Got Stained Grout? These Two Household Items Will Clean It in Five Minutes Without Bleach
Kerry Hale, from Mira Showers, has shared her top tips for cleaning mouldy or stained grout. She says you only need two household items to leave your bathroom looking brand new.
Grout, the material that fills the gaps between tiles, can turn into a hotbed for unsightly mould or mildew if it’s not looked after properly, resulting in nasty stains. It’s usually mould and mildew that are to blame for grout turning a dingy grey colour, which is anything but appealing. The build-up of shampoo and shower gel residue can also make your bathroom grout look a rather unpleasant yellow or orange shade.
However, cleaning guru Kerry Hale from Mira Showers has some reassuring words, saying that getting rid of mouldy or stained grout is “easier than you might think” and can really transform the appearance of your bathroom. For that dazzling white finish, Kerry recommends a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, reports the Express.
Why Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Work
- Baking Soda: Great for whitening and freshening up, plus it’s a soft abrasive, so it’s ideal for scrubbing grout lines without causing any harm to your tiles.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Known for its brilliant whitening properties, it’s excellent at zapping mould spores and is a less harsh option compared to bleach.
How to Clean Grout with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
- Make a Paste: Start by making a thick paste using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
- Apply the Paste: Use an old toothbrush to apply this DIY cleaning solution onto the grout, making sure you cover the whole area you’re working on.
- Let It Sit: Leave the paste to do its magic for about five minutes.
- Scrub the Grout: Use a stiff-bristled brush to give the grout a good scrub. If stains persist, apply more paste and allow it to sit once more before scrubbing again.
- Wipe Off: Use a damp cloth or mop to wipe off the remaining paste.
- Final Clean: Go over the entire tiled area with a spray cleaner and wipe down with a clean cloth or mop.
Preventative Measures
Cleaning bathroom grout is a tough job, so once it’s all clean, it’s worth taking some preventative measures to avoid future build-up of dirt and mould:
- Dry Tiles and Grout: After a shower or bath, use an old towel or a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls or bath. This is one of the “easiest ways to keep grout looking brand new for longer”.
- Ventilate: Keep your bathroom as dry as possible to prevent mould and mildew from growing. Open a window to ventilate the room after a steamy bath or shower.
The Benefits of Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
- Baking Soda: An effective whitener and deodoriser, baking soda is also a mild abrasive, providing extra cleaning power without the risk of scratching your tiles.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Possesses amazing whitening properties and effectively kills mould spores, similar to bleach but safer to use.
By using these two household items, you can keep your bathroom grout sparkling clean and free from unsightly stains and mould, all without the harshness of bleach.
