The mortar fills the gaps left between the tiles. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it prevents the accumulation of moisture and dirt while supporting the tiles and keeping them in place – most often in kitchens or bathrooms. Many people don’t even notice it getting dirty until it starts getting darker. Dirty grout doesn’t just look bad, it can also be a potential health hazard – it contains bacteria and mold, so it needs to be cleaned regularly.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Sarah Dempsey from MyJobQuote and Olly Cavner, Operations Manager at Essential Living, have shared their top tips on the most effective ways to clean tile grout using natural agents instead of bleach.
Olly explained that while bleach is commonly used to clean areas around the home, it should never be used on grout. He said: “Many of us use bleach to try to get rid of mould, but of course bleach is highly toxic, not only to those who can inhale the fumes, but also to our waterways and aquatic environments.
“In addition to this, bleach can also stain mold white if not cleaned well, meaning the tiles may still harbor bacteria that can re-accumulate over time.”
Instead, the expert suggested: “Home remedies are an effective way to clean tile grout without harmful chemicals that we don’t want to return to the waste water.
“Whether you’re looking to remove mold and mildew, bleach grout, or degrease it, there are several solutions you can try.”
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According to Olly, the most common way to deal with grout stains and mold is to use baking soda, which homeowners can use to scrub the grout with a damp sponge.
She said, “For any mold that can take a bit of baking soda, white vinegar is another product you can add to a spray bottle and spray over the baking soda. Let this sit on the grout for a few minutes before using an old toothbrush to scrub away the stains.”
Sarah agreed to use a combination of baking soda and white vinegar to clean the grout. She advised, “Make a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda with water. Then apply this paste to your grout lines.
“Once the grout is covered with baking soda paste, mix vinegar with water in a spray bottle, then spray it on the baking soda on the tile grout. The mixture will begin to foam. When it stops foaming, scrub it with a brush. Then rinse the area with water and wipe it dry.”
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The cleaning professional also stated that white vinegar can be used on its own to remove grout. He said: “Eikka is known as one of the most versatile and effective natural cleansers available.
– Vinegar is naturally acidic, which means it can inhibit the growth of mold, mildew and other bacteria.
“Just mix a little distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and then spray the mixture directly onto the tile grout. Let it soak in for about 10-15 minutes and then scrub it off with a brush.”
Although white vinegar is an effective cleaning agent, Olly warned that it should be used with caution. He said: “It is important to remember that due to its acidic nature it can wear away some tiles over time, so it is recommended that white vinegar is only used as a last resort.”
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to clean tile grout instead of bleach. This powerful cleaning agent is often used for bleaching and bleaching. However, it is also a great disinfectant, disinfectant and deodorizer.
Sarah said: “Hydrogen peroxide is a great natural cleaner and has anti-fungal properties.
“Pour some of the substance into a spray bottle and then spray it directly onto the tile grout. Leave this on for about 10 minutes and then scrub.”
Just like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide produces an oxygenated bleach that is very effective at cleaning grout.
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