The kitchen is one of the most prominent and central areas in a house, but grease, grime, and spills build a real haven there. After a while, the grout between the backsplash tiles in a kitchen gets stained and dirty, ruining the aesthetic look of the entire kitchen. For your good fortune, you don't need to study rocket science to revive the brightness of your grout again. Here's how to clean kitchen backsplash tile grout step-by-step using materials available in the house.
Why Does Grout Get Dirty?
Grout is porous. It soaks up liquids, grease, and food splatters easily. As time passes, these substances accumulate, causing discoloration. In a high-use area like the kitchen, this happens faster due to frequent cooking and cleaning.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Kitchen Backsplash Tile Grout
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- A stiff-bristle brush or old toothbrush
- A spray bottle
- A microfiber cloth
2. Create a Baking Soda Paste
Mix the water and baking soda in small bowl equally and stir till it forms a paste like consistency. Baking soda is a mild abrasive. It will help scrape out stains from the grout line.
3. Apply the Paste to the Grout
Use your finger or small brush to apply the baking soda paste directly on the grout lines. Be sure you cover all the stained areas liberally.
4. Spray with Vinegar
Place white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar over the baking soda paste on the grout. The mixture will start fizzing, which helps in lifting dirt and grime off the grout.
5. Scrub the Grout
Once the fizzing subsides, scrub the grout with a stiff-bristle brush or an old toothbrush using circular motions and firm pressure to scour away any stains that don't want to budge. Be particularly aggressive at areas that are more seriously stained or discolored.
6. Wipe Away the Paste
Wipe off the baking soda and vinegar paste with a damp microfiber cloth after you scrub. Wash the rag frequently and wipe the surface until all residues disappear.
7. Optional: Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Tough Stains
If the grout is still stained, you can try hydrogen peroxide. Apply the liquid directly to the grout and let it sit for ten minutes. Scrub the grout as well, and wash away with a clean cloth.
8. Rinse and Dry
Rinse the backsplash thoroughly with clean water to remove any cleaning solutions left behind and then dry the surface with a clean towel or cloth.
Pro Tips for Keeping Grout Clean
- Seal the grout: Once your grout is clean, you may apply a sealer that makes it stain- and spill-resistant in the future.
- Clean spills immediately: When there is grease or food splatter, wipe it immediately before it dries to seep into the grout.
- Regular maintenance: Grout must be cleaned monthly so it does not accumulate dirt, giving the place a dirty look.
Cleaning the grout of your kitchen backsplash does not have to be a nightmare. With some household products and elbow grease, you can get the shine and cleanliness back on your grout. Follow this guide regularly, and your kitchen will look spotless and inviting in no time.