By In this post I want to give you some pro tips for the best way to clean grout. These tips will save you time and also give you protection of yourself and your tiles.
Select the Right Cleaner
The first and most important place to start is with the selection of the right grout cleaning product. There are many products on the market and selecting the right one for your tiles and grout can be a difficult task.
The crux of the decision is to consider whether you want an acid, bleach or other type of cleaner. This decision is based on the following points;
- How much dirt you have?
- How much scrubbing you want to do?
- Do you have colored or white grout?
- How delicate your tiles and grout are?
- Do you have stone tiles like marble or granite?
The best way to clean is to start with the right cleaner and you should read more and more reviews before you select one for cleaning.
Safety First
Tile and Grout cleaning products typically use strong chemicals. These chemicals can damage your skin and your eyes and some can even cause difficulty in breathing.
Cleaning safety gear like gloves and safety glasses should always be worn when cleaning grout and the area must be well ventilated. Open windows and doors and ensure you take frequent breaks.
Follow the Directions
Bleach based cleaners are used differently from acid based cleaners. Always read the instructions on the package of cleaner and ensure you follow them compelled. The manufactures put a lot of time and effort into ensuring the usage procedure matches the product perfectly. Generally the directions involve the following;
- Only applying the product to the grout and not the tiles
- Let the product sit for minutes or tens of minutes
- Scrub bad areas
- Wipe away the grout cleaning product
- Mop with fresh clean water once or twice
Use an Old Mustard Bottle
The directions bottles almost always warn to only apply the cleaner to the grout and not the tiles. This is because the strong chemicals can remove the surface polish on tiles and even damage the edges of delicate tiles.
A great tip for applying grout cleaner only to the tile grout is to first pour the grout cleaner into an old squeeze mustard bottle (bottle with a straight or twist-to-open nozzle end). Once transferred, you can then open the nozzle of the mustard bottle and run it along the grout to apply the cleaner directly and only to the grout.
Women are no longer intimidated by the prospect of swinging a hammer or working a saw. Undertaking home improvement tasks is possible for everyone, and after tackling a few simple projects to build confidence, even the inexperienced will be ready to tackle the big jobs.
Changing gender roles, and circumstances, are leading more and more women into the home DIY world. While all the power tools and saws can look intimidating at first, getting proficient in their use is easy with time and practice.
For women interested in taking on some home repair and renovation projects, here are a few simple projects you can undertake to increase your confidence and skill.
Replacing powerpoint covers
Over time the plastic coverings for powerpoints may become cracked and worn. Replacing them is easy. All you need to do is use a screw driver to unscrew the old cover from the wall and a replacement cover purchased from your home DIY or electrical supply store. This project is very simple, but the key is to build confidence and get accustomed to using tools and practicing proper safety.
Sealing cracks and gaps along doors and windows
Cracks and gaps along doors and windows can cost you a lot in higher energy bills. By buying a caulking gun and caulk, you can seal these gaps, reducing drafts in your home.
Painting
Sprucing up part of your home by repainting it is an easy home DIY project that teaches patience and attention to detail. After thoroughly cleaning your surface and patching any holes, all you need are rollers, paint brushes, painters tape, a tarp, a paint tray and paint. Careful planning and attention to detail are important to avoiding messy mistakes and wasted paint.
Regrouting bathroom or shower tiles
This is a little more labor intensive than the other tasks and requires a keen eye for detail, but once you have a few of the simpler projects under your belt this may be one you want to tackle. You’ll need to remove the old grout and tiles first – which can be a physically demanding task. The project requires careful measurement and attention to detail for it to be done correctly.
For women who want a new hobby or skill, home projects are easy to learn, plan and complete. They also provide a surprising creative outlet, as over time you will want to try increasingly ambitious projects as your home improvement skills grow.
