The long-term use of bleach on grout can lead to several adverse effects. As an oxidizing agent, bleach can weaken the cement binding the grout, reducing its durability. Additionally, it can cause discoloration, leading to an uneven and blotchy appearance.
Why is bleach bad for grout? Bleach can discolor or strip color away. That said, if you are using it to clean colored grout it will likely fade the color or make the color uneven or remove it altogether. Bleach erodes, so it can also weaken the grout causing it to crack and crumble.
The best way to clean grout involves a combination of regular maintenance and targeted deep cleaning. Use a baking soda and vinegar solution for general cleaning, and for tougher stains, consider stronger natural cleaners like hydrogen peroxide.
Some professionals swear by a simple mixture of baking soda and peroxide to clean grout. Hydrogen peroxide is an acid, and baking soda is a base compound. Mixing the two together creates a reaction that can penetrate the grout lines and free dirt and debris.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a natural neutral cleaner that is safe to use on grout. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce oxygenated bleach, which is highly effective for cleaning grout.
DIY Grout Cleaner
Make a spreadable paste with 3/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap. Add more baking soda or peroxide if the mixture is too runny or thick.
Minimize the painstaking effort of constant scrubbing and maximize your ability to get rid of grout stains by using OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover! It can get in between the tricky surfaces and clean grout stains on tile floors.
Start by adding two capfuls of Oxygenated Bleach to a spray bottle along with some warm water. Gently shake the bottle before spraying the Oxygenated Bleach solution onto tiles and grout and leave for 15 minutes.
If you're a die-hard DIYer, using Dawn dish soap alone can be a safer option for mild cleaning. Dilute a small amount of Dawn in warm water, scrub the grout with a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly. However, this method is less effective for tackling stubborn stains or deep-seated grime.
Yep, you read it right – toothpaste can help you clean the grouts spotless, and it is the perfect pick for those looking for something simpler yet effective. Try using just plain old toothpaste and apply a dollop to a damp cloth. Next, pat down the grout gently and let it sit like that for a few hours.
Not only will using scouring brushes or pads abrade your tile (especially smooth surfaces), they will damage your grout. The damage caused by scrubbing your grout might result in the early breakdown of your grout, and the brush or pad will still NOT remove the embedded dirt.
Stay away from cleaning solutions that contain bleach or ammonia, as these will usually cause severe discoloration of your grout and you may need a full regrouting to rectify the issue.
Next, ensure you're NOT scrubbing any of the tiled areas with bleach or ammonia products. Chemical cleaners, such as, Tilex, Soft Scrub, Scrubbing Bubbles, or ammonia products will nearly always result in your tile surfaces' grout becoming very discolored.
That's because bleach can fade or discolor grout. According to Do It Yourself and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), cleaning your grout with bleach can cause the color to fade over time, giving it a dull appearance.
How to Make Homemade Grout Cleaner. Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda on the spot you want to clean. It should be making a sizzle sound as the chemicals interact. Then, start scrubbing.
How it works: Touted as a miracle cleaning paste, The Pink Stuff is easy to apply to grout using a soft cloth or sponge. Simply rub and scrub, and then rinse with hot water. As a mildly abrasive cleaner, the paste has a little grit to it, which helps scrub away dirt and debris from grout and surfaces.
It works on the tile and the grout, effectively cleaning everything from hard water stains to mold and mildew stains to soap scum.
If these chemicals are kept in a sealed container for a long time, it can cause a small explosion because the carbon dioxide will try to escape. So, while you can use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach on their own for cleaning purposes, we recommend that you avoid mixing them with vinegar.
“Epsom salts can work wonders on your tile grout, transforming dingy lines into sparkling seams with some scrubbing,” says Veran of Ouragami. “In a bowl, mix the Epsom salts with liquid dish soap until you form a thick paste. Apply this paste liberally to the grout lines or any dirty tiles.
Grout pens will only temporarily cover your grout's discoloration. That's probably why they are the cheapest option available. We run into the infamous grout pen issue nearly every other week. The project usually goes awry when the homeowner applies the grout pen to the grout and some bleeds over onto the tile.
Grout turning white is usually due to efflorescence, which the movement of salt or minerals to the surface of porous material (such as your grout) and forms a whitish coating.