No one likes to see their tile dirty and built up with dirt and other debris. It looks unappealing and isn’t very good for your health. All dirt and debris left around the house can add up to a variety of issues. In order to avoid the possible risks, it’s important to thoroughly clean out the grout between the tiles.

Before you tackle the grout cleaning, you need to ensure the rest of the tile floor is clean. That might seem counterproductive when you’re only going to end up getting it dirty again, but it’s important. It prevents additional dirt from getting in while you’re trying to clean it out. Sweep your floor, then wash and dry the tiles.

Your next step is gathering the proper supplies.

Yes, there are many floor cleaners available on the market. However, the most popular selection is actually vinegar. This is because it’s an all-natural solution that doesn’t cause any harm or leave any residue. If you have pets around the house, vinegar is ideal over any other cleaners. It’s the safest to use and the most environmentally friendly.

Canopy Hardwood suggest that you combine white vinegar in a plastic spray bottle with water. The mixture should be about 3/4 parts water and 1/4 part vinegar. Lightly shake the bottle to combine, or use the spray stick to stir them together. Next, you’ll need a brush with hard bristles. This can be a tooth brush or a brush designed for cleaning the tile floor. The more important part is that it’s tough and durable. This will help the bristles get between the cracks and pull out the stuff that’s built up in the grout.

Once you have all your equipment, it’s time to start spraying. Soak the floor with the vinegar-water and leave it to sit for a few minutes. Then, use the hard brush to scrub out as much of the dirt as you can. A paper towel is good for cleaning up the lifted dirt. If you want to be environmentally conscious, use a reusable cloth instead. The most common debris will lift easily. If you find yourself faced with more tough dirt than the brush can handle, it’s time to consider sandpaper.

Now you don’t want to use too much sandpaper or too hard of sandpaper. Both can leave lasting damage to your tiles. Instead, opt for the sandpaper edged brush that can help you get into those tiny cracks without destroying the tile. This will usually help. You shouldn’t need a floor cleaner to get out more tough dirt, only tougher scrubbing. Even if mold is present, vinegar can be used to kill the mold. It’s actually one of the best solutions to eliminate mold issues inside and outside of the home.

There’s no real way to avoid dirty grout and build up. You can sweep the floors regularly and wash them too. It’s still bound to happen.

Are you ready to add or replace your tile or hardwood floors? Contact our team at Canopy Hardwood, your hardwood flooring and tile experts to schedule a time to discuss our services and your flooring options today at (864) 595-3850.