If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve had to deal with dirty grout at some point or another. Grout cleaning is notoriously difficult to keep neat, and even the most fastidious of homeowners can find themselves struggling to get their grout clean looking like new.
There are a few common grout cleaning mistakes that homeowners make when trying to clean their grout, and today we’re going to discuss four of the most common ones. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to getting your grout looking its best.
1. Not using the right cleaner
One of the most common grout cleaning mistake that homeowners make is not using the right cleaner for their grout. Grout is a porous material, which means that it can easily absorb liquids. This means that you need to be careful about what you use to clean your grout, as some cleaners can actually end up making your grout dirtier in the long run.
2. Not using enough cleaner
Another Grout cleaning mistake that homeowners make is not using enough cleaners when they are cleaning their grout. This can be a problem because if you don’t use enough cleaner, the dirt and grime will just spread around, making your grout look dirtier than it actually is. Make sure to use plenty of cleaners so that you can get rid of all the dirt and grime in your grout. Once you’ve applied your grout cleaner, you need to give it time to work. This means letting it sit on the grout for at least 5 minutes before scrubbing. This will give the cleaner time to break down the dirt and stains so that they’re easier to remove.
3. Not scrubbing hard enough
Another Grout cleaning mistake that homeowners make when cleaning their grout is not scrubbing hard enough. You need to make sure that you scrub your grout vigorously in order to get rid of all the dirt and grime that has built up over time. If you don’t scrub hard enough, you’ll just end up spreading the dirt around, making your grout look even dirtier than it actually is. You need to apply enough pressure to remove all of the dirt and debris from the pores of the grout. If you don’t use enough pressure, you will only succeed in making a bigger mess. After you’ve finished scrubbing, it’s important to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. Otherwise, you’ll be left with a soapy residue that will attract more dirt and stains. To rinse properly, use a clean sponge or cloth and wipe away any suds until the area is completely clean. It may seem counterintuitive, but scrubbing in a circular motion is actually more likely to damage your grout than scrubbing back and forth. Circular motions can cause the bristles of your brush to catch on imperfections in the surface of the grout and cause scratches or chips. Instead, scrub back and forth in a straight line.
4. Not rinsing properly
The final cleaning mistake that homeowners make when cleaning their grout is not rinsing properly afterwards. This can be a problem because if you don’t rinse your grout properly, the cleaner will just sit on top of the grout and attract more dirt and grime. Make sure to rinse your grout thoroughly after cleaning so that all the cleaner is removed and your grout is left looking clean and fresh.
5. Not using enough elbow grease
Another common mistake is not using enough elbow grease. When you’re scrubbing your tile and grout, you really need to put some muscle into it in order to loosen up all of the dirt and stains. A lot of people think that they can just go over the surface quickly and it will be clean, but this just isn’t true. You need to take your time and scrub vigorously in order to get the best results.
Grout Cleaning can be a difficult task, but by avoiding these four common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to getting your grout looking its best. If you’re still having trouble getting your grout clean, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do the job for you. They have the experience and expertise necessary to get your grout looking like new again in no time!
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