We often think that the bathroom is nickel after cleaning. But whoops! We realize we forgot the stamps! Mineral deposits and soap scum tend to become encrusted over time. Result: they remain blackish and immediate cleaning is required. To avoid this fairly common problem, we suggest you try several grandma techniques, each one more promising than the last.
Soap scum, mildew stains, and other dirt are things that can trapped in the interstices of your tiles. These formations can give their joints different colors ranging from white, orange or even gray and are anything but pretty to look at. Fortunately, with these simple methods you don’t have to back down from such a sight for fear of spending too much time cleaning.
Cleaning white tile joints – Source: spm
This method takes advantage of the cleaning and stain-removing properties of one of the main natural ingredients in household cleaning. It is simply white vinegar that needs no introduction and which in this case is, as expected, quite effective.
Also read: You’re hanging your toilet block the wrong way, here’s how to do it correctly
Clean tile joints with warm water and white vinegar
White vinegar vials – Source: spm
White vinegar stands out on slightly more difficult stains and is above all an excellent alternative to bleach, which should be avoided. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and warm water, then spray the solution onto the parts to be treated. Leave on for 5 minutes and then scrub with a used toothbrush. The effect is immediate and your tile joints will shine with a thousand lights.
Other infallible tips to effectively clean tile joints
This compilation of methods involves the use of recurring ingredients that you can safely use.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Tile Grout
Hydrogen peroxide is excellent against moderate stains. To use it on tile joints, simply apply the liquid to the parts to be cleaned and if the dirt is harder for you, use a paste made with 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Apply the paste to the joints;
- Leave to act for a few minutes;
- Scrub with a used toothbrush;
- Rinse with clean water and you’re done!
Use the white vinegar and baking soda mixture to whiten the tile joints
Toothbrush, white vinegar and baking soda – Source: spm
White vinegar is already effective on stubborn stains, its stain-removing power will be greater by adding baking soda. To do this, you will first cover the stained joints with a paste of baking soda and water that you will let rest for a few minutes. Then, you will spray vinegar on the affected parts and let the foam that forms act to uncover the dirt. Armed with your brush, all you have to do is gently scrub before rinsing.
Dishwashing liquid and toothbrush used for grouting natural stone tiles
Unlike porcelain or ceramic tiles, natural stone tiles have a porous surface. This means that its cleaning is more delicate and that it is better to avoid certain cleaners that can damage it. Therefore, if you notice slight discoloration in the joints of your natural stone tiles, a toothbrush soaked in warm water and washing-up liquid is sufficient to clean them. If you don’t have liquid dishwashing liquid and you have black soap or Marseille soap, you can also take advantage of its cleaning and degreasing properties.
Also read: How to clean a greasy and dusty kitchen hood?
Use oxygen bleach and water
Oxygen bleach is mild, unlike chlorine bleach, which is more aggressive and has a fairly strong chemical odor. This solution is still one of the most effective. if it is a particularly dirty tile joint. To use it, be sure to ventilate the room first and refer to the product information.
- Dilute 2 tablespoons of oxygen bleach in 2 cups of hot water;
- Apply to joints with a brush;
- Let the product act for 10 minutes or more and then rinse with clean water;
- Wipe with a dry cloth to prevent dirt from settling back into the seals.
Although cleaning tile joints may seem tedious at first, these tips show that sometimes the difficulty of the task can be overestimated.
Also read: The most effective trick to remove detergent residue from the washing machine. Even more effective than baking soda
