Grout cleaning can be a tedious chore for the average commercial real estate owner. It is the porous material that is used to fill spaces between tiles. Grout can be used for tiling floors, walls, swimming pools, showers, and more. The absorbent and permeable qualities of grout can easily collect and store dirt, causing discoloration and mold buildup. Maintaining the luster and shine in tiles is simple; but keeping grout clean and unblemished can be tricky. To learn how to clean tile grout for a commercial property, catch up on some tips and advice on how to clean grout safely and effectively.

How to Clean Grout between Tiles

There are a few different approaches to take when it comes to cleaning the grout between tiles. Most people are familiar with the vinegar or baking soda routine. If using common household items is in your agenda for grout cleaning, then this is the direction to take. When using vinegar, be sure to dilute it with an equal amount of water. This ensures that the acidity levels are balanced so that it doesn’t damage the tile or grout. Too much vinegar can eat away at grout, quickly. If you have baking soda on hand rather than vinegar, simply mix it with a small amount of water to create a paste-like substance. Once your solution is chosen, mixed, and ready to go; use a stiff brush or thick bristled comb to get the best results. Scrub in a consistent circular motion, and then rinse away the residue and excess cleaning solutions with clean water. It is important to dry the area completely.

Other common strategies that reduce grout stains and dirt include household cleaning items like Mr. Clean, chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and even steam cleaners. The steam lifts and loosens the dirt in the grout, allowing a more effective cleaning process. You can even buy brand name grout cleaners and sprays that are specially pH balanced to treat grout and protect tile; however, these are more recommended for regular maintenance rather than full on cleaning and grout stain removal.

In most cases, all of these options can get you fast and inexpensive results. It requires a lot of manual labor and time, but it can be just the right option for small grout cleaning jobs. If the job is a much larger, it is recommended to try a more aggressive approach.

Grout and Tile Cleaning for Large Areas and Properties

A great way to tackle a full-blown grout and tile cleaning job, in a large space or property, is using oxygen bleach powder. Powdered oxygen bleach is a great choice because it’s non-toxic. It doesn’t create uncomfortable fumes or harmful odors, and it doesn’t damage or fade commercial tile. The most attractive quality of using oxygen powdered bleach is the simplicity of the cleaning process. It doesn’t require an extensive amount of work or labor; and it’s highly effective for removing grease, food, and dirt stains, as well as other discolorations. The process involves mixing the powder with warm water and applying it to the desired areas. It is best to let the solution to soak in the grout for fifteen to twenty minutes before rinsing it away. Allowing it to soak longer can be even more effective. After rinsing, repeat the process applying more solution, but using a brush, or brush broom, to scrub the grout.

This is a very effective approach for large grout and tile cleaning projects; but if your project is even bigger, perhaps hiring a professional commercial cleaning company is your best option. They retain the proper equipment, tools, and industry knowledge to successfully clean and remove grout stains for commercial properties. For reliable grout cleaning, choose a licensed company with experience in the facilities management and commercial cleaning industry.