Every housewife knows that some time after a bathroom renovation, the seams begin to change color, this is especially noticeable if white grout was used. First it becomes gray, then darkens, and after a while it becomes covered with plaque and fungus. To prevent this from happening, you need to know how to clean the seams on the tiles and restore them. This is a fairly simple task, you just need to know when and how to do it. The question is most relevant for the bathroom and kitchen; in other rooms where there is no high humidity, such cleaning will most likely be required over a longer period of time.

Cleaning seams is divided into:

• Regular;
• Preventative;
• Repair (or capital).

Now let's look at each option in more detail.

Regular cleaning of seams

The very name of regular cleaning speaks for itself, this work can be carried out at least several times a day, so the bath room in a hotel should be cleaned 2 times a day, and the seams between the tiles also need to be cleaned, either every other day or on weekends, in general you can plan this schedule yourself, the main thing is to include manipulations with seams.

Before cleaning the grout between tiles during regular cleaning, it is enough to prepare a cleaning liquid with which you wash the main background, and then rinse the grout with a brush.

If the seams were dry and clean, then such manipulation is quite enough.

On a note! If, in your opinion, the seam is rubbed unevenly and poorly with a simple brush, then use an old toothbrush, which, of course, should have a fleecy part. This will allow you to wipe the seams more thoroughly. Use a brush in those places where coated decors are glued; this method will allow you to carefully wipe the seam and not damage the decorative part of the tile. We remind you that decorative coating is afraid of dry cleaning, hard brushes and can only be wiped with a cloth made of soft fabric and soap and water.

Now you understand the principle of how to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom and we think that now it’s worth touching on preventive cleaning.

Preventive cleaning of seams

For preventive cleaning, before cleaning the seams between the tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, you need to prepare a larger amount of cleaning products.

First of all, it is worth understanding that this is a more thorough treatment of the seams, which could over time, even taking into account the fact that regular processing was done, change color or even become affected by fungus. This can happen from constant contact with water and oils. The pathogenic bacteria that have settled in your bathroom will have to be destroyed in radical ways.

For work during preventive cleaning you will need:

• Steam cleaner;
• Hydrogen peroxide;
• Soda;
• Antiseptic impregnation;
• A brush (suitable as for the first option - a toothbrush);
• Means for washing tiles;
• Water.

With a modern steam generator, a lot is possible. This device can easily steam all unwanted inclusions from the surface of the tile. The steam generator also does a good job with seams. A side effect of this device is the effect of high temperatures on the grout and thereby reducing its service life in tile joints. The steam generator copes quite well with contaminants.

How to work with a steam generator:

1. Fill the steam generator tank with water;
2. Turn on the device;
3. Wait for the water to heat up to the desired temperature;
4. Press the trigger and point the nozzle of the nozzle at the seam;
5. Moving the steam generator along the seam, gradually clean it;
6. Wipe off the flowing dirt with a rag;
7. Rinse everything with water when finished.

One of the significant operational defects is a change in the color of the seam, of course towards darkening. To restore the color, you can first use a scraper to clean the tile seams, and then use hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and a toothbrush to try to restore the color. First, peroxide is applied, then the seams are rubbed with soda, and then all the chemicals are washed off with water. With these works, it is possible to achieve significant lightening of the seams.

Bathroom tile seams cannot always be cleaned this way, but it’s worth a try. Of course, it is impossible to bleach the seams of bathroom tiles to their original state, but the difference between old and cleaned ones is quite large and the bleaching can be taken as acceptable.

The simplest and cheapest method is a soda solution. This method, unfortunately, is inferior to modern household chemicals.

An old folk remedy can be considered treating seams with a solution of baking soda with added acid. On this moment special gels, solutions and powders, which are sold in any hardware store, are much more effective against fungi and black spots.

Repair or major cleaning of seams

Over time and repeated cleanings, the grout not only loses its original appearance, but also becomes unusable and ceases to fulfill its properties against the penetration of water and dirt into the tile. Cleaning seams ceramic tiles in this case changes to complete replacement grout between tiles.

To carry out the work you will need:

• Scraper;
• Grout;
• Rubber spatula;
• Sponge;
• Bucket with water.

Remove as much as possible old layer fugues from the seam using a scraper (you can use other tools, even a grinder with a narrow disk).

Wash the seams with soapy water using a sponge and rinse thoroughly with water. You need to clean the seams between the tiles very well, this will allow the grout to fill in as tightly as possible. You need to understand that what you use to clean the seams between ceramic tiles can make it difficult to apply grout. So wash away all the dirt before clean waters. For these types of work, you can only clean the seams between the tiles mechanically, chemical composition There is no solution yet that will help wash the grout out of the joint without damaging the tiles. After cleaning tile joints you need to renew the water, you will need it very soon.

Prepare the grout mixture according to the instructions on the package. Typically, the manufacturer recommends carefully moving the mixture in a small amount of water in a separate container, holding the resulting mixture for about 5 minutes, moving again, and only then proceeding with grouting. We recommend that you adhere to this rule, provided that it matches the instructions from the manufacturer. There are quick-hardening grouts and then the solution needs to be prepared a little differently.

Most likely, you will find in the manufacturer's instructions not only information that you need to clean the seams of the bathroom or kitchen tiles, but also wipe them with a damp sponge. This is done so that the grout adheres more firmly to the tile itself.

Grouting work is carried out with a rubber spatula, which allows you to tightly lay the mixture into the seam and remove excess. After the mixture has dried, wash the surface of the tiles, as when laying. Do not delay the cleaning process; the mixture can stick very strongly, especially if you used grout with epoxy additives. The likelihood that instead of cleaning the seams of the bathroom tiles, the tiles were damaged is high.

After the excess grout is removed, you need to let it dry for at least 12 hours.

The seams between bathroom tiles need to be cleaned more thoroughly before applying grout, this is due to the fact that it is in the bathroom that most often there is severe bacterial contamination due to humidity.

If the seams between the tiles dry out and begin to let water through, then you can expect the tile itself to become unusable; this rule applies to any finishing material

This article describes the main options for how to clean the seams on tiles, how to improve their condition and extend the life of the tile itself. If you have porcelain tiles laid, then the principles of cleaning tile joints are also appropriate for it. Even strong material will look bad if no effort is made to maintain the premises. The most radical remedy cleaning tile seams is your diligence and desire not to put up with dirt in the room, the rest is just auxiliary moments.

Now you know how to clean the grout on tiles, which means your home will soon be completely clean. And cleanliness, as you know, is the key to health...

When using a tile covering, grout joints often lose color and become damaged. How and what is the best way to clean the seams between the tiles on the floor? Let’s try to figure out how to turn a yellow moldy seam into a white and clean stripe.

The tile covering is perfectly cleaned, but the connecting seams are less easy to clean and wash and fade over time, accumulate dirt and grease and are a “home” for mold and mildew. The tiles are placed in the kitchen area, where during the cooking process, grease and other contaminants stick mainly in the area of ​​​​the connecting seams between the tiles. In bathrooms, tiles are also often used as a floor covering, where due to constant humidity, the ingress of various detergents and water, a coating is found on the tile joints, in which favorable conditions bacteria and mold develop.

Used to clean seams various ways, these are chemical, mechanical methods, traditional methods, oxygen bleaches and steam cleaners.

During operation, the seams between the tiles darken, rub off from washing the floors, and accumulate various foreign particles. All this contributes to the development of fungus and various bacteria. Since tile coverings are mainly found in the kitchen area and bathrooms, it is necessary to pay due attention to cleaning in these rooms.

One method for cleaning the grout between tiles is steam cleaning. For this they use special device called a steam cleaner that works in temperature conditions not less than 170˚С. Steam cleaners, work without use chemicals, which is a positive thing, cleansing from various contaminants and fungus is carried out thermally. Also, when working with a steam cleaner, there is no need to wear gloves to protect the skin of your hands, but you need to take care respiratory system and, where possible, open windows and doors for access clean air. After using the steam cleaner, the treated areas must be washed clean water room temperature.

Instructions: how to clean the seams between floor tiles

When cleaning the seams between the tiles, you should not use an abrasive, as it can scratch the tiles and break them. upper layer, scratch the coating. The scratches left after using an abrasive and an iron sponge are filled with dirt, grease, and bacteria can develop there, which will adversely affect human health.

To clean the seams between the tiles you will need:

• Pure water;
• Water container;
• Sponge and rags;
• Toothbrush with soft bristles;
• Spatula and knife.

To clean tile joints, you can use the following substances: dishwashing detergents (Biolan, Myth, Pemolux, Sorti, Pril, Chirton, AOS, Fairy and others); products for cleaning glass-ceramic materials (cleaning gel or cream Lotta, Sanox, Cif and others); products for ceramic tiles (“HG” for floor tiles, Flat and others). Since it is inconvenient to clean tiles on the floor, a rag will help make the process easier. The rags must be folded into a pillow and placed in a bag, this is done so that it does not get wet, then the bag with the rags is placed under the knees for a more comfortable position while cleaning the floor. To protect the skin of your hands, use rubber gloves.

If there is intense contamination between the joints, you can scrape it out with a knife or spatula, but this method damages the joints, and, therefore, after these operations, it is necessary to use new grout.

If the seams between the tiles have lost their brightness and former whiteness, then you can use Sanox and a toothbrush, it will help to quickly scrub and whiten floor tiles in the kitchen and bathroom. To do this, you need to apply gel in the area of ​​the joints and seams, wait 10 minutes and clean the seams with a toothbrush, then rinse with clean water. If a yellow coating or fungus appears in areas of the tiles, then it is necessary to remove the old seams using a scraper, wash, dry and apply new grout.

Cleaning tile joints

If you need to clean tile joints after repairs and finishing works, then you will need a solvent or kerosene. To clean the remaining paint primer and grout, you need to take out kerosene or solvent on a rag, after putting rubber gloves on your hands. Gently clean the facing surface from dirt using progressive and rotational movements, then wash with any detergent, clean water and dry. When bleaching the seams between tiles, you can use various gels and cleaning agents, but you should not resort to detergents that contain various inclusions and abrasives, as this can damage the aesthetics of the tile.

Cleansing Experts tile joints use a solution based on peroxide and soda. It is prepared with the consistency of sour cream. The prepared mixture is applied only to the seams, left for three to four hours for the reaction to occur and to corrode the remaining dirt and grease. Clean the seam joints with a toothbrush, then rinse with clean water, wipe with a rag and dry.

The seams between the tiles lose their color under the influence of various aggressors, such as water, high temperature, sunlight, grease, detergents and cleaners, humidity and water ingress. Darkening of the seams between tiles quite often indicates the appearance of mold and mildew.

Special means are used to eliminate fungus and mold in tile joints.:

• Products for bathrooms and toilets (for removing mold in bathrooms Bagi “Anti-Mold”, UNICUM and others);
• Special cleaning products (“HG” for removing mold and mildew, Caparol Capatox, Eco Mist for removing mold and mildew Mold & Mildew and others).

However, you can avoid purchasing expensive products to remove mold and mildew from tiles. The problem can be solved with simple baking soda, bleach or vinegar. Cleaning tiles with these products is carried out using rubber gloves, and when applying for the first time, you need to wait 10-20 minutes, after which you should intensively clean the area around the fungus using a sponge or toothbrush. Intense fungus is perfectly disinfected with bleach. Next, rinse with clean water and dry. Yellowed seams are removed with a special marker that contains a fungicide that prevents the formation of mold. The felt-tip pen has indelible waterproof ink with a varnish effect. After sequential operations, the seams between the tiles will be white and clean.

Options: how to clean the seams between floor tiles (video)

The aesthetics of a tile covering depends on its frequency. Tile coverings on the floor are easy to clean, but the seams often remain dirty, which can cause many illnesses among family members. The causes of contamination of the joints between tiles are dust, dirt, particles of various food, ingress of various liquids, residues of detergents, as well as residues of materials after laying tiles. Therefore, you need to choose a product that can be used to clean and wash the seams without harm to health.

There are many ways to clean tile joints: household chemicals, folk remedies, you can use a steam generator or sandpaper. To protect the grout, there are special products that extend the life of the tile and protect against mold and fungi. Let's take a closer look at how to clean the grout between bathroom tiles at home.

The modern chemical industry offers many high-quality products that can be used for this purpose: “Cif”, “Silit”, “Amway (Home)”, “Domesto s”, “Santry”, “Whiteness”, any oxygen bleach, “Pemolux” and etc.

Folk remedies:

1. Dilute half a glass of soda with 1.5 liters of water, add a quarter glass of vinegar, a third glass of lemon juice and a bottle of ammonia.
2. Dilute bleach with water until a liquid mass is obtained, apply it to the tiles and between the tiles using a spray bottle, leave for 7 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth, work with a mask and gloves when open windows– bleach is a very caustic substance.
3. Another cleaning method: mix mustard, soda, lemon juice, tooth powder, add a little ammonia and water, rub the mixture into contaminated areas and leave for half an hour. Scrub vigorously with a brush and rinse with water.

For work you will need: rubber gloves, the product you chose, an old Toothbrush, rags, a larger brush with stiff bristles.

If you use chlorine-containing or folk remedies based on ammonia or ammonia, then work in a well-ventilated area.

Apply the product to the tile joints with a toothbrush and rub lightly, leave for 15-30 minutes, then use a brush with stiff bristles to completely clean the dirt. Rinse off any remaining product with a cloth dampened with clean water.

How else can you clean the grout between the tiles in the bathroom?

It does this job well, or it is enough to process the seams using a jet nozzle. Steam easily penetrates the pores of the grout and washes out all the dirt, soap and grease deposits. After steaming, wipe the tiles with a damp cloth.

If household chemicals do not help, then you can clean the seams mechanically; it will take more time, but the effect is worth it. Take fine sandpaper (120-180), roll it up and rub the seams with force.

You can stop there or consolidate the effect using special protective equipment. A conscientious tiler carries out this treatment immediately after laying the tiles; this protects the grout from moisture, the appearance of fungi and dirt, and also prevents its destruction. You can purchase such products yourself at hardware stores and use the instructions to process the tile joints. Suitable: “Dolphin”, “Fugen-Einlassmitte”, “Ceresit CT 10”, etc.

Also, to protect the seams, they can be treated with waterproof varnish or a suitable tone latex paint. To do this, after cleaning with sandpaper, carefully apply paint or varnish with an artist's brush.

Once beautiful renovation in the bathroom can suddenly deteriorate due to the appearance of fungus at the joints of the tiles and the bathtub. Unfortunately, the constant presence of moisture in this room only promotes the formation of mold and mildew. Eliminating this problem is quite difficult, but possible. Below it is worth considering how to remove dirt between tiles in the bathroom using traditional methods.

How to clean the grout between the bathtub and tiles

Dark spots between ceramic tiles are caused by fungus. Despite the practicality of the material, it is almost impossible to avoid contamination of the seams. In order to clean all contaminants in the seams, there are several proven and effective means.

It is worth listing them:

• soda;
• acetic acid;
• "White";
• sandpaper;
• purchased detergents for cleaning plumbing fixtures;
• water-based paint;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• other means.

It should be noted that The choice of cleaning method generally depends on how far the fungus has spread. If several black or gray dots are noticed in the seams, then less aggressive cleaning agents can be used. In cases of severe damage, when the fungus has already become deeply embedded in the grout, more radical measures can be taken.

Baking soda is the main remedy for fighting fungus

Soda is a good antiseptic. Baking soda has a detrimental effect on the fungus at an early stage of its development, that is, as soon as it appears. It is also recommended to use baking soda to regularly clean the space between the tiles.

The procedure for cleaning with soda is as follows:

1. You need to take 1 or 2 packs of baking soda.
2. Before processing, it is advisable to moisten the grout with water.
3. For processing use a brush or sponge.
4. All seams should be thoroughly treated with soda powder or generously filled.
5. Using slightly damp soda, use a brush to clean all the seams.
6. Then leave everything for 10-15 minutes, after which it is washed off with water.

Important! If stains remain after treating with soda, this means that the fungus has already penetrated more deeply into the porous structure of the grout. In this case, you need to use other cleaning products.

How to clean grout with vinegar

This can be done using vinegar. It kills fungus and mold.
Cleaning method:

• Water and vinegar (9%) must be mixed in equal proportions.
• Next, using a stiff brush, wet all the seams with the solution. Also, the composition can initially be sprayed using a spray bottle.
• After waiting 5 minutes, you need to brush the contaminated areas and rinse off the dirt well with water.

Vinegar is also included in another product for removing fungus and mold on tile joints:

• For work you will need: a convenient container, 1.5 liters warm water, 150 grams of baking soda, 0.5 cups of table vinegar (7-9%), 25 grams of citric acid, sponge or small brush, gloves.
• First of all, soda is dissolved in water, then carefully pour citric and acetic acids into the liquid. When mixed, acid and soda react, so the solution should be prepared gradually.
• Using a brush, use the prepared solution to wipe all the seams and leave for 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, the treatment should be repeated and left for the same time. Next, everything needs to be washed off with warm water.

This method copes very well even with deep dirt, however, it is not recommended to carry out such cleaning regularly, since acids can destroy the structure of the grout.

Important! The remaining solution in concentrated form must not be washed down the drain. general sewerage, it is advisable to dilute the mixture with water in a ratio of 1:3 before draining. Concentrated solution may corrode thin rubber gaskets communications.

“Whiteness” for cleaning the space between tiles

It is worth noting that “Whiteness” is only suitable for grouting white. If you use it for colored grout, it is possible that the color pigment will be removed, and then streaks will form.
“Whiteness” contains chlorine, it kills fungus and various harmful bacteria. Cleaning method using this product:

• Using a paint brush or brush, apply “Whiteness” to the grout areas and leave for 5-10 minutes.
• Everything needs to be washed off with clean water. You may need to wash the surface with water several times to remove the chlorine smell and any remaining dirt.

Grout cleaner

Available in stores big choice cleaning products for bathtubs, toilets and other ceramic surfaces. Such products usually contain oxalic acid; it eliminates all types of bacteria, as well as fungus and mold.
Processing method:

• First you need to moisten the space between the ceramic tiles with water using a sponge.
• Use a detergent to wipe all the seams; a paint brush or toothbrush is suitable for this.
• You need to keep the product for no more than 5-7 minutes.
• Next, everything needs to be thoroughly rinsed with clean water; it is advisable to remove all remnants of the cleaning agent from the surface of the tile.

Important! When working with products that contain acids, alkalis, or chlorine, you must wear rubber gloves and, if possible, also a mask and goggles.

When is it better to use sandpaper?

If the fungus cannot be completely removed during cleaning, but only a few spots remain, then you can use sandpaper. This method should be used if you see that the fungus has not yet penetrated deeply into the grout, but has formed only on the surface layer. Take sandpaper with a fine abrasive and carefully erase the top layer of grout where it remains flexible.

How to clean the grout between tiles and bathtub: hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is also a good antiseptic. The peroxide solution does not need to be washed off, thanks to this the fungus will not be able to spread further. Stubborn stains cannot be removed in this way, but newly formed fungus will immediately die.

For processing, you need to prepare a solution - mix peroxide and water in a ratio of one to two. Ready solution you need to treat all the seams and give it time to dry, there is no need to wash off anything.

Water-based paint

If dirt cannot be completely removed, you can use waterproof water-based paint. You need to select its color one or two shades darker than the grout itself. Before staining, you can moisten the seams with an antifungal agent (sold in any hardware store). The paint should be applied in 2-3 layers.

Deep cleansing

When none of the above remedies leads to the desired result, the stains are deeply ingrained, and the grout itself begins to crumble, there is only one method left: cleaning the seams and replacing the grout.

There are a lot of tools for removing grout: Sander, grinder, etc. In the end, you can also pick out the grout with a screwdriver or erase it with sandpaper. After removal old grout All seams should be thoroughly washed and treated with an antifungal agent. A new layer of grout can be applied to the dry areas between the tiles.

In order to prevent the appearance of fungus and mold on tile joints, you can use several tips:

• Tip #1. After cleaning the seams, you need to treat them with a special agent that seals micropores, this will prevent fungus from getting into small cracks in the grout. Special liquid ( liquid waterproofing) can be purchased at any store.
• Tip #2. To prevent the formation of fungus, you need to clean the joints between the tiles with soda 1-2 times a month.
• Tip #3. Moisture should not be allowed to collect between the seams, especially the joint between the bathtub itself and the tiles. The bathroom should be regularly ventilated, and the ceramic joint area should be wiped with a dry towel.
• Tip #4. If you notice several spots of fungus, you can treat the seams with a special pencil, it is sold in household chemicals departments. The composition of the pencil kills mold and mildew.
• Tip #5. The bathroom should be cleaned weekly. To remove germs and fungal spores, it will be enough wet cleaning with the addition of a tablespoon of ammonia or vinegar.

Getting rid of mold and mildew in the joints between tiles is not difficult if stains have just begun to form on the walls of the bathroom. In order to prevent the growth of fungus, it is necessary to do simple cleaning on a regular basis.

How to clean the seams between tiles in the bathroom is shown in this video:

Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular building materials for cladding. It can be used in rooms with high level humidity - in the bathroom, on work surface kitchen or something flooring.

After some time, the lining begins to lose appearance, this is especially noticeable at the seams between the tiles.

Reasons for loss of color include:

• High humidity and the appearance of mold.
• Kitchen fat.
• Dust and dirt from the street.
• Exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals.

Along with the main reasons, the influence of factors that enhance the pollution process may affect:

• Incorrect grouting.
• Tile adhesive in the seams.
• The base under the tiles is not treated with mold and mildew agents.
• The grout was not coated with a protective compound.
• Unheated room.

The choice of method for cleaning seams at home depends on the reason that influenced the color change. If fungus appears due to high humidity, it is not enough to simply remove it; you need to take removal measures so that it does not appear again.

Preparation and safety precautions

You can clean seams quickly and efficiently; to do this, you need to properly prepare the working conditions. Everything that could hinder the process is removed from the bathroom, toilet or kitchen: wall cabinets, shelves, objects on the floor. In some cases, you will have to remove the sink or toilet.

For safety reasons, use rubber gloves and safety glasses, especially when working with acid.

How to remove tile adhesive

There are many ways to remove adhesive from tiles. You need to clean the tiles before the glue has hardened. Hardened mortar is more difficult to remove. Anyone who lays ceramic tiles knows that they can be cleaned with a wet cloth after installing the coating.

Liquid glue

After laying the tiles, traces of mortar remain, but they are quickly removed.

1. Take a construction float. Hold the tool vertically.
2. Move diagonally so as not to touch the mortar in the seams.
3. Do not use force. There will be scratches from the tool.
4. If it is difficult to remove the solution, it can be pre-wetted.
5. Dried glue can be removed with a damp cloth or sponge.

The tips didn't help? Use a dry, rough cloth.

Hardened glue

It is more difficult to remove cured glue. In this case, it is allowed to use chemical substances And physical strength.

1. Use a damp cloth to remove dust from the tiles.
2. Apply specialized chemicals for cleaning glue to a sponge. Treat the contaminated area.
3. The glue should soften. The waiting time can be found in the instructions supplied with the chemical.
4. Rinse with water.

To be on the safe side, purchase a cleaning agent of the same brand as the glue. Tile It can be difficult to clean with chemicals and sometimes they are not suitable for some types of coating.

When it is necessary to remove frozen glue after dismantling, tools are used: a grinder, a hammer, a chisel. Standard actions:

1. The sharp side of the chisel is applied to the surface closer to the glue boundary.
2. The instrument is moved forward with smooth movements, striking on the blunt side.
3. The remaining glue is moistened with solvent. The plaque is removed with a stiff brush.
4. Then the ceramics are washed.

You can clean the glue with a plastic spatula. The tool does not damage the tiles and guarantees results.

1. The glue is softened with water or solvent.
2. Then scrape it off.
3. The procedure is repeated until all the solution is removed.
4. In some cases, building pumice can be used.
5. Cleaned areas are wiped with a cloth.

Traditional methods

You can use not only special means, but also folk ones. For this purpose, household solutions are used.

• Table vinegar. It is applied to the stain, reacts with the glue, then the residue is removed and the surface is washed with water. Vinegar can be replaced with citric acid. Remains after use bad smell, so ventilate the room.
• Baking soda. Apply to a damp sponge and wipe the dirty area. Do not use force, as you may damage the tiles and leave marks.
• White. Softens the glue, so dirt can be removed more easily. Wear gloves while working.

A steam cleaner can easily remove dried solution. Steam also removes other dirt on the tiles.

Specialty Chemistry

You can find various products in stores to help remove stains. They have labels that describe in detail the principle of operation. Substances containing acid do the job well. It is worth considering that not all preparations are universal - some help remove glue, others only soften it.

Video tips

Removing grout - simple and effective methods

When finishing a room with tiles, you cannot do without grouting the joints. After this, traces of fugue remain on the surface. The question is, how to clean it? Grouting requires attention, but even more important is the process of cleaning up any leftover grout. If you neglect this, all the work will go down the drain.

Fresh grout

The joint filling compound begins to set after 10 minutes. It is better to remove excess immediately, without using any products, but only with a damp cloth.

The work must be carried out carefully, without damaging the seam. If the traces of the fugue cannot be washed off the first time, the procedure will need to be repeated again. Wash the rags after each time.

If the composition is not washed immediately and it has frozen, the following method is used:

1. Take a construction float and remove the dirt. In this case, you need to control the force of pressure on the tile, otherwise you can damage the surface.
2. Remove stains with a damp cloth or sponge. The fabric must be clean, otherwise additional stains cannot be avoided.

Hardened grout

If the fugue has hardened and cannot be cleaned immediately, you will need the help of special chemicals. The product used must contain acid to remove grout, glue, and cement.

To clean ceramics, chemicals are applied with a brush to the dried grout and left for a while to soften the dirt. The residue can then be removed. Clean will help with stains running water.

Grout with epoxy resin

Before you apply epoxy grout All the nuances are studied. During installation work you need to do everything quickly, because the composition hardens instantly. Ready mixture made in small quantities. The solution is not allowed to come into contact with the cladding surface.

If fugue gets on the tile, remove it immediately, using reagents for epoxy resin. After a day, the contamination can only be removed mechanically, and there is a possibility of damage to the facing material.

Traditional methods

It is not always possible to find chemicals that will help remove dirt quickly. The task can be done with detergents that everyone has in their home. These include:

• Acid based products.
• Anti-limescale agents.

It is worth considering that home remedies can also help. Can be used:

1. A mixture of table vinegar and baking soda, which is mixed in equal proportions until smooth.
2. The composition is applied to the area of ​​contamination and removed after 30 minutes using a brush.
3. Citric acid or table vinegar diluted with water. The principle of operation is the same as that of vinegar and soda.

To clear stains use:

• Water with white alcohol added.
• Water with added glycerin in proportions 3 to 1.
• Water with the addition of ammonia, 1 teaspoon per 1 liter.

There are many ways to clean the grout, but it is better to prevent the grout from getting on the cladding. During installation work, you can seal the tiles masking tape, this will protect against possible contamination.

Removing plaque from tiles

The formation of plaque on tiles is not uncommon. This is caused by contact with water and detergents. Questions about cleaning methods remain relevant to this day.

Before you start cleaning the tiles, you need to understand the reasons for the formation of plaque.

The bathroom uses running water that contains salt and lime. After contact with ceramics, they dry and leave marks. Accumulating in one place, limestone crystals form, which are difficult to remove.

Chemicals

Modern chemistry contains substances that react quickly and can deal with contamination in a few minutes.

Housewives choose universal household chemicals that remove plaque, rust, and mold. They are suitable for any surface, but it is worth considering that some detergents have a negative effect on facing material. For example, acrylic tiles do not tolerate solvents and acids; for this it is better to use aerosols and gels.

The following are considered effective: “Komet”, “Mr. Muscle”, “Domestos” and many others. Do not forget that the acid reacts with the grout and eats away the tiles.

Traditional methods

You can easily remove plaque using improvised means:

• Lemon. Places of contamination are treated with a fresh slice of lemon. Can be used citric acid.
• Soda and table vinegar. Apply baking soda to a piece of cloth and rub problem areas, and vinegar is sprayed on top. After some time, wash everything off with clean water.
• Vinegar. The essence is diluted with water. The solution is sprayed onto the plaque and washed off after 10 minutes.
• Ammonia. Used like vinegar: diluted in proportions 1 to 2 with water and applied to the dirt.

For safety, wear gloves, protect your eyes, and ventilate the room!

Video story

Fat cleansing

Grease stains are a common situation. Their appearance is inevitable if you cook food every day.

Tile can remain clean and sparkle for many years if you follow some rules:

• Do not use brushes with hard or metal bristles;
• Wash the tiles in a timely manner, immediately after the stain appears;
• Use special cleaning products and scrapers;
• For shine, use special chemicals.

Fresh spots

Fresh grease stains can be easily removed with water and detergent. For old stains, strong preparations are used that take longer to react. The operating principle is as follows:

• The tiles are wiped with a damp sponge.
• Apply the cleaning composition to the surface and leave for the time specified in the instructions.
• The fat is removed with a scraper.
• The detergent is washed off with water.

When purchasing household chemicals, be sure to read the instructions. Many substances are not suitable for all types of surfaces.

Special means

For cleaning, domestic and foreign preparations are used, which can be purchased at hardware stores. “Shumanit”, “Mr. Muscle” and many other brands are excellent for removing fat. The principle of operation is the same for all. It is described in detail by the manufacturer in the instructions on the packaging.

Traditional methods

You can wash the tiles using available means available in every home:

• Laundry soap. Cleans and degreases the surface. You will need to lather the sponge well and wipe the stained area.
• Soda. Suitable for old stains. Add water to the baking soda until a paste is formed and apply to the surface with a brush.
• Oil. Will cope with greasy stain. It is applied to the contaminated area and left for 25 minutes. The stain is scrubbed until it disappears.
• Mustard powder. Dilute with water to a paste consistency. The composition is applied to the tiles and after 20 minutes wiped with a damp sponge.
• Baking powder for the dough. Diluted with water and applied to the cladding. Due to the presence of soda and flour, baking powder is an abrasive substance.
• Alcohol. For old stains, alcohol is suitable and washed off with warm water.

Video guide

Mold and mildew removal

The appearance of mold and mildew on tile joints is a common occurrence. They spoil the appearance of the room and have a detrimental effect on the body. Mold can form from the following reasons:

• Errors were made during the installation process.
• Lack of ventilation.
• Low temperature.
• High humidity.
• Constant availability of water.

Mold and mildew appear at the seams between tiles, in the corners of rooms, at the junction of walls, between cabinets. If they are detected, it is worth treating them, for example, with an anti-fungal primer.

Used against mold:

• Detergents based on chlorine. Effective, disinfect surfaces. Mold will not appear in the treated areas.
• Antifungal agents. They have a detrimental effect on mold, mildew, and bacteria.

From improvised materials will suit soda, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar. Pour soda into a container, then clean the seams with a damp toothbrush.

Alcohol-based products are sprayed into areas of contamination and then removed with a sponge.

In some cases, it can be difficult to remove fungus and mold using the methods listed above, so they resort to stitching. To do this, remove the grout with a sharp object, and grout the seams with a new one with an antifungal effect. The mixture is applied with a rubber spatula.

The work can be done efficiently and effectively if you follow the recommendations:

• Perform actions with gloves, as some substances are aggressive.
• Start cleaning from the bottom and wipe the coating from the top with a dry cloth.
• If the tiles are glossy, it is better not to use a wire brush or abrasives to avoid cracks and scratches.
• It is better to use epoxy paint to protect the seam.
• Before using chemicals, you should study the instructions for use.
• It is not enough to clean the surface; you also need to dry it.
• Hydrogen peroxide is suitable for whitening grout lines.

Getting rid of stains on ceramics is not an easy task. It takes a lot of effort and time. Special detergents or improvised means are suitable for removal. The most important thing is to do everything right in order to get rid of problems for a long time.