Targeting Unhealthy Grout When Spring Cleaning
When spring cleaning, people target the grout areas in their home. Grout is the filling used in between empty tile spaces. Often, tiles are used in areas exposed to water, such as kitchen counters and floors, bathroom walls, and even shower flooring.
Grouts are often conducive homes to mould and mildew growth, because tiled areas are often left damp after use.
When cleaning grout during spring cleaning, it may be helpful to look into grout areas in the kitchen first. This is because spillage from food and other ingredients used in cooking can seep into the grout. While you can do prevention by covering the areas in between tiles with tile sealants, moulds have a tendency to be resilient, capable of entering through these sealants and finding their way to the grout.
In order to clean grouts properly during spring cleaning, the following guidelines may be kept in mind:
-Visit your local home store to find cleaning agents that are specifically made for tiles and grouts. Read the labels carefully in order to make sure that you pick the right one for your problem area.
-Most grout cleaners are available as concentrates. This means that before applying it to the grout area during spring cleaning, you will have to dissolve a small amount of it in water first. If you apply it in concentrate form, you may damage the grout beyond repair.
-While you may have bought grout cleaners before, you have to realize that the instructions for use may differ slightly per brand. There are basic instructions of course, but each brand may have special instruction.
-Because the chemicals used in these cleaners are harsher than regular detergents, it is important to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, and safety goggles to protect your eyes from fumes and sprits that can fly to your eyes.
-Before spring cleaning, check the grout to see if it is crumbling. If that is the case, replace the grout. Otherwise, simply wipe off the excess build-up of moulds before applying the cleaning agents.
-Spray some water on the tile before applying the dissolved cleaning agent. This will help avoid the cleanser penetrating the grout and furthering the damage already caused by moulds.
-You can choose to apply the cleaner using a brush. This will help dislodge whatever mould residue is there on the grout. Leave the area for ten minutes, then wash with water.
-Rinse off the cleaners thoroughly over the tiles. Then, apply sealants to the grout with the use of a brush. Do this only once the tiles are completely dry.
One cannot emphasize enough the importance of spring cleaning, putting express attention on areas where mildews and moulds have a tendency to grow.
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