From bathrooms to kitchens and outdoor living – tiles are an easy to clean, easy to maintain, water-resistant option that come in a wide variety of styles and designs to suit all personalities. Grout on the other hand is great at keeping tiles together but it can be prone to stains and cracks and requires proper cleaning and maintenance.
We look at some ways to keep your grout clean, extend its life and avoid wasting time and money on repeated grout replacement.
Stay on top of things
While it may seem like just an extra chore to add to your daily routine, a daily wiping and spraying after your baths or showers will go a long way in keeping your grout clean and preventing staining and damage in the long run.
Get yourself a great squeegee and get into the habit of running it over the tiles and glass after your bath or shower to remove the excess water. Then lightly spray your tiles or glass with a mild shower cleaner, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner or you can make your own by mixing 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
Give the nooks and crannies a Deep Clean
Your daily cleaning will help to keep things clean but every 2 weeks to once a month (depending on how much your bathroom is used) you will also need to do a deeper clean to get rid of soap scum and build up that gets into all the nooks and crannies between the tiles. Make a simple paste of water and baking soda and rub it into the grout with an old toothbrush, then rinse with clean water.
For Stubborn Stains
For grout that has some stubborn stains you may need to break out the bleach. Gel bleach solutions work great to get into the smaller spaces and also minimise the contact with your tile. Apply it to the stubborn stain areas and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with clean water.
Signs that it is time to replace your grout include flaking and breaking, and tiles becoming loose or coming off. As soon as you see this kind of breakage it is important to take action as this is when water will be able to seep into your walls or floor and cause much worse damage. Hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet for the longevity of your tiles going forward, a professional will also be able to advise you on grout and tile sealers that will add an extra layer of protection to your new grout.
Get in Touch
Contact the plumbing professionals at Bosman Plumbing for advice on bathroom renovations and tiling. Our plumbers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide reliable solutions and advice.
Email: info@bosmanplumbing.co.za
Tel: 021 705 3969
083 658 1402
083 658 1401