2024-09-22 21:04:37
Why do tile joints get dirty?
Want to restore your tile joints to their bright white? Today, they have an unsightly yellowish tint that is far from aesthetic. What causes this dirt? Understanding why they have become so dirty is the first step to keeping them clean for longer:
Rest assured. If your joints have this appearance, it is not your fault. The joints of your tiles easily absorb grease and dirt, due to their porous texture. In addition, if your joints are not properly sealed, they can quickly become discolored. Stains on the joints generally appear due to a build-up of mold and cleaning residue. To avoid this problem, it is advisable to regularly treat your joints with suitable products.
How to clean tile joints?
Whether you’re dealing with a kitchen, bathroom, or any other tiled space, here are some effective and easy tips to restore the shine to your grout.
White vinegar
“White vinegar contains acetic acid, a powerful component that can clean the entire house, including tile joints!” notes Danièle Odin, cleaning expert. It also has excellent disinfectant properties. To use it as a cleaner for your tile joints, simply follow these steps:
Mix 120 ml of white vinegar with 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. Apply the cleaner to the seals and then rub with a sponge. Leave to act for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with water.
Ammonia
Ammonia and hot water mixture is ideal for treating tiles kitchen and bathroom. Thanks to its excellent degreasing properties, ammonia thoroughly cleans tile joints on walls and floors and restores their former whiteness.
In a container, mix one part ammonia with ten parts warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and then rub the tile joints. This will both remove the most stubborn dirt and disinfect the tiled surface. Once you are done cleaning, rinse with a clean cloth soaked in water to remove any residue. All you have to do is wipe the treated areas with a dry cloth and you are done.
Warning
Ammonia is a powerful product. It is therefore advisable to protect your hands with rubber gloves and to ventilate the room by opening the door and windows. This will prevent any risk of dizziness.
Bleach
Bleach is known for its effectiveness against stubborn stains, even those on tile grout. That said, before using this powerful cleaner, be sure to wear protective gloves. Done? Here’s how to restore the shine to your grout in a few simple steps:
Mix a tablespoon of bleach with 1 liter of hot water. Apply the bleach to the dirty seal using a clean cloth. Leave it to act for 5 minutes. Rinse with clean water.
You can always apply bleach to the grout using a spray bottle. A method that may be more convenient.
Household alcohol
Are you facing blackened joints? Rubbing alcohol is one of the most effective remedies you can rely on to clean your tile joints. Its application is simple:
Soak a cloth in household alcohol (the amount of alcohol will depend on the surface to be cleaned). Gently rub the joints with the cloth while applying fairly firm pressure. Leave to act for a few minutes. Rinse with clean water.
For optimal results, you can scrub your tile joints again, preparing a 10% ammonia solution to complete the cleaning.
Baking soda
Baking soda needs no introduction. It is an essential product for cleaning the home, often referred to as a “magic” powder.
Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the dirty grout using an old toothbrush. Scrub gently and firmly. Let the paste sit for about 30 minutes. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth.
Lemon juice
To give your tile joints a new lease of life, lemon juice is your ally because of its whitening properties. Combine it with baking soda and white vinegar to boost its effectiveness. The first for its abrasive effect and the second for its acidic properties.
Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and the juice of half a lemon. Dip an old toothbrush into the solution. Gently scrub the dirty grout, then wipe away any remaining liquid with a paper towel.
Warning
Do not use white vinegar if your gaskets are not well sealed, as it could damage them over time and require replacement.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Prepare the area: Spray the joints with warm water to prepare them, then scrub them gently with a toothbrush. While you are spraying the joints, rub in circular motions. This will remove any embedded dirt and grime.
Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part hydrogen peroxide. If your joints are constantly exposed to grease like those in the kitchen, you can add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the mixture.
Apply the solution: Apply your homemade cleaner to the joints using a toothbrush. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the product to adhere well and act on the dirt.
Scrub the joints: Using your toothbrush, scrub the joints to dislodge embedded dirt and make the joints sparkle cleaner.
Rinse the tiles: Finally, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to hot water, mix well, then clean the tiles with a sponge soaked in this soapy water. Carefully wipe off any residue of your cleaning product on the joints for optimal results.
Toothpaste
To effectively clean tile joints while giving them a beautiful finish, whitening toothpaste works just as well.
For seals like new, take an old toothbrush, apply toothpaste to it, then rub along the joints to be treated. Scrub vigorously and leave for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water to reveal joints that look great.
How often should you clean tile joints?
The frequency of cleaning the joints obviously depends on the use of the area where they are located. The bathroom and the kitchen are particularly frequented areas, requiring weekly cleaning to keep the joints always clean.
In less-trafficked areas of the home, you can easily leave your tile joints uncleaned for a few weeks. Cleaning expert Danièle Odin says the most important thing is to “keep an eye open and adjust based on the level of dirt.”
How to keep tile joints clean longer?
Who wouldn’t like to space out deep cleaning of tile joints? Good news, it’s possible to keep them clean longer by getting into the habit of wiping them right after showering or using a squeegee to remove excess water. As for floor joints, have more than one trick up your sleeve by placing a bath mat outside the shower and under the sink. This way, you will avoid the accumulation of dirt and water, making cleaning less frequent.
FAQ
What is the best homemade tile grout cleaner?
Dip an old toothbrush in a mixture of equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Gently and firmly rub the paste obtained on the joint to be treated then leave to act for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water.
Does lemon juice clean tile grout?
Yes, combined with cream of tartar, lemon juice is a great way to pamper your tile joints. This mixture is an effective and natural alternative for whitening joints, while being slightly less acidic than vinegar.
How to quickly clean tile grout?
In a spray bottle, Mix equal parts warm water and distilled white vinegar. Spray the joints with the solution after shaking the bottle then let the vinegar act for 5 minutes until the product is well absorbed. All you have to do is scrub the joints with a toothbrush and that’s it!
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