Tile joints are often exposed to humidity and all kinds of splashes. Whether in the kitchen or in the bathroom, they tend to become dirty, blacken and deteriorate over time. Natural alternatives allow you to easily regain the shine of your tile joints. We tell you everything.
What makes tile grout dirty?
Over time, tiles can deteriorate, especially at the joints. Dust, stagnant water and other liquids penetrate it, which is conducive to the proliferation of bacteria and the development of mold. If they are not cleaned properly, they can turn black and deteriorate quickly.
How to clean dirty floor tile joints without scrubbing?
Did you know ? It is entirely possible to clean tile joints without spending hours scrubbing! Sometimes you just need to surround yourself with the right ingredients to give them a good clean. Healthy and ecological products are able to eliminate encrusted dirt and neutralize the proliferation of bacteria on joints. We explain the procedure to follow:
- Using a broom or vacuum cleaner, clean the surface of the tiles.
- Dip a mop in hot water and clean the tile surface with it to remove any remaining dust and dirt.
- Then prepare your own household product. For this you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons of baking soda
- 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid
- In a bowl, mix the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide until you have a paste.
- Then add the dishwashing liquid and apply the mixture to the joints.
Caution
Test the mixture on a small area of the tiles. Some materials may discolor upon contact with the above products. If you don’t notice anything unusual, continue your cleaning.
- Leave the cleaning paste to act for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Then use a sponge, toothbrush or even a damp towel to clean the surface. Repeat this operation if necessary.
- Let it air dry!
And there you have it, your tile joints are sparkling clean! You are probably wondering what makes this solution so effective? This is the cleaning action of these different products. On the one hand, baking soda can penetrate the porous surface of the joints and eliminate stains without being too abrasive. Hydrogen peroxide is a good alternative to bleach. It allows you to whiten and thoroughly clean this type of surface. And with a little touch of dishwashing liquid, you can more easily remove grease stains as well as dirt from joints, whether on wall or floor tiles!
What other ecological cleaning product should you choose for tile joints?
When it comes to cleaning tile joints, you can use a whole bunch of household products. But there are other, gentler, natural options for your tiles that are just as effective:
- White vinegar :
At the top of the list, white vinegar is the household ally that we cannot do without. Thanks to its high acetic acid content, it is often used for its cleaning and disinfecting properties.
- Baking soda :
This multi-purpose, slightly abrasive product is very effective when it comes to removing stains on sanitary ware and encrusted dirt.
- Sodium percarbonate:
A cousin of baking soda, sodium percarbonate is an excellent cleaner and whitener capable of removing deep-down dirt and eliminating micro-organisms and bacteria on the surface.
- Lemon juice :
If you’re looking for a good cleanser, lemon juice rich in citric acid is what you need. It acts as an excellent stain remover and whitener. And what’s more, it smells good!
- Hydrogen peroxide :
With its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it quickly eliminates dirt on the joints and surfaces of your kitchen and damp rooms such as the bathroom, with optimal results.
How to keep tile joints clean?
As you will have understood, the best way to keep tile joints always clean and healthy is to avoid the accumulation of dirt on a daily basis. How to go about it ? Here are some good reflexes to adopt at home:
- Place a mat at the entrance to wipe the soles of your shoes.
- Wipe the paws of pets that may carry dirt from outside.
- Clean the joints with a little hydrogen peroxide every 3 days or once a week to prevent the appearance of mold. This regular maintenance will leave your joints clean.
- Ventilate the bathroom and kitchen regularly to release water vapors and allow the tiles to dry. This will prevent mold from building up over time on the joints.
- Opt for weekly cleaning at least to keep the floor in perfect condition. This must also include cleaning faucets that leak on the joints and leave stubborn stains.
Seal the joints
To make them last longer, joints need to be protected against excessive moisture. To do this, we carefully apply mastic or silicone sealant directly to the joints. A procedure that must be done in harmony with the finish of the tiles. Follow the leader !
- Choose a product suitable for your tiles. Some sealers only work with one type of tile grout.
- Clean the joints and tiles following the method above. Apply a vinegar water solution to the joint for a flawless finish.
- Apply the putty over an entire line using a sponge or brush.
- Make sure to cover the joints well to create a waterproof barrier.
- Let dry for 10 minutes then wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
- Apply a second coat to achieve the desired result.
- Allow the sealant to dry while avoiding walking on it or using the shower. This may take up to 48 hours, depending on each product.
And there you have it, the joints are perfectly resistant to humid conditions and mold! Do not hesitate to inquire before purchasing your sealant. Some are more durable than others and are less likely to crack.
FAQs
How to whiten blackened tile grouts in the bathroom and shower?
Several ingredients can help you whiten tile grout, such as vinegar and baking soda. But you can also use toothpaste, clay stone or black soap. With its composition of linseed oil, olive oil and potash, the latter acts as an excellent cleaner and detergent. Simply dilute a capful in a liter of hot water then scrub with a toothbrush. Guaranteed effect.
How to clean bathroom tile joints and make them clean?
A solution of vinegar water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid is enough to make bathroom tiles clean and sparkling. Mix the two ingredients and rub with an abrasive sponge then wipe with a cloth soaked in clean water. Coarse salt is also a good alternative for removing dirt from tile joints in wall corners. Your tiles are like new with these good natural products!
How long to wait before re-grouting tiles on the floor?
If you want to redo the tile joints. Do this after a year on surfaces in the house that are often frequented by members of your family.