Tiles are often given a quick wipe to clean them, but grime can build up on the grout lining over time and will make a kitchen or bathroom look grimy no matter how much you tidy them. Grout is made from porous materials like sand and cement, which allow spills, grease, and moisture to soak in and create a sticky buildup over time.
Not only will it make tiles look dirty, but trapped moisture can encourage mould growth which will make the grout look a discoloured and stained mess. However, John Klee, an expert from the Big Bathroom Shop, has shared you do not have to scrub at grout to get it clean again as all you really need is some hydrogen peroxide. John said: “Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove tough grout stains, mould and mildew.”
Many people make the mistake of using bleach to remove mould, but it should not be used on grout as it can weaken the material and make it more likely to split.
It is also generally not recommended cleaning with bleach in an enclosed space like a bathroom or near where you cook food like a kitchen due to the toxic fumes.
However, hydrogen peroxide is a natural oxidising agent, which means it can break down bacteria and mould spores using oxygen and water.
Using hydrogen peroxide is a simple yet effective way to lift stubborn stains like mould on grout and clean it quickly.
It is safe to use on grout without damaging it, and will even help whiten the material so it looks much cleaner.
How to use hydrogen peroxide to deep clean tiles
To begin, wipe down tiles with a damp cloth to help loosen the dirt, and then apply hydrogen peroxide to the grout.
If you wish, it can be useful to mix hydrogen peroxide into a paste with baking soda, as it is abrasive so can help the solution get deeply into the grout to lift all the stains.
Leave the hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda if you are using, for 10 minutes to give it time to break down the bacteria.
Once the time is up, use a soft-bristled brush like a toothbrush to scrub the grout in a circular motion. The grout stains should wipe away quickly and be clean in just a few minutes.
Rinse the grout with warm and dry with a clean cloth. The tile grout should not look white and pristine without having to scrub it for ages.