How to clean and how to wash the seams between the tiles in the bathroom at home
Every housewife sooner or later wonders how and how to clean tiles and tile joints in the bathroom and kitchen at home. Even with regular cleaning, moisture can cause the spread of microorganisms and darkening of the grout. In this case, you will need to choose the right products, clean and whiten the seams.
Why wash
The most obvious reason a joint flush is necessary is for aesthetics. Dark seams spoil the overall look of the bathroom. Even if everything else is spotless, smudges or dirt between the tiles will create a feeling of neglect and neglect.
In addition to beauty, health is of great importance. In conditions of high humidity in the bathroom, the porous surface of the inter-tile grout is a favorable environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria dangerous to humans. Thus, by cleaning the joints between the tiles and disinfecting them, the hostess protects her household from harmful microorganisms.
What to clean
In order to clean tile joints with high quality and without much effort, a whole arsenal of a wide variety of tools is ready to come to the rescue. You can use specialized household chemicals, use improvised devices and materials, or resort to folk remedies, remembering "grandmother's advice". The difference between them is in the technology and speed of cleaning, as well as in safety during use. When using strong chemical liquids that aggressively affect the skin, one should not forget about hand protection.
Traditional methods of cleaning tile joints
There are methods for cleaning and bleaching seams, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by long-term experience. Remedies recommended by folk methods, as a rule, can be found in the kitchen or in the pantry of every house.
Soda, lemon juice and vinegar
A mixture of half a glass of baking soda, the juice of a third of a lemon and a quarter of a glass of nine percent vinegar has a cleansing and whitening effect. To prepare the solution, you need one and a half liters of boiled water at room temperature, in which the above components are stirred. Stir carefully, because when vinegar and lemon are combined with soda, foam is formed.
The composition is applied to the grout for 15-20 minutes using a sponge or an old toothbrush. Works best with rubber household gloves.
Ammonia
Ammonia will help fight pollution, microorganisms and mold, if it has not had time to age.It is not used in pure form, but as part of an aqueous solution. Spray a spoonful of ammonia dissolved in 2 liters of water with a spray bottle on the surface to be cleaned, after 20 minutes wipe it with a damp cloth.
whiteness and soda
For treatment by the following method, personal protective equipment for the skin of the hands and respiratory organs will be required to avoid the negative effects of exposure to chlorine. The method is only suitable for white seams, since chlorine has a bleaching effect and will simply bleach other shades of paint or discolor it. A creamy paste is prepared from white soda, which is applied to the seams and left to dry completely, after which it is washed off with water and a sponge.
Soda, lemon, toothpaste and mustard
On the basis of soda, another cleansing composition is prepared, the duration of which is about 30 minutes. For the preparation, half a glass of soda, the juice of a third of a lemon, a teaspoon of toothpaste or powder, a tablespoon of mustard powder are added and thoroughly mixed in a liter of water. The mixture is applied with a sponge to the joints and washed off with warm water after half an hour.
Hot steam
Steam cleaning is a safe method for health due to the absence of chemicals when using it. However, the method effectively combats not only dirt deposits, but also fungi, eliminating microorganisms from the porous cleaning material. Simply soften the dirt on the seams with a directed jet of hot steam, then wipe the plate clean with a brush or cloth.
Coca Cola
Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola will help clean contaminated seams, and for this you do not need to prepare special mixtures, the product is used in its pure form. The liquid is applied to the joints with a sponge or cloth soaked in it, left for half an hour, after which the contamination is wiped off with a brush. The drink contains dyes. Therefore, after cleaning the seams, the agent must be thoroughly washed off.
Household chemicals
In the event that folk remedies do not help to clean the surface of the grout or the problem reappears, the use of chemical compounds will be required. In hardware stores and household chemical sales departments, there are funds for every need and every wallet.
cleaning pen
The main advantages of cleaning markers (you can also find them as grout markers or cleaning pencils) are the ease and speed of use. It is enough just to run with a felt pen along the seam previously cleaned of dirt. Waterproof paint contains substances that whiten the seams and prevent the formation of mold. For best effect, 2 or 3 coats may be required.
Oxygen bleach
The product is non-toxic. To clean the seams, bleach is diluted with water in equal parts and applied to the problem area for half an hour or an hour, depending on the degree of contamination. Then the dirt is easily scraped off with a brush, after which the surface should be washed and wiped. Bleach should not be used on colored or black materials to avoid damaging the color.
"White"
"Whiteness" and other chlorine-containing products (for example, "Domestos") not only clean, but also disinfect, killing germs, fungus and mold. Apply to joints with a brush for 5 minutes, then wash thoroughly and pat dry. It is advisable to work with rubber gloves.
Melamine sponge
To clean the grout, wet the sponge, wring it well and scrub the joints. It effectively removes dirt, but is not resistant to fungus and mold. At work, the sponge erases like an eraser, so it is better to rub from the corner for more economical use. AT using a melamine sponge no chemicals required.
Water color
Before applying waterproof paint, the seams should be cleaned of contamination and pre-treated with an antifungal agent. The paint is applied to a dry surface in several layers with a thin brush. If the excess gets on the tiles, they are immediately removed with a dry cloth, since after drying the stains cannot be removed. The method is good because the paint can be of any shade. As a result, it is possible not only to remove traces of dirt, but also to decorate the room a little in a new way.
A radical method of cleaning mold
If neither mechanical cleaning nor chemicals have coped with stubborn dirt, you can resort to radical methods. This is especially true if you need to get rid of mold, as fungus-covered seams are not only unsightly, but can also cause health problems.
The most drastic method is to completely remove the existing tile and reinstall it, replacing the mortar. The method is laborious and time-consuming.It is much easier to clean only the joints of the tiles. Grout can be mechanically or chemically removed.
When using the chemical method in specialized stores, the agent is chosen according to the material of the grout. It should be used strictly in accordance with the instructions, so as not to spoil the tile itself. The general principle is as follows: the reagent is applied to the joint with a fine brush or a dispenser, left for several hours, and after having softened the grout, it is removed with a site knife. Don't forget about hand protection when working with chemicals.
Remove the grout mechanically with a hand or power tool. If necessary, the grout can be softened with a solution of vinegar or glycerin. It is imperative to protect your eyes, hands and respiratory tract from construction dust and reagents. After removing the old grout, the seams are disinfected, treated with antifungal drugs, and a new one is applied. In order not to damage the surface of the tile, protect it with mounting tape or soap.
secrets
Depending on the tile material, different means are chosen to clean the joints. In addition to effectively removing dirt and germs, it is important not to spoil the appearance of the finish. A few simple secrets of working with different textures and surfaces will help ensure cleanliness, while preserving beauty.
Glass surface
For glazed tiles, grout cleaners should be chosen with particular care. If you use substances containing acids, the surface will tarnish.
Matte tiles
If the bathroom is finished with matte tiles, then one should not forget about the final coating with special putty.This will form a protective film to prevent contamination.
Mosaic
Liquids containing high concentrations of alkali and acid should be avoided when processing mosaics and glass tiles. Despite the fact that the mosaic is resistant to many irritants, acids and alkalis should not be abused.
Compounds with abrasive elements
Products containing abrasives such as scouring powders can damage the surface and should be avoided. Hard or metal brushes can also cause damage.
Epoxy Products
An epoxy-based grout is an excellent choice for tile joints. Mildew will not start on such material. Plus, the epoxy-based gaskets are stain resistant.
How to Whiten Tile Grouts
If the seams are white, just bleach them to make them look good or to renew the repair. For this there are folk remedies and special chemicals that can be purchased at hardware stores. From improvised means, salt, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, toothpaste or powder, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia are often available. Bleaches cannot be used on colored grouts.
If the tile is ceramic
Ceramic tiles are a popular wall covering for the bathroom. You can clean the seams with household chemicals that you have at home, for example, dishwashing liquid. If pantry stocks do not allow you to achieve the desired result, you need to turn to the specialized shelves of hardware stores .
Prophylaxis
In order not to waste time and effort on cleaning the seams between the tiles, whitewashing them or replacing the grout, you need to take simple preventive measures. The measurements are relevant both for the bathroom and for other rooms with tiling, for example a tiled backsplash in the kitchen:
- First of all, even at the stage of choosing finishing materials, attention should be paid to the composition of the grout, which is resistant to dirt and mold.
- After laying the tiles and sealing the joints, they must be treated with antifungal agents and sealants.
- The room should be well ventilated to avoid excessive humidity which can lead to the growth of fungus.
- It's best to wipe down the walls every time you take a shower.
- It is imperative to clean the bathroom regularly, with cleaning of the tiles and tile joints.
- When routinely cleaning seams, do not use hard brushes or abrasives.
You can clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom using a variety of tools, both folk and specially designed for this purpose, with varying efficiency. The choice depends on the material of the joint, the color of the grout and the degree of soiling. To minimize the need for cleaning the seams, it is necessary to take timely preventive measures and carry out regular wet cleaning of the room.