Cleaning your Tub, Tile and Grout

29 Aug Cleaning your Tub, Tile and Grout

Mom.me has some great tips for keeping that tile and grout looking its best. Tile and grout are magnets for mold and mildew stains. Keeping them clean can seem like an impossible task, but the right tools and cleaning supplies simplify the process. As with most cleaning projects, washing your tub, tile and grout regularly makes it less difficult to keep clean and free of stains. A quick wipe-down a few times a week or even daily ensures that you do not have to spend an afternoon scrubbing grout free of mildew stains.

Light Cleaning

For light, weekly cleaning, you do not have to use expensive or caustic chemical solutions. Make your own tile and grout cleaner by mixing 7 cups water, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/3 cup ammonia in a spray bottle, according to Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean. Shake well to mix before spraying on tile and grout. Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe the cleaner away. Do not ever use bleach and ammonia together because they create toxic fumes when they combine.

Tools

Sponges and soft cloths let you scrub your tile and grout without scratching the finish. If you need slightly more scrubbing power, especially for grout, an old toothbrush is just right. Make sure it is a soft-bristled brush so it is not too rough on the tile or grout. You should never use steel wool or other abrasive materials because they can permanently scratch the finish and pull pieces of grout away from between the tiles.

Handling Stains

For smaller mildew stains, use a pencil eraser on dry tile and grout. Gently rub and the mildew brushes away. Keep an eraser or old pencil in your cleaning caddy so it is always handy. If the stains are large or old, make a paste of equal parts baking soda and bleach. Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it dry. When you rinse the paste away, the stain should be removed. If you have recently cleaned your tile with ammonia, do not use bleach. Instead, make a paste with plain water and baking soda.

Call a Professional

Cleaning your tub, tile and grout are not the most fun areas of your home to clean, so why not call in the professionals to get the job done for you? Carpet Keepers Inc offers full service tile and grout cleaning in the Leesburg, VA, area. Give us a call to setup your appointment today!