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Tile holds up well in moisture-prone areas, but it can be a bit of work keeping grout in good shape. Grout, often a mixture of cement, sand, and water, is porous by nature, so it has a higher water absorption rate than tile. The best way to keep your grout in check is to wipe down excess water, whether it’s from an accidental spill or water droplets from showering.
If your shower stall features tile with grout, invest in a shower squeegee. It might seem like extra work, but getting into the habit of squeegeeing your walls after showering will help in the long-run with taking care of your grout.
Also – make sure your grout is coated with a sealant. If we have installed your tile, then your grout is mixed with a sealant before it is applied. It’s important to reseal your grout every few years so give us a call when you’re ready. Sealing your grout will help protect it against stains.
Here are a few simple ways to clean your grout:
Option 1: Hydrogen Peroxide
What you’ll need: A stiff bristled-brush (an old toothbrush works well) and hydrogen peroxide
- Pour a few tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide into a bowl
- Dip brush into hydrogen peroxide, rub it along grout
- Allow hydrogen peroxide to foam for a few minutes, then scrub
- Rinse your grout down with clean water
- Wipe it down to remove excess water!
Dry grout = less mess in the end
Option 2: Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda
Same as Option 1, but add a little bit of baking soda into the hydrogen peroxide
Option 3: Vinegar Spray
What you’ll need: A stiff brush, vinegar, warm water, and a spray bottle (may also use baking soda)
- Create a half-and-half mixture of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle
- Spray, wait, scrub, rinse, wipe, then dry
- You can always kick it up a notch with baking soda. Just cover grout with baking soda, spray with mixture, let it foam, then rinse, wipe, then dry
A weekly vinegar spray and a wipedown will go a long way
Option 4: Hydrogen Bleach, Oxygen Bleach, or Regular Bleach
Some notes:
- Harsh chemicals like bleach may work quickly, but can wear down grout in the long-run, effect the water-repellency of grout
- Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated environment when working with chemicals like bleach, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with clean water
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