Grout is the sandy, gritty substance that provides the structure and stabilization to tile work. Because floor grout sees a lot of traffic, white grout can easily get dirty, discolored, or stained. Keeping white grout clean and new-looking can be a challenge, but there are some steps you can take to get your grout clean and keep it white. We have researched this subject extensively for you, using multiple knowledgeable sources to bring you some helpful hints for getting and keeping your dirty floor grout white.
Because of its porous texture, white floor grout gets stained easily with foot traffic and mildew. Daily wiping after use can go a long way to keeping your floor grout white. When stains do happen, though, a little bit of scrubbing with a little bit of strength can go a long way. In short, using common cleaning solutions found in most households and some elbow grease make the best cleaners for white grout.
While knowing what cleaning products to use to clean your white grout is helpful, other questions will likely arise. Certain products can damage your tile and grout, and certain colors that your grout turns will require different approaches. There are also ways to protect your white grout from further staining and damage. We will discuss how to use these cleaners and other closely related topics. Keep reading.
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Is white grout easy to clean?
When white grout turns not so white, it can mean bacteria and other germs are trapped in the porous surface. Thoroughly cleaning your grout every six months or so is advised to keep your grout looking new and maintain the lifespan of your grout.
While specific cleaning solutions may differ slightly depending on the source, a mixture of either hydrogen peroxide or vinegar with warm water and baking soda is recommended for optimal results. Using a toothbrush, brush the surface of your grout with the mixture until it is free of stain or discoloration.
After you have scrubbed all of your grout lines, take a clean, wet cloth and wipe the cleaning mixture from the surface of your grout. For stubborn stains, it is recommended to let the cleaning mixture sit on the stain for about an hour before wiping clean.
Can vinegar ruin your grout?
As shown in the example below, if your grout lines are not completely and properly sealed, vinegar can ruin or corrode your grout. When your grout is properly sealed, vinegar diluted with water in a 1:4 ratio can be great for use as a daily cleanser.
Wiping down your tile and grout daily with a few sprays of vinegar and water mixture can protect your tile and grout and keep them looking new for years. Because of its acidic properties, this mixture of vinegar and water should not be used with natural stone tile.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for grout?
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent cleaning solution, especially for white grout. When mixed with baking soda, oxygenated bleach is formed that is great for use on white grout. Hydrogen peroxide won't damage your grout like vinegar can but can result in lightening the color of your grout.
Spot test your grout with the hydrogen peroxide mixture to ensure that it won't cause discoloration. Adding dish soap to the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixture is also highly recommended by experts in the field.
How do you get rust out of white grout?
Rust is one of the most common stains to form on grout. As shown in the example below, rust can leave your white grout looking orange or brown. Mild rust stains can usually be easily removed with mixtures of everyday household products, but tougher rust stains can require professional cleaning products. Hydrogen peroxide, powdered laundry detergent, and dish soap are all products recommended by experts to remove mild rust stains on grout.
- Hydrogen peroxide should be mixed with water in a 1:2 ratio, placed in a spray bottle, and sprayed on the rust stain. A stiff-bristled toothbrush should be used to scrub the grout lines.
- Powdered laundry detergent should be applied directly to pre-moistened grout and let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing your grout in a circular motion.
- Use about 20 drops of dish soap mixed in a cup of warm water in a spray bottle to spray your grout and scrub with a stiff toothbrush.
Does Magic Eraser work on grout?
Magic Eraser is said to work magic on many surfaces, including and especially your white floor grout. Due to the combination of ingredients included in the sponge and the fine sandpaper texture of the sponge itself, Magic Eraser is the optimal cleaning tool for many surfaces.
To remove grout stains using Magic Eraser, wet the sponge, squeeze the water through the sponge a couple of times, and scrub away stains and discoloration. Be careful using Magic Eraser on tile, though, due to its abrasive texture; it can damage ceramic or polished tile.
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How do you protect white floor grout?
Being proactive when choosing your floor grout may be the best way to protect your white floor grout. Selecting a tile grout resistant to mold, mildew, and stains is the first step in protecting your white floor grout.
If white floor grout is already in place and this isn't an option, your best bet is daily cleaning of your grout as mentioned above, using vinegar and water spray mixture. A diluted bleach and water mixture is also highly effective in preventing the build-up of mold and mildew that can lead to discoloration of your white floor grout.
Cleaning your grout is key, but it is not the only important way of protecting your porous grout. Ventilating your area is key to preventing mold and mildew from forming on your grout in the first place. Drying your tile after use can also aid in preventing any discoloration of grout lines. Wiping down all grout lines with clean soapy water weekly can also protect your white grout.
How do you keep white grout from turning yellow?
Hydrogen peroxide is the best way to keep your white grout from becoming yellow. Vinegar and baking soda are also recommended in keeping your white grout from turning yellow. Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can either be used alone or with baking soda to form a paste to clean yellow stains on grout. Bleach should be avoided because it can turn your white grout yellow.
Why is my white grout turning orange?
Both mold and iron in water can be responsible for turning white grout an orange color. Built-up soap scum can also be orange in color and turn your grout orange. Frequent cleaning can again prevent this discoloration.
Chlorine bleach solutions can be very effective in cleaning built-up soap scum, leading to mold growth. Leading professionals also recommend baking soda and vinegar paste for this problem.
What color grout is easiest to keep clean?
Darker colors generally hide stains more readily than lighter colors. For this reason, darker colored grout like grey or brown is generally easiest to keep clean. These darker colors can change the overall look of your tile, though. If white grout is really what you want, consider different types of white grout. To keep your white grout clean longer, using epoxy grout that is not porous and therefore does not stain easily may be the answer to your problem.
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Final thoughts
Tile floors, while unarguably beautiful, can be challenging to keep new-looking and clean. White grout has a look that is refined and clean. If white grout is what your heart is set on, don't let up-keep keep you from having the bathroom floor of your dreams. Follow our tips and tricks to keep your white grout white and new-looking for years to come.
Before you go, here are some articles that may be of interest to you:
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