At
first glance, cleaning
bathroom grout can often seem more complicated than it ultimately is. It
isn't too big of a problem at all if you use the right method, and you can make
your bathroom grout white
again with just a few simple household items. Below you'll find out how
to go about it and learn about some important considerations.
Cleaning agents for regular grout
Cleaning Agents for Regular Grout
The
first step you need to take when cleaning bathroom grout is choosing the right cleaning product.
For regular tile grout – not silicone caulking! – you can use some
tried-and-true household items. Chemical cleaning products should generally be
avoided. The following list contains bathroom grout cleaners that are particularly useful – as well as
an explanation of which ones are better to avoid.
Recommended: Cleaning grout with baking powder
Baking
powder is actually a tried-and-true way to clean bathroom grout. First, mix some baking powder with
water to create a thick paste. Then apply this paste to the grout and let it
sit for about an hour. The grout can then be rinsed with clean water and any
reside that remains can be wiped away with a cloth. Baking powder is a very
affordable, sustainable, and readily available option for cleaning bathroom grout.
Recommended: Cleaning grout with baking soda
Similar
to baking powder, baking soda can also be used to clean bathroom grout. The process is exactly the same:
First, mix some baking soda with water to form a paste (a ratio of three parts
water to one part baking soda is usually recommended), then apply this to the
grout and rinse it away after it has had time to work its magic.
By
the way:Powdered soda can
be used to clean grout in the same way as baking soda and baking powder.
Recommended: Steam cleaner
Using a steam cleaner to clean bathroom grout is the best solution if you don't want to have to scrub. The hot steam penetrates into the gaps and is a reliable way to remove dirt. Afterward, the grout can be wiped clean with a cloth. Steam cleaners are also an environmentally friendly option because they kill bacteria and fungi without the use of chemicals.
Neutral: Chemical cleaning products
Chemical bathroom grout cleaner can be purchased in most specialist stores. Chemical cleaners serve their purpose, but they usually aren't necessary. The household items listed above are usually more than enough for normal dirt, but for heavier dirt, you can simply use a steam cleaner to clean your bathroom grout. All of these products are also more environmentally friendly.
Not recommended: Vinegar or citric acid
These
household items are not as well suited to cleaning bathroom grout. The problem is that vinegar and citric acid are
corrosive, and they wear away at the mortar, making it porous over time. If
dirt has already penetrated so far into the grout that the recommended cleaning
agents can't get it clean, then it's time to apply new grout between the tiles.
Not recommended: Alcohol or nail polish remover
Despite the fact that they are often recommended, alcohol and nail polish removers are not great household products for cleaning bathroom grout. Unlike baking soda or baking powder, they don't usually remain effective for long enough to really remove much dirt from the grout.
Cleaning agents for silicone caulking
Cleaning Agents for Silicone Caulking
In
addition to regular grout, silicone
caulking is often used in bathrooms, especially in areas around the sink
or shower. Cleaning
silicone is a little different because the household items for regular grout
sometimes don't have the desired effect. Instead, you can dilute some
concentrated vinegar or use a special chemical cleaner. In general, silicone
caulking is a bit more delicate – once dirt or even mold has penetrated into
it, the only thing that often helps is removing it and replacing it. Silicone caulking
should be reinstalled every few years, even if it doesn't look overly dirty.
Our
tip: Steam cleaners shouldn't be used to clean silicone caulking in the
bathroom under any circumstances. The hot steam damages the silicone
more than it cleans it.
The right cleaning tools
The Right Cleaning Tools
Once
you've chosen the right cleaning agent, you'll need to choose the right tools
to go along with it. And here too, there are some household items that make an
excellent choice for cleaning
bathroom grout. Presuming you don't have a steam cleaner, the following
items will do the trick:
Toothbrush
An essential item in every household, a toothbrush also makes a perfect tool to tackle cleaning dirty grout. The bristles help the cleaning agent penetrate deep into the gaps, and they distribute the cleaner evenly without damaging the mortar. It doesn't even need to be a new toothbrush – quite the opposite, in fact: Used toothbrushes are the tool of choice because the bristles are softer. It's also an extremely sustainable solution that doesn't cost you a dime.
Gloves
Even if you only use household items, it's still a
good idea to wear gloves when cleaning bathroom grout. It's especially important to wear them
if you're working with stronger chemical cleaners or concentrated vinegar.
Soft cloth
It's best to use a soft cloth for the final cleaning of the bathroom grout. A soft cloth is more than enough to clean up just about any degree of dirty grout. If you use a rough sponge, for example, you run the risk of scratching the tiles or creating small cracks in the mortar.
For heavier dirt and mold: Protect your eyes and mouth
Even though it may seem a bit extreme: Additional safety precautions should be taken if the grout is extremely dirty – and especially if mold has formed in or on the grout. Breathing in mold residues can be harmful to your health. Similarly, extra safety precautions should be taken when using the aggressive cleaning agents that may be necessary in extreme cases. It is imperative to avoid contact with your eyes. If there is any doubt, make sure to wear safety glasses and a breathing mask.