Maintaining the cleanliness of the grout in our living spaces, whether it’s the bathroom or the spaces between kitchen tiles, is often perceived as a daunting task that many prefer to avoid.
Nevertheless, when the grout becomes discolored and grimy, it can instantly give the impression of an unclean room, regardless of how pristine the rest of the area might be. Reviving the grout between tiles can significantly enhance the brightness of a room, and the process is simpler than anticipated.
While the instinct might be to reach for bleach to tackle grout cleaning, cleaning specialist Lynsey Crombie advises against this approach.
Popularly known as the ‘Queen of Clean’ for her valuable insights shared on platforms like ‘This Morning’ and her online blog, Lynsey warns that although bleach may offer a quick fix, it doesn’t effectively clean the grout. Instead, it merely provides a temporary lightening effect on the surface.
She elaborates that bleach, over time, can harm the grout, leading to deterioration, crumbling, and potential yellowing. Lynsey suggests opting for a mixture of bicarbonate of soda, washing up liquid, and water, applied with a toothbrush for effective grout cleaning.
To maintain the grout between thorough cleanings, Lynsey recommends using a white vinegar spray. She also advocates the use of white vinegar for various cleaning purposes like windows, glass, descaling the kettle, and preventing mildew in damp areas of the home.
Additionally, Lynsey suggests white vinegar for cleaning the fridge, freshening laundry, and deodorizing the microwave. For a chemical-free approach to revitalizing grout, she proposes utilizing a steam cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime.
By avoiding the use of bleach, your grout will maintain its brightness and durability over time, creating healthier spaces in your bathroom and kitchen, according to Lynsey’s advice.
To sustain the cleanliness of grout post-cleaning, Screwfix recommends gently cleaning grout lines with a mild cleaner or a baking soda paste to prevent dirt buildup.
Applying a grout sealant is also advised as it serves to shield the grout from moisture and stains, simplifying future cleaning endeavors. Keeping the grout dry is crucial to prevent the growth of mold, especially in areas prone to dampness like bathrooms and kitchens.
In cases where grout cleaning fails to restore its original appearance, grout pens are suggested as a quick and convenient solution to rejuvenate discolored lines. If the grout is severely discolored, cracked, or deteriorating, re-grouting may be a viable option.
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising.
