How To Restore Discoloured Grout To Its Natural Shine?

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How To Restore Discoloured Grout To Its Natural Shine?

By : Georgia

Tile is a popular flooring option for bathrooms and kitchens. It offers both style and functionality to the entire house. However, over time, grime, gunk, grease and other allergens can build up on the surface and between white grout lines. This makes them look dull and dingy and leads to the growth of lethal mould and mildew. Unlike tile surfaces, grout lines are porous and recessed, making it difficult to reach with basic cleaning tools. Moreover, scrubbing grime harder can cause permanent damage, which may cause bond deductions at the end of your tenancy.

Fret not! In this guide, we bring you the best hacks to help restore discoloured grout to its original glory using safe methods. You’ll need non abrasive tools and chemical free solutions. Hydrogen peroxide, mild dishwashing soap and baking soda can do wonders in achieving sparkling outcomes without taking a toll on your pocket. Ensure you stay consistent with the regular cleaning routine to keep your tiles and grout durable for years while promoting a healthy home environment in Perth. It is good to get rid of household hazard waste, such as chemical cleaners, etc to keep greenhouse gas at bay.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Why Does Dirt Build Up Between Grout Lines?

Sweeping and mopping tiled floors may remove dirt and grime, but the grout still looks dull, which may ruin the look and feel of your bathroom or kitchen. Grout is the stuff used to fill the gaps between and underneath tiles. This helps them secure expensive tiles in one place. However, grout lies lower the tile surface, dirt and excess water removed from the tiles can accumulated in the grout lines. Since grout is delicate to clean, scrubbing the lines may cause damage. That’s one main reason why tenants hire experts for a budget vacate cleaning Perth to achieve desired outcomes without causing any damage to the surfaces.

However, if you want to restore the shine of your dull and dingy grout on your own, consider the following tips using non abrasive products and tools.

2. Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

natural tile cleaners in a single frame

Here is a list of cleaning supplies you’ll need to dislodge grime, gunk, grease and mould from tiles and grout lines like a pro:

  • Grout Brush (use an old toothbrush to access nooks and crannies)
  • Baking soda
  • Borax
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Grout Sealer
  • Sponge
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Hot water
  • Rubber gloves

3. Baking Soda Paste For Mild Grout Stains

Light stains on grout are caused by soap scum buildup, dirt and foot traffic, spilled beverages, etc. Instead of using acidic or harsh products, start the process with an alkaline cleaning agent, such as baking soda. You can also use washing soda as an alternative natural cleaning agent.

Make a thick paste by mixing 1 cup baking soda with ¼ cup warm water. Mix the solution and apply it to the grout lines. Coat a proper layer using a brush and leave it for 10 minutes. Next, use an old toothbrush and gently scrub in a circular motion. The baking soda is a powerful scouring agent that can help dislodge stains and grime without causing any damage or dullness to the surface.

Lastly, rinse and wipe down the tile and in between lines using a microfiber cloth and let it dry completely. It is good to follow a proper checklist to clean a bathroom in an hour, including tiles and grout lines.

4. Combat Mould and Mildew Stains using Hydrogen Peroxide

It is easy to use store bought grout cleaner but most of these products are laden with harmful and toxic chemicals like ammonia. What’s the safest yet effective alternative? It’s none other than Hydrogen peroxide. It is one of the best cleaning agents to tackle mould and mildew stains without causing damage to the grout.

Mix one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide with one part of warm water into a spray bottle. You can gently spray the solution on tiles and grout lines to break down mould spores. Leave it for half an hour before scrubbing with a soft bristled brush. Ensure you scrub gently and repeatedly to dislodge stains.

This will help restore the discoloured grout to its original colour and shine. Professional vacate cleaning experts recommend opening windows and doors for proper ventilation when tackling mould and mildew from bathrooms.

Tip: Rinse and wipe the surface with a cloth. Dry the surface to prevent further growth.

5. Borax: To Restore Natural Shine

Borax is another natural mineral compound that can be a great alternative to abrasive cleaning products. It has alkaline properties that make grout cleaning effective. To use it for cleaning, mix borax with mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Add a few drops of tea tree oil. Mix well and apply it over the stained area. Ensure you gently scrub and rinse to restore the shiny appearance.

Tip: Caustic soda can also do wonders in eliminating stubborn stains, hard water marks and grime from grout.

6. Steam Cleaning for an Ultimate Result

If you want to clean and sanitise tile and grout without elbow grease, opt for the steam cleaning. It requires no harsh chemicals and other fancy products. The steam itself breaks down gunk and grime without causing any damage to the surface. Loosen the grime and scrub with a brush for an ultimate shine. This will also kill lurking germs and bacteria.

You can also book experts for a quality vacate cleaning Perth to tackle stains and grime from every nook and cranny from the entire rental property. They can help you secure full bond money.

7. Seal the Grout

It is good to seal the grout after cleaning to restore the shine. Let the surface dry before applying a grout sealer evenly using a sponge and brush. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes and wipe off excess from the tiles. Let it rest for a day before being exposed to the water. This ensures longevity for years to come.

Tips to Remove Grime and Gunk From Tile Grouts

Restore Discoloured Grout To Its Natural Shine

Wrapping Up

Tiles and grout lines accumulate dirt, grime, grease and mould if left untreated. However, with these simple tips and tricks, you can restore the original shine of your white grout without causing any damage to the surface. You can use abrasive cleaning agents, hydrogen peroxide, borax and steam cleaning methods for spotless results. This will uplift the entire look and feel of the property.