The best method to remove difficult stains from tile grout
Keeping the tile and grout in your home looking beautiful can be a challenge, especially when you're dealing with tough stains. But don't worry - there are several effective techniques you can use to remove those stubborn spots, so you can restore the original beauty of your tile and grout.
Identify the type of stain
Different types of stains will require different cleaning agents. For example, oil-based stains can be removed with a degreaser while rust stains may require an oxalic acid cleaner.
Use a tile grout cleaner
Using a tile grout cleaner is the quickest and most effective way to get rid of stubborn stains. Tile grout cleaners have strong cleaning agents that not only lift dirt, grease, and stains from your tiles and grout but also help to protect them from further staining. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using the cleaner so you don't damage your tiles in any way.
✅ Sprinkle baking soda and water
Baking soda is a natural cleaner with excellent stain-lifting properties. To remove tough stains, combine baking soda with a small amount of water and spread it over the affected area. Let the baking soda mixture sit for a few hours, then scrub off with a soft cloth or an old toothbrush to lift the dirt and grime from the tile and grout.
✅ Apply white vinegar to the stain
White vinegar is a powerful disinfectant and can be used to remove a variety of stains. To use it on tile & grout, apply white vinegar to the stain and let it sit overnight. The acid in the white vinegar helps loosen and dissolve hard-to-remove dirt and debris from within the porous space between the tiles and grout. After letting it sit for 8-10 hours, use a damp towel or scrub brush to wipe away any loosened debris and finish with a clean mop or towel.
✅ Lemon juice and salt
This method is ideal for oil-based stains, such as cooking grease and motor oil. Create a paste of equal parts lemon juice and salt and coat the affected area with it. Next, cover the paste with saran wrap and let it sit for 20 minutes. After it’s done sitting, scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth before rinsing it off with warm water. Use extra caution when cleaning around grout, as aggressive scrubbing can wear away or discolor delicate grout lines.
✅ Use an absorbent pad
Rubbing alcohol is great for removing adhesives and wax stains from your tiles and grout. Apply a few drops of the alcohol directly onto an absorbent pad or cloth, and dab it into the stained area. Keep dabbling with new parts of the cloth until you see the stain disappear! Once finished, use warm water to rinse away any residual rubbing alcohol and residue left behind.
Use professional tile and grout cleaning services
Professional tile and grout cleaning services use specialized tools, such as high-pressure steam cleaners, to blast away dirt and grime without damaging surface tiles or sealants. If the stain is truly stubborn and deep-rooted, these professional companies can often remove it in a single visit. Plus, they can apply coatings of sealant to increase surface protection and extend the life of your tiled areas.
Try ammonia for stubborn stains
Ammonia is a powerful cleaning agent that can easily break down stubborn grout stains, grease, and dirt. It’s the perfect solution if you’re trying to get rid of deep-set gunk in your grout lines. A great way to use ammonia is to mix it with an equal amount of water and apply it directly to the stain. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing it with an old toothbrush. Do not use steel wool because it will scratch the tile’s surface.
Combine steam cleaners with detergents
If you’re dealing with really tough grout stains, one of the most effective ways to get rid of them is to combine steam cleaning with detergents or acidic cleaners. Start by filling your steam cleaner with water and the appropriate amount of detergent or acid. Then aim the steamer at the grout lines and proceed to clean it for two-three minutes. Once done, go over it with a stiff-bristled brush to remove any resting residue. For tougher stains, repeat this step a few times. Be sure to wear protective gear when dealing with harsh cleaners such as acids because they can be dangerous both for you and your surfaces.
We hope you found this article helpful. You can use it to effectively remove tough stains from tile and grout. And also remember to always test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage to the tile or grout.
