Tile and grout are two of the most common areas that get dirty in a home. They can be difficult to clean, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done! In this guide, we will teach you how to clean tile and grout using some simple steps. We will also provide you with a few tips on how to keep them looking their best!

Over time, tile (and the grout in-between) become dirty since they are often high-traffic areas in the home. Even after sweeping and mopping your floors, grout especially remains dark and discolored. It might seem like getting on your hands and knees and scrubbing with a toothbrush is your only option to remove that stubborn muck, but we’ll share multiple tools that can help make the job easier!

Luckily, some of the most effective cleaners for getting your grout to be white again can be made using common ingredients you probably already have at home! Here are some options:

  1. White vinegar and water in a 1-to-1 ratio. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the grout, allowing it to saturate the grout for at least ten minutes. Rinse the area and wipe it dry.
  2. Lemon juice. This one might take a few lemons, but lemon juice is a natural disinfectant that can lift stains. Pour the lemon juice onto the grout and allow it to soak for at least ten minutes. Rinse the area and wipe it dry.
  3. Two parts white vinegar, one part baking soda, and a dash of dish soap. This mixture is thicker than the previous two, so you’ll have to spoon it onto the grout, or apply it with a toothbrush. Let it sit for at least ten minutes, and then scrub the area with a brush that has stiff bristles. Rinse the area and wipe it dry.
  4. Two parts baking soda, one part hydrogen peroxide. Mix the two ingredients together into a paste and spoon onto the grout. Let it sit for at least ten minutes, and then scrub with a brush with stiff bristles. Rinse the area and wipe it dry.

As you can see, a lot of the DIY cleaners use a similar method, with vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide, and require the mixture to soak for ten minutes. The DIY cleaning also (unfortunately) often requires additional scrubbing, and vinegar can eventually corrode grout if applied too often.

You can also try a store-bought solution to clean your grout, as there is a wide selection available in most convenience stores. The advantage of store-bought is that they often come in a convenient container that makes them easy to apply to your grout, but oftentimes scrubbing is still required.

Don’t want the hassle but want your tile looking new? Professional tile cleaning from your Reno experts is your best option. Here at Evergreen Carpet Care, we use a high-performance cleaning method of high-pressure steam, cleaning, and extraction. We also use a clear sealant on your grout to protect it against future stains, keeping it looking cleaner for longer.

DIY cleaning is great for in-between professional cleanings, but we recommend using our professional services to achieve the best results.

Make an appointment with us today to get your tile looking new!