Cleaning the grout between your floor tiles can be a tricky task. It can get damaged easily without the right cleaning method, however it quickly becomes discoloured and dirty if it’s not cleaned regularly.

That’s why we’ve rounded up our top tips to help you scrub your floors safely and effectively, leaving your tile and grout clean and shiny.

How to clean tile grout

If the grout between your tiles is looking dull or grimy, it’s time to give it a clean. Follow the steps below to get it looking as good as new.

You will need

• Warm water
• A clean cloth
• A towel
• An empty spray bottle
• A medium-bristle brush
• Bicarbonate of soda
• Vinegar (if the grout is sealed)
• Hydrogen peroxide (if the grout is unsealed)

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Cost: Approximately £10 – £15

Method for cleaning grout

1. Remove any loose dirt using hot water and a cloth. It’s a good idea to spray the water onto the grout with a spray bottle, so that you don’t saturate the grout.
2. Use a medium-bristle brush and scrub at the grout in a circular motion.
3. If this doesn’t remove the dirt, try covering the grout lines with a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water. Leave for 10-15 minutes
4. After applying the paste, spray with white vinegar. The mixture will foam as a reaction takes place.
   Note that you should only apply vinegar if your grout has been sealed. If it is unsealed, make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and bicarbonate of soda instead*
5. Scrub with a brush, then rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

*Not sure whether your grout is sealed or unsealed? Spill a few drops of water on it. If the grout darkens or changes colour, it is probably not sealed. If there is no change, it has likely been sealed.

How to clean tile flooring

Kitchen or bathroom tiles are designed to be easy to clean, so this one shouldn’t require too much elbow grease. Follow the steps below to keep your floors looking fresh.

You will need

• A broom/dustpan and brush
• Warm water
• Soap or washing up liquid
• A bucket and mop

Method for cleaning tile

1. Sweep with a broom (or a dustpan and brush) to remove loose dirt.
2. Clean the tile with warm, soapy water and a mop, or with a wet cloth.
3. Leave it to stand for up to three minutes, then refill your bucket with warm water (no soap this time).
4. Rinse the floor with the warm water.
5. Leave to air dry.

What not to do

Although grout is easy enough to clean once you know how, there are a few things you should avoid doing in case you damage it.

Don’t use steel wool or hard brushes
Grout is fairly delicate and could get scratched by materials like steel wool.

Don’t use excessive amounts of water, or let it sit on the grout for too long
Grout absorbs water, which can make it prone to mildew.

Don’t use vinegar on unsealed grout
The vinegar will seep into the pores of the grout and weaken it or wear it away.

Don’t use bleach or other harsh chemical cleaners
Bleach can cause grout to break down and deteriorate. 

There you have it, our top tips for getting your grout and tiles looking great. If you’d like some help with the cleaning, then hire a top rated Tasker near you today.