Behind the cooker and sink, kitchen tiles catch splashes and steam every day. Over time the grout darkens and the glaze dulls. A gentle deep clean restores the look without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Start with degreasing
Wipe the tiles with a cloth dampened with warm water and washing-up liquid to remove surface grease. Rinse and dry. Grease must go first, or it will smear.
The grout paste
- Mix three parts baking soda with one part water into a thick paste.
- Spread it along the grout lines with an old toothbrush.
- Let it sit for fifteen minutes.
- Spray lightly with white vinegar and scrub in small circles.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry.
For stubborn stains
A paste of baking soda and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide can lift discolouration on white grout. Test a small area first, and never mix peroxide with vinegar in the same container.
Be careful with natural stone
Acids can etch marble, travertine, and some other stones. Use a pH-neutral cleaner for these surfaces.
Seal and maintain
After the grout is fully dry, apply a grout sealer to resist stains. Wipe the tiles after cooking, and the deep clean will rarely be needed more than twice a year.
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