Grout on my ceramic tile floors

Question

Is there a hydrogen peroxide mixture I can use to whiten the grout on my kitchen floor?

Chris · Answer

just found this: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/bathroom/keeping-tile-grout-clean-2032619

Carole · Answer

Bleach (chlorine) helps but targets more specifically molds. While drying, chlorine-based products will produce (the gas) chlor, so go out of the room together with children/pets and leave the windows opened. When dried and once this has evaporated, the chemical reaction following the application of the wet solution chlorine+water (once chlorine has evaporated) leaves a little salt, this can just be rinsed off. NEVER mix bleach (chlorine-based with ammonia-based or acid-based cleaning products -vinegar or industrial products look at the ingredients) as this will further immediate release of chlor-gas and burn your lungs. (Typically people do this to clean the toilet and mix products, I'm not going to mention a brand but bewar of the Tornado, and then bend over to brush and rinse etc.. thereby inhaling gas)

If you just want to refresh the grout and if molds are not the problem (usually this is mostly the problem of white grout and bathroom walls),and your problem is grey cement grout/ kitchen or other room's floors, use an appliance producing steam + a strong detergent removing accumulated soap on the grout and tiles and direct steam at the grout. Something like dish washing liquid for restaurants gives excellent results without excessive rubbing (excessive rubbing=loosening the grout and making the tiles more receptive to dirt) -the professional version is stronger- (depends on brands etc.. ). But another type of product could be your pick among the many non-toxic chemicals that can help remove accumulated soap+dirt seaed in those soapy remains like soda, however still use gloves). Personally and since I use natural soap to clean,I regularly do what I call the 'reverse' operation and make a thorough grout (and tile) cleaning using hot water and lots of white (cheap) vinegar. To finish a floor, essential citrus oil (lemon only) whitens floors (and leaves a nice scent), but does not make the in-depth cleaning needed prior to that like for instance vinegar does. Personally and unless I use the steam-appliance, I need to rubb the groupt a lot with a very hard scotch-brite type pad.

However, essential oils are fat and will prevent you from using a top sealing product (it will not adhere). If the grout is kind of old (and/or the tiles)it is really a good solution to use a top sealing product. When applied on a very clean floor and with two layers, it can hold up to an entire year, depending on the type of product. I personnally stay away from products you have to use at every floor wash (they just worsen the problem) and make a once a year BIG OPERATION so that the rest of the year I may splash water and soap, because I have two very creative German Shepherds gladly bringing stuff in from the garden to continue playing in the house (or I get them as presents on my lap or on my bed), like roots, chunks of grass, stones, etc....and this is a challenge to my floors and to the old and not-very-well-done grout (it is shallow).

Lynda Dexter · Answer

I have heard that peroxide and baking soda works but I have not tried it. I do know the vinegar and baking soda works

Peggy Havard · Answer

HOME DEPOT HAS SOMETHING, FORGOT WHAT IT IS...go by and ask them

Cindy Roehm · Answer

The stuff at Home Depot is a paint -- it is amazing but work --- I did my entire first floor using Grout Renew. It's around $10 a bottle and comes in multiple colors.

CharleneRomano · Answer

The reciept for that cleaner for the grout is on Pintrest Site. You can learn about ANYTHING ON PINTREST!!!

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Grout on my ceramic tile floors

Keeping Tile Grout Clean

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