How to Whiten and Sanitize Blackened Tile Grout
Are your bathroom joints looking gray? Here's how to eliminate mold and restore dazzling whiteness without excessive effort.
Recommended Materials
- Used toothbrush or grout brush
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Clay stone (for maintenance)
Steps to follow
Step 1
Tile grout is porous and retains moisture, which promotes the development of unsightly and unhygienic black mold. Start by airing the room wide open to facilitate subsequent drying.
Step 2
In a small bowl, prepare a powerful cleaning paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water (or lemon juice for increased whitening effect). The texture should resemble toothpaste.
Step 3
Apply this paste generously to the joints using an old toothbrush. Don't hesitate to overlap a little on the tiles; it won't hurt.
Step 4
The magic trick: spray pure white vinegar directly onto the baking soda paste on the joints. An effervescent chemical reaction will occur (it foams!). It is this reaction that helps loosen grime and kill mold spores.
Step 5
Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the solution works for you.
Step 6
Then scrub vigorously with the toothbrush. Focus on the blackest areas. You will see the dirt detach mechanically.
Step 7
Rinse thoroughly with clear water, ideally with the shower head. If some stains resist, you can use a little clay stone or black soap on the brush and scrub again.
Step 8
Dry the joints with a clean cloth. This is an often overlooked but crucial step: leaving joints damp promotes the rapid return of mold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach ?
Bleach does whiten very well, but it is toxic to the environment and your lungs, and over time, it can make joints porous and crumbly. Natural methods are more sustainable for the integrity of the joint.
How to protect joints after cleaning ?
There are grout sealers available in stores. A grandmother's trick is to rub a white candle (paraffin) on dry joints to create a water-repellent barrier.
Precautions
- Wear gloves to protect your hands, even with natural products.
- Do not mix vinegar and bleach (release of toxic gas).
- Ventilate the room well during cleaning.
