Ceramic tile can be a very appealing and alluring material to use in your bathroom. Although, over time the grout lines can get dirty and dingy and they can be a pain to maintain.

Because of its typically light colouring and porous composition, grout is prone to staining. In a tiled entry or mudroom, dirt and grime are the usual culprits, while in the kitchen, spills are more likely to blame. In the bathroom, homeowners must contend with mould and mildew. While cleaning bathroom tile can be tricky – it’s not impossible. Here are our tips for returning grout lines to the original glory. 

Acquire a Good Brush

For any plumbing or home project, it helps to have suitable tools for the job. And for cleaning grout, your best tool is a high-quality, nylon-bristled brush. An old toothbrush won’t be sturdy enough to get out tough grout stains. 

Use Natural Grout Cleaner

We recommend that you start by trying a natural grout cleaner that’s gentler on you, your plumbing, and the environment than harsh-chemical cleaners. Conveniently, these solutions are also easy to make and cheaper than buying most products. 

Here’s a list of some natural cleaners you can try, ordered from simplest to strongest:

• Warm water and dish soap. You may be surprised how effective your trusty brush and soapy water can be.
• Baking soda – add water until it forms a paste. Let the mixture sit on the grout, then rinse with warm water.
• 3 parts baking soda, 1 part hydrogen peroxide, and a squirt of dish soap. Scrub the mixture onto the grout and rinse with warm water.
• Oxygenated bleach. Mix with water, scrub into the grout, allow to sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
  • Be careful with commercial cleaning products

If the more natural approach doesn’t appear to work well, then it’s time to try a more powerful commercial cleaner. But be attentive – these products can be dangerous if mishandled or used improperly. 

A few safety tips: 

• Avoid products with acids that could deteriorate the grout
• Do not mix cleaning products, which could result in a dangerous chemical reaction
• Open the windows or turn on the fan to make sure the bathroom is ventilated
• Wear appropriate clothing and safety gear (such as gloves and eye protection) 
• Read all of the directions and safety warnings on the packaging before using the product 
• If you experience burning skins, eye irritation, headache, or breathing issues, stop using the product immediately and move outside or to a better-ventilated room

We hope these tips are helpful in cleaning grout lines so you can enjoy the beauty of your bathroom. If you ever have plumbing issues – large or small – the team at Royal Flush Plumbing is here to help. To schedule an appointment, call (289) 788-0038 today.