Tile joints In the kitchen or bathroom, they often go unnoticed until they begin to darken, become moldy, or look neglected. Even if we clean the surfaces frequently, these lines separating each tile accumulate grease, dust, soap scum, and moisture, making the room look dirty even after a good cleaning.
Keep the joints clean not only improves the appearance of your home, but also prevents the proliferation of bacteria, fungi and bad odorsFortunately, there are multiple methods, both homemade and professional, to restore your nails to their original whiteness and prolong their good condition. Here we show you all the effective alternatives you can use, from natural solutions to specific products.
Why do tile grouts get dirty?
The gaskets are generally made of grout, a porous paste that, over time, absorbs dirt, grease, moisture and chemical residuesBlack spots may also appear due to the mould, especially in poorly ventilated areas like windowless bathrooms. In kitchens, grease from cooking settles in the grout and mixes with dust, making them darker and harder to clean.
Some factors that accelerate this dirt are:
- lack of ventilation, which favors the appearance of fungi.
- Continuous use of space, especially in kitchens.
- Residues of products such as soap or detergent.
- accumulation of fat, common in areas close to stoves.
Professional products for deep cleaning
If you are looking for an an effective and quick solution without overcomplicating things, you can opt for specific products such as the Instat Remover, specially designed to clean grout without damaging tiles. These products usually come in spray bottles, do not contain harsh acids or hypochlorite, and are applied without dilution.
Apply directly to the joint, leave it for a few minutes, scrub with a brush or abrasive sponge, and rinse thoroughly with water. For more stubborn dirt, you can reinforce the surface with a diluted solution of a professional product like Deterdek.
Effective homemade tricks with natural ingredients
For those who prefer avoid chemicals And if you want to opt for natural and economical cleaning methods for tile joints, there are highly effective home methods:
Baking soda and vinegar
Mixture three tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of white vinegar and one tablespoon of hot water until forming a paste. Apply directly on the joint, let it act for ten minutes and scrub with a brush. It is ideal for removing embedded dirt and mold.
Ammonia and hot water
One of the most powerful methods. Combine one part ammonia with ten parts hot water. Apply on the joints, scrub with a brush and clean well. It is very effective in removing grease.Remember to wear gloves and ventilate the room well.
bleach and water
Perfect for bleach and disinfect. Mix half a liter of water with three tablespoons of bleachApply with a sponge or spray, let it sit for five minutes, and scrub with a brush. Then, rinse thoroughly with water. You may also want to consult our guide on how to achieve even better results.
Toothpaste
Whitening formulas with bicarbonate are very effective. Apply white toothpaste directly onto the joint. with a toothbrush and scrub vigorously. Then rinse with water. The results will amaze you.
Alcohol to burn
Very useful for quick cleaning. Apply directly with a cotton cloth lint-free or mix it with ammonia and a little liquid detergent. Spray or rub with newspaper for a brilliant result.
Tools that make cleaning easier
The right utensil makes all the difference when cleaning tile grout. Some essentials are:
- old toothbrush: ideal for precise rubbing.
- Abrasive sponges: for the toughest stains.
- Steam cleaners: They apply pressure with heat and enhance the effect of any cleaning product.
- microfiber cloths: to dry without leaving lint.
How to repair gaskets if they are in poor condition
When the grout is too deteriorated and no cleaner seems to be enough, the best thing to do is reapply a new layer of grout following these steps:
- Remove old grout with a scraper or specific tool.
- Clean well the entire area with soap and water.
- Prepare the new grout mass according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Apply with a spatula and smooths evenly.
- Remove excess with a damp sponge before it dries.
- Use a joint sealant when it has dried to protect it from moisture.
Tips to prevent dirt in the joints
Prevention is better than constant cleaning.Some recommendations to keep joints clean for longer are:
- Keep the bathroom or kitchen well ventilatedIf there are no windows, install an extractor fan.
- Dry the walls or floors after each use, especially after showers.
- Clean at least once a week with soft products.
- Avoid products that leave greasy residue.
- Paint the joints with specific markers if you want to give them a new look without any work.
An interesting option if you are looking to give your tiles a renewed look is paint the joints with shades other than classic white, using special waterproof markers. This solution is aesthetic and easy to apply.
Joint care It may seem like a tedious task, but with the right methods, it becomes a simple and very rewarding endeavor. Using household products like vinegar, baking soda, or ammonia, along with simple tools like brushes or steam cleaners, allows you to not only remove the most stubborn dirt, but also restore the shine your kitchen or bathroom deserves. Whether applying a natural remedy or a professional solution, the important thing is to maintain good regular maintenance and act quickly if stains or mold appear.