MAINTENACE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SHOWER/TILE GROUT
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.
GROUT CLEANING TIPS
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.
MASONRY TIES
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.
MOLD ASSESSORS AND REMEDIATORS
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.
2019 Insurance
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.
KITEC PLUMBING
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.
2015 International Residential Code
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.
INSULATION R-VALUE CHART
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.
FLAT ROOFING: MODIFIED BITUMEN AND EPDM
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.
TREC Inspectors – Texas Administrative Code
Link to full article and publisher credits
Every Day Cleaning Routine:
A daily wiping-and-spraying routine after your bath or shower is essential to keep your tiles clean and prevent premature staining and damage. Sure, it might seem a little annoying, but it'll save you tons of work in the long run.
The first thing to do is to get a good squeegee. This OXO Good Grips squeegee is easy to hold and works great. Every time you shower or take a bath, run the squeegee on the tile and glass walls and doors to remove excess water.
Then, you should lightly spray your tile and glass with a mild, daily shower cleaner. You can make your own by mixing a 4:1 water to vinegar solution, or get a green cleaner like Method Daily Shower Spray. Method products are good to use in general because of their great scent and excellent cleaning power. But if you can't find that specific product, many cleaning brands have a daily shower cleaner, so try and see which one you like best.
This daily routine will keep your shower or bath clean on a daily basis and will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing. But it doesn't mean you get away from weekly maintenance.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Even though you will definitely keep your walls and glass cleaner with the above routine, you'll still need to give your shower or bath a deep clean at least every week (or at worst, every two weeks). Despite your daily efforts, body oils and soap scum will still cling to the surfaces.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water. If you have used vinegar as your daily spray before cleaning the shower, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly before using hydrogen peroxide in the grout.
Warning
Be careful not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
For Seriously Stained Grout
Sometimes, either through laziness or simple lack of attention, grout becomes stained and grimy to the point where your daily shower cleaner or baking soda paste can't quite do the job anymore. In this case, you need to break out the bleach to get rid of the stains.
One easy way to focus the power of bleach where you need it is to use a bleach pen. A bleach pen is great for smaller surfaces and just a little grout work, and minimizes potential contact with your tile—but don't use it for cleaning your entire grout. It's amazing for a little extra strength where the weekly or bi-weekly cleaning just isn't quite enough, but you don't feel like bleaching your entire tile wall.
However, if you do think that your grout could use an overall disinfection and stain treatment, start with an oxygen-type powdered bleach like OxyClean. This kind of bleach is gentler on your grout than the liquid, chloride-type stuff, and it's usually sufficient to take care of your stubborn stains. Apply with a brush, let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
If all else fails, yes, you can use a chloride bleach spray, although it's a bit harsher and harder to control. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your tile to make sure that it doesn't damage it.
Warning
If you use an oxygen-based bleach or chlorine bleach, make sure to mix it or use it according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area (that's really important). Rinse it off with clean water, too.
Grout Renewal for Permanent Stains
And when the above doesn't work to remove the stains, there's one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal.
Polyblend Grout Renew comes in a variety of different colors so you can either renew the original color or change it to something darker. The product adds a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.
You can also use Polyblend Grout Renew to simply change the color of your grout—darker grout looks cleaner (stains are less visible) and more vintage. Try it for an interesting change of contrast between pale tiles and dark grout!
When You Need to Change Your Grout
Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It's especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout, because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage.
If you have some DIY skills, changing grout by yourself is possible. If you can't be bothered, hiring a professional to redo your grout is your best bet. And while you're at it (and if you have the budget), why not change your tile as well? Today's tile styles fit every budget and decor ideas, and you might find yourself inspired by a new look or a colorful mosaic.
Grout It Out
It would be nice to see a constructions material company come up with a water-resistant alternative to grout, but in the meantime, you have to do your best to keep it clean and stain-free. The better you take care of your grout, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful tile in your shower or bath.