Ceramic tile can be a beautiful and functional material for a bathroom. But if there’s one complaint that we hear about tile from customers, it’s that the grout lines can get dirty and dingy over time. Tile grout can be hard to clean because, unlike the tile itself, grout is porous, so contaminants can sink below the surface (which makes them extra stubborn to remove). Also, because bathrooms are such damp environments, even tile that’s outside of the shower can be exposed to bacteria and mold. Cleaning bathroom tile can be tricky, so here are our tips to help you out!

Invest in a good brush
For any plumbing or home project, it helps to have the right tool for the job. For cleaning grout, your best tool is a high-quality, nylon-bristled brush. An old toothbrush won’t be strong enough to get out tough grout stains.

Start with natural grout cleaners
We recommend that you start by trying a natural grout cleaner that’s gentler on you, your plumbing and the environment than harsh-chemical cleaners. As a bonus, these solutions are also easy to make and cheaper than buying most products. Some solutions you can try include:

• Warm water and dish soap. You may be surprised how effective a quality brush and sudsy water can be.
• Baking soda – add water until it forms a paste. Let the mixture sit on the grout, then rinse with warm water.
• 3 parts baking soda, 1 part hydrogen peroxide and a squirt of dish soap. Scrub the mixture onto the grout and rinse with warm water.
• Oxygenated bleach. Mix with water, scrub into the grout, allow to sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

Be careful with commercial cleaning products
If the natural cleaners don’t work as you hoped, then it’s time to try a more powerful commercial cleaner. Be careful – these products can be dangerous if mishandled or used improperly. Here are some safety tips:

• Avoid products with acids that could deteriorate the grout
• Do not mix cleaning products, which could result in a dangerous chemical reaction
• Open the windows or turn on the fan to make sure the bathroom is ventilated
• Wear appropriate clothing and safety gear (such as gloves and eye protection)
• Read all of the directions and safety warnings on the packaging before using the product
• If you experience burning skins, eye irritation, headache or breathing issues, stop using the product immediately and move outside or to a better-ventilated room

If you’re still having trouble or have any questions, give us a call at 1-800-989-0299. We’re here 24/7 for all your plumbing and HVAC needs!