Tile joints in floors, bathrooms and kitchens often lose their whiteness and blacken. In damp environments, they also become covered with dark, malodorous mold and mildew. In addition, the spaces between the tiles, which are often slightly indented, facilitate the accumulation of dirt by blackening the joints.
To eliminate mildew, there are several very effective natural remedies. Lavender essential oil is one of them. It is also useful for removing mold from the walls of the house, both indoors and outdoors.
Baking soda or vinegar are often used to whiten tile grout with natural products. As they are excellent antibacterial and antimicrobial agents, these two quite effective products produce good results. In addition, baking soda also neutralizes odors. In contrast, vinegar can leave the house with a very pungent odor.
Not just baking soda and vinegar, this other inexpensive product will do!
In addition to baking soda and vinegar, you can use another product that everyone has at home to whiten tiles. This is hydrogen peroxide, useful for sterilizing wounds.
This product, which is sold in supermarkets for a few euros, is perfect combined with baking soda. They are an effective remedy to eliminate and neutralize musty odors. Hydrogen peroxide is also an excellent degreasing product.
Simply mix ½ liter of hydrogen peroxide and ½ cup of baking soda (about 100 grams). Mix the 2 ingredients well until you obtain a semi-solid paste.
With a disposable glove, spread the paste on the blackened joints and rub with a toothbrush or a sponge. Leave for about 10 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. If necessary, repeat the operation until the desired surface is completely bleached.
The same process can be used to whiten the joints between bathroom tiles and floor tiles.
Other remedies
Another effective but more expensive remedy is sanitary ware descaling gel. Simply pour the product between the tiles and leave it to act for about 20 minutes. The result is excellent, but it is more aggressive and not very environmentally friendly.