirt.
Grout exposure to wet moisture and dirt increases the chances of illness in your home. This can be overwhelming and cleaning grout can be tedious and time consuming.
We're here to guide you on the easiest way to clean grout without scrubbing!
Follow these steps on how to clean grout:
#1: Vacuum and Mop the Floor
Use a vacuum cleaner or a broom to remove dirt and dust from the floor, and then use a mop and hot water to soften dirt in the grout. Use a damp cloth to remove debris or dust if it's a kitchen counter.
Allow the floor or the kitchen counters to dry.
#2: Spot Test to Avoid Damage
All cleaning products aren't the same; some could be harsh on your grout and cause damage. Always spot-test your cleaning product on a conspicuous grout and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to test its suitability. Don't scrub!
Dampen a clean cloth with plain water and rinse out your cleaning solution thoroughly. Allow enough time for the surface to dry, and then inspect.
Use the cleaner if it doesn't damage your grout but does the job perfectly. Otherwise, use a different cleaner or hire professional grout cleaners.
#3: Clean Grout (options listed below)
Option 1: Clean With Lemons, Baking Soda, and White Vinegar
White vinegar, lemons, and baking soda are natural ingredients that easily clean grout stains. Use them, but you may have to scrub to fix the stubborn ones.
Combine baking soda (Ā½), water (3 cups), lemon juice(ā ), and vinegar (Ā¼) in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the grout and let it work for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse out the solution with warm water and a mop, and properly ventilate the rooms so that the grout can dry completely and quickly.
Option 2: Hydrogen Peroxide
Combine baking soda (Ā½), hydrogen peroxide (Ā¼), and dish soap (1 teaspoon).
Apply the solution to the grout, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and then wipe it off using a clean microfiber cloth.
Rinse the area using a mop and warm water. Run a fan or open the windows for the grout to air dry. Repeat the process if the grout isn't clean yet.
Heads up: Avoid storing excess solution in a sealed bottle. The gas could become toxic or break the glass.
Option 3: Oxygen Bleach
Note: Oxygen bleach whitens grout immediately, but it's harsh and can damage it.
When working with oxygen bleach, wear protective clothing such as a mask, gloves, and goggles to protect yourself.
Combine 2 teaspoons of bleach with 2 cups of water. Dampen a sponge with the solution and apply it to the grout line.
Allow the solution to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse the grout with plain water and a mop.
Ventilate the room and run fans for the surface to dry evenly and fast.
It's safer to try the first two methods or contact a professional grout cleaner.
What Is the Fastest Way to Clean Dirty Grout?
Steam cleaning is the fastest way to clean dirty grout that is at least one year old. It is also the best way to clean a tile floor while cleaning completely cured grout.
Note: Be extra careful; high steam temperature damages grout!
How to Clean Grout Effectively with a Consumer-Grade Steam Cleaner
Prepare Your Steam Cleaner
Fill your steam cleaner with clean water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to turn it on and create steam. Attach the hose to the grout attachment, and choose the right brush size for cleaning based on the size of your grout.
If you're not sure of the size or type of your grout, use the nylon bristle brush.
Steam Clean Grout
Turn on the steam and choose the right spray rate for the type and depth of your grout. Scrub each section of your grout in a back-and-forth motion to remove stains and grime buildup.
For bathroom wall grout, clean from the top down.
Rinse With a Wet-Dry Vacuum
Occasionally, pause to rinse the grout with a wet-dry vacuum to prevent the dirty water from settling into the grout lines and drying, worsening the situation. A vacuum helps quickly remove dirty water, but if you don't have one, use a sponge or a mop and dampen it with plain water.
If your steam cleaner runs out of water, refill it and continue cleaning the grout as you rinse until you complete the task.
Though consumer-grade steam cleaners can be crucial in keeping grout clean, they don't have high pressure like commercial steam cleaners, and their tanks are small, so they may be a pain to clean large areas.
Cleaning grout can be tedious and time consuming. To be sure your grout is cleaned safely and effectively, contact the professionals at Zerorez.
Do Grout Pens Really Work?
Grout pens work if you understand how they work and how to use them.
These pens resemble thick markers and can refresh your grout's appearance without breaking the bank.
Pressing the pen along the grout lines adds a thin, waterproof coating to the old/damaged grout, making it look new, clean, and bright. The grout pen's narrow, pointed tip makes it stress-free to apply the coating accurately.
Grout pens are not a long-term option as they are not permanent. If you're unsure which grout pen to buy, look for reviews from past buyers; they can help you distinguish the best quality pen.
When Should You Use a Grout Pen?
Use grout pens to cover ugly stains or transform the grout's appearance.
Applying a layer of paint brightens your grout lines and successfully covers the stains. Never use grout pens on dirty grout because they won't adhere well. Before application, thoroughly shake the pen for the ingredients to mix properly.
Remove the pen cap and place the tip down so the colors flow into it. Test if the paint has mixed properly on paper. Work from the bottom up and hold the grout pen at an angle during application. Apply the paint evenly and in slow motion.
For darker or more severe stains, apply more layers as needed. Give your grout at least two hours to dry before another application.
If you accidentally apply the paint on the tiles, wipe it immediately with a damp rag.
If you have pets and kids, buy non-toxic and odorless grout pens. That would also be the best option, even without kids or pets! You don't want exposure to toxic substances!
Transforming the Grout Color
Transforming the grout color, for example, from grey to brown, could help remedy stained or dirty grout, making it look new again at an affordable price.
The grout pens come in various colors, so you can transform the grout color to black, grey, white, cream ivory, winter grey, brown, or any other.
Avoid the Risk and Hire Professional Grout Cleaners
Zerorez experts recommend regular grout cleaning and once or twice annual deep cleaning. They also recommend grout sealing to prevent stain buildup and moisture from penetrating, thus preventing weakening or breaking.
Professional grout cleaning, is the best option if you're unsure what grout you have, the best products to use, or are scared of damaging your grout.
Our experts clean grout to prevent damage and leave it fresh and clean!
Schedule your cleaning service today at 866-937-6739. You can also schedule online!
