DIY Tile Cleaning and Sealing Tips for Your Home
Ever look at the tiles in your bathroom and kitchen and wince at the grime? You’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to remove the grime and make your bathroom shine once more. Well, you’re in luck. Why? Because you’ll see some brilliant DIY tips in this guide.
Whether you want to clean the tiles, the grout, or the whole surface of the wall or floor, you’re in the right place. From polished concrete tiles, to raw unsealed tiles, we will suggest everyday items like vinegar and water, and many other solutions that will save you both time and money!
While DIY tips for tile cleaning and sealing are helpful for maintaining your home’s aesthetic, some tasks require professional attention, especially when it comes to roofing and exterior maintenance. For expert services that ensure your home is protected from the elements, consider visiting this link.
Baking Soda and Water
Grab a container and mix equal parts of water and baking soda; after mixing for a while, you’ll notice that it forms somewhat of a paste. If it’s too thin, add some more baking soda. If it’s too thick, keep adding water until you get to a smooth paste.
Here, this is where many people make the first mistake. They apply the paste and then let it sit for a while; while it seems to make sense, you actually want to do the opposite. Dip the brush into the paste and start scrubbing straight away.
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Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
You probably don’t have hydrogen peroxide around the home now, but you will start stocking it once you see how it combines with baking soda for your tiles. Often, people try the baking soda and water recipe and look for something just a little more. Well, you’ve found it.
Instead of equal parts, you’ll want two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide. When first mixed, you’ll need to be careful because there will be some sizzling and bubbling. However, it will soon settle, and you’ll end up with a mixture between foam and cream.
From here, start scrubbing away. At first, you’ll think, ‘well, that’s the same result as the first suggestion.’ However, over time, you should notice both the tiles and the grout brightening. Go to the kitchen for a drink, come back, and you should keep noticing the changes.
Mould and Mildew Remover
With so much water in the bathroom, it’s impossible to clean up every single drop. What’s more, steam from the shower sits on the tiles, and this can cause mould in the mastic, tiles, grout, and elsewhere. Therefore, it’s best to use mould and mildew remover to keep your bathroom (or kitchen) clean.
As well as the tiles, apply this to the shower curtain and other locations. The more you stay on top of the mould, the less likely it is to cause problems in the future. Typically, you’ll need to apply the spray and leave it to soak for a few minutes. Then, come back with a warm, damp cloth and wipe it all away. Be careful because mould remover will stain clothing and other materials.
Grout Sealer
As well as cleaning tiles and grout, you should also look to seal the latter every couple of years. Don’t worry; you don’t need to spend out on a professional because there are DIY solutions for this too. Without sealing, the grout absorbs bacteria, water, and various other nasties. In other words, you’ll need to clean more frequently.
You’ll find various grout sealers available in DIY stores, including membrane-forming grout sealers and penetrating grout sealers. What’s more, you can apply by rolling, spraying, or painting. As long as you follow the instructions on the package, you shouldn’t encounter any problems.
Positive Habits for Tiles
- Clean spillages immediately
- Don’t use harsh chemicals (like bleach)
- Sweep and vacuum floor tiles
- Rinse with water after cleaning or mopping