Grout, the material that fills the gaps between tiles, can become a breeding ground for unsightly mould or mildew if not maintained properly, leading to stains.
More often than not, grout becomes stained due to the presence of mould and mildew, leaving it with an unattractive grey hue.
On top of that, the accumulation of shampoo and shower gel residue can also cause your bathroom grout to take on an off-putting yellow or orange tint.
But fear not, as cleaning expert Kerry Hale from Mira Showers assures that sprucing up mouldy or stained grout is “easier than you might think” and can quickly revamp your bathroom’s look.
For a sparkling white finish, Kerry suggests using baking soda combined with hydrogen peroxide.
Baking soda not only whitens and deodorises but also acts as a gentle abrasive, making it perfect for scrubbing grout lines without damaging your tiles.
Hydrogen peroxide is another star in the battle against grime, boasting excellent whitening abilities. It’s effective at killing mould spores and is a safer alternative to bleach.
To tackle dingy grout with these kitchen staples, begin by whipping up a thick paste from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Slather this homemade cleaner onto the grout with an old toothbrush, ensuring full coverage of the area you’re treating, and let it penetrate for about five minutes.
Then, with a stiff-bristled brush, give the grout a good scrub. If stains persist, apply more paste and allow it to sit once more before scrubbing again.
Afterwards, use a damp cloth or mop to wipe off the remaining paste. Complete the task by going over the entire tiled area with spray cleaner and wiping down with a clean cloth or mop.
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.
Drying tiles and grout after a shower or bath is one of the “easiest ways to keep grout looking brand new for longer”. To do this, use an old towel or a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls or bath after each use.
Keeping your bathroom as dry as possible will also help “prevent mould and mildew from growing”. Open a window to ventilate the room after a steamy bath or shower to assist with this.
Baking soda is an effective whitener and deodoriser. As baking soda is also a mild abrasive, using it for cleaning grout lines gives you extra firepower without the risk of scratching your tiles.
Hydrogen peroxide also has amazing whitening properties. Like bleach, hydrogen peroxide effectively kills mould spores but it is safer to use.
To use these two household items to whiten grout, start by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a bowl to form a thick paste.