Whether in the kitchen, bathroom or basement, joints can become discolored and dirty over time. With simple home remedies, a little hard work and these tried and tested tips, you can clean brown grout lines and make them fresh again, no matter what material they are made of.
Cleaning grout lines isn't the kind of thing you want to spend an hour or two doing. However, it is necessary to do this hard work every now and then to get them looking pristine again. Although there are numerous cleaners available for purchase, the solution to this problem may already be in your kitchen cupboard.
Cleaning the grout between your kitchen or bathroom tiles can be a difficult process, especially without the right cleaner. It depends on various factors, e.g. B. on the color of the joints and their material. Therefore, avoid wire brushes, steel wool and abrasive cleaners, which can damage them and ruin the freshness and safety of the tiles.
Get the grout white again
If you have neglected grout cleaning, the once white grout lines between tiles may now appear brown. This discoloration is caused by dirt and mold, but can be quickly removed with simple home remedies.
Mix warm water and powdered oxygen bleach in a spray bottle to create a nontoxic solution that will help you get grout lines white again with minimal scrubbing. The home remedy kills all bacteria and brightens the joints at the same time.
Spray the solution onto the dry joints so that it can be absorbed well and leave it to work for at least 15 minutes. The longer you wait, the better. Then lightly scrub the grout with an old toothbrush, rinse and dry with a rag.
Do not use oxygen bleach on grout linesbetween marble tiles, to avoid possible damage to the surface.
Clean colored joints
Whether you used the colored grout to match the color of the tiles or for a nice contrast with the tiles, colored grout also requires proper care.
When cleaning, opt for mild solutions that will not damage the colored grout. Avoid bleach as it can fade the color of the grout.
First, try cleaning the dirty areas with a vinegar solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist the grout lines. Then scrub them with an old toothbrush and then rinse with clean water.
If you are not satisfied with the results, combine vinegar with baking soda to increase effectiveness. Prepare a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the dirty grout lines. Then spray them with the vinegar solution and let it sit until it stops bubbling. Then scrub the grout lines again and rinse with water.
This method is suitable for cleaning all types of joints, but should not be used on natural stone tiles.
Get silicone joints clean
Similar to grout, silicone grout can become dirty over time and should be cleaned to keep it looking shiny. Silicone is waterproof and is well suited for use in the bathroom around the bathtub, toilet, shower and sink. However, it tends to harbor more and more dirt and mold. To avoid damaging the rubbery material, you should take the right measures to eliminate the stubborn bacteria.
Hard scrubbing and bleach are trueefficient against mold spores, but if used too often they can damage the material.
Instead, opt for natural home remedies like vinegar and baking soda to get your silicone grout white again.
Mix 250ml of white vinegar with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to make a gentle solution. Take a small amount of the mixture with a damp cloth and gently rub it onto the affected area until all discoloration is removed.
Other home remedies for cleaning brown grout
There are a variety of home remedies that can be used efficiently for cleaning grout. Always start with the mildest method and combine with stronger home remedies for the best results. Always make sure that the joints between natural stone tiles need more attention as they could be damaged by products with acid content.
Use steam cleaner
If you already have a steam cleaner, this is a good way to get brown grout lines bright again. The hot temperature dissolves dirt and grime so that the joints are fresh and clean again after cleaning.
Fill the device with water and attach a small round brush. Run the steam cleaner along the grout lines, scrubbing gently as you go. The dirt should dissolve slowly. Repeat the process as necessary.
Clean brown grout: With toothpaste
AnotherAn effective cleaner is toothpaste, which can easily restore your kitchen and bathroom to a high shine.
Spread some white toothpaste on the grout lines and scrub with an old toothbrush. Then soak a cloth with a solution of dish soap and water and wipe the grout lines. Then rinse the area with clean water.
Lemon is also suitable for this
The acidity in lemon helps remove soap scum and stains from grout lines without damaging them. Since lemon juice also has slightly bleaching properties, it can be used to whiten dirty grout lines. Mixing lemon with baking soda creates a natural cleaning agent that cleans brown grout lines very efficiently.
- Squeeze the juice from a lemon and pour it through a sieve to remove the pulp and seeds. Alternatively, you can also use bottled lemon juice.
- Add baking soda to the lemon juice until it forms a thin paste.
- Apply a thin layer of the paste to the dirty joints and leave it on for 5 minutes.
- Then scrub with a soft brush and rinse with clean water.
- Repeat the process if necessary until all joints appear light again.
Lighten brown grout lines with shaving cream
A cost-effective, non-toxic and easy method for cleaning household surfaces is theApplication of shaving foam. This ingenious hack is perfect for grout lines too, as you should make sure to only use white shaving foam and no gel. Spray the shaving cream onto the joints and work it in with your fingers. Then leave it on for 10 minutes and scrub gently with a damp toothbrush. Then rinse the tiles with warm water.
You can increase the effectiveness of shaving cream by combining it with bleach. The consistency of the shaving cream helps the bleach stay on the grout long enough. To do this, mix equal parts of shaving cream and bleach and apply the mixture to the joints. Leave it on overnight and rinse the surface in the morning.
Clean floor joints with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a non-toxic alternative to bleach that is less harsh but still effective when combined with baking soda. This homemade grout cleaner is suitable for light and white grout lines.
Sprinkle the baking soda on the joints and spray them with hydrogen peroxide. Let the combination sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Seal the tile joints after cleaning
When exposed to moisture, joints can become a breeding ground for mold. It is therefore particularly important to apply a sealant after you have gotten the brown joints clean again. This is particularly useful if you have colored joints. A sealant is used to make the joints more resistant to moisture and grease deposits.
Don't forget to reapply the sealant every one to two years, depending on how worn it is.
