It is very easy to make the tiles look neat and shiny, but the difficulty lies in cleaning the joints. Sometimes it happens that you have to take them back. You do not need specific detergents to clean the interstitial spaces between one tile and the other, on the contrary you may already have everything you need at home. However, if you choose to restore them, you will need to purchase a special paint.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Clean Dirty Grouts
Step 1. Use warm water and a nylon brush
Sometimes a little water and elbow grease is enough. Spray it on the grout that makes up the joints, then scrub with a stiff bristle brush in circular movements. It may be sufficient to remove the lightest dirt deposited on the surface and free the white grout underneath.
- For stubborn stains, add a few drops of dish soap to the hot water.
- Get a brush specifically designed for cleaning grout lines. If you can't find it, an old toothbrush or a manicure brush will work too. However, avoid using it if it has metal bristles, as it could ruin the grout.
Step 2. Apply a vinegar and water solution to the mold stains
Fill a spray bottle with 1 part white vinegar and 1 part hot water. Spray the mixture on the affected areas, wait 5 minutes, then scrub with a stiff bristle brush. If necessary, rinse with warm water.
Do not use the same solution if the tiles are marble or natural stone. Vinegar can damage these types of materials
Step 3. Make a baking soda and water based paste for stubborn stains
Mix a little baking soda in a good amount of water until you get a thick paste. Distribute it over the affected area. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush, then rinse with warm water.
You can also combine pasta with a mixture of one part water and one part white vinegar. When the effervescent reaction ends, apply the mixture to the stain by scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush
Step 4. Use hydrogen peroxide on stubborn stains
You can spray it directly on the stain or mix it with baking soda to make a paste. Once you have applied hydrogen peroxide (alone or combined) to the grout, wait a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff bristle brush. Finally, rinse.
Hydrogen peroxide effectively removes blood stains
Step 5. Use a detergent with active oxygen
Find a product that is suitable for cleaning joints or contains active oxygen. Turn on the bathroom vacuum or open the window and put on a pair of rubber gloves. Apply it following the instructions. In general, it should be left to act for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff bristle brush. When finished, rinse with warm water.
You can find various detergents based on active oxygen because it is a chemical element that is very often present in common household cleaning products
Step 6. Treat the joints with steam to restore the original whiteness
Start by setting the pressure on your steamer to low and, if necessary, gradually increase it. Use the nozzle with the brush for stubborn stains.
This method does not require detergents because it uses steam under pressure to dissolve the dirt
Step 7. Use bleach diluted with water in extreme cases
Turn on the bathroom vacuum or open the window. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, goggles, and old clothes. Then fill a spray bottle with 1 part bleach and 10 part water. Spray the mixture on the dirt accumulated between the joints and wait a couple of minutes. Scrub using a stiff bristle brush, then rinse with water.
Use the bleach with the utmost care if the bathtub is porcelain. It may turn it yellow or erode the enamel
Step 8. Try a paste made from baking soda and bleach in extreme cases
Mix 2 parts baking soda and 1 parts bleach until you get a thick paste. Distribute it on the dirt accumulated between the joints and wait 5-10 minutes. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush, then wait another 5-10 minutes. Then rinse with water.
While it's not a good idea to combine bleach with other chemicals, it shouldn't cause any problems when mixed with baking soda. Many people find that this compound makes the most of the cleansing properties of both ingredients
Method 2 of 2: Bleach the Grout with Paint
Step 1. Purchase a white grout paint
You can find it in hardware stores or home improvement stores, but it is also labeled a "grout dye". It is usually epoxy based and is very durable. Grout paint is a different product than cement grout, which is usually translucent and not white.
- Depending on the shade, the white paint may look a little darker when dry.
- If the tiles are very dark, the white paint may look too light. Consider buying one in a light gray or off-white tone.
Step 2. Prepare the tiles and grout lines
Fill all the scratched areas with mortar and let it dry. If you need to seal the tiles, do so at this stage, but be careful not to apply the sealant to the joints as it may prevent the paint from adhering. Also make sure the joints are clean and have no oil, food, soap or dirt stains.
If you have washed the tiles, make sure they are completely dry before proceeding
Step 3. Get a brush and a paint tray
The brush should be small enough to pass along the joints. You can also use an old toothbrush or a cheap brush bought at the hardware store. You will also need a special tray or container to pour the paint into.
- If you are afraid that the brush will open and lose the bristles on the spaces that separate the tiles, use a foam brush. Make sure it has the same width as the joints.
- Consider shortening the bristles slightly to make them stiffer. They will allow you to handle it better.
- Alternatively, you could buy a small paint applicator with wheels. It will allow you to apply color easily and accurately.
Step 4. Pour some paint into the tray
Pour in less than you think is necessary - you can always add it later. If you overdo it, it may get annoyed before you get to use it all.
Step 5. Apply the paint by moving the brush back and forth
Dip the tip into the tray to collect a small amount of paint. Gently pass it along the joints. Be careful not to get it on the tiles. You can always remove excess paint, but it's best to avoid cleaning where you go wrong.
The joint paint only sticks to the mortar and is easily removed from the tiles. If in doubt, protect them with tape
Step 6. Remove excess paint from tiles using a damp cloth
If it has dried, scrape it off with a fingernail. You can also remove it using a rounded spatula or an old spoon.
Step 7. Wait for the paint to dry before applying the second coat
Depending on the brand, the wait can take up to an hour; read the instructions for drying times. It must be completely dry before you can apply another layer.
Step 8. Let the paint harden before using the treated area
Depending on which brand you have chosen, you will probably need to let the paint harden before you can use the tiled area. In other cases, you just need to wait for it to dry.
It is always advisable to let the paint dry more than indicated to make sure it is really dry
Step 9. Consider sealing the joints using a suitable sealant
It will help the paint last longer, but it will also allow the joints to stay clean longer and make it easier to clean.
Advice
- Keep the joints inside the shower clean by spraying a mixture of white vinegar and water in equal parts 2-3 times a week. Vinegar kills mold.
- Seal the joints with a suitable sealant 10-14 days after the paint has hardened. This will protect them from stains and clean them more easily.
- Grouts usually darken when they get wet. If they are not as white as you would like, wait for them to dry before applying other detergents and abrasives.
Warnings
- Do not mix bleach with other household cleaners - it could produce chemical reactions and toxic fumes.
- Avoid using wire brushes. They are generally too aggressive on the joints and can scratch them (as well as the surrounding tiles). Instead, opt for a nylon brush.
- When using bleach and other household cleaning products, make sure the room is well ventilated. Additionally, you should wear gloves, long-sleeved shirt, pants, and protective eyewear. When you rub on the grout, you may splash.
- Avoid applying vinegar to marble and natural stone tiles. You risk damaging this type of materials.
