How to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom at home. How to clean the seams between tiles What acid washes the seams of tiles in the bathroom

The laying of tiles is completed with grouting, which have an attractive appearance and complete the entire surface. But, alas, after a while, dirt begins to accumulate between the joints of the tiles, and with constant exposure to moisture, mold also multiplies. To avoid this problem, periodic cleaning of the tile joints should be carried out; we will consider how to wash the joints between the tiles later.

Seams between tiles - grout options

Before moving on to the direct issue of cleaning the joints between tiles, you should first study the materials that are used in the process of grouting.

All compounds that are used during grouting are divided into two main types:

1. Mixtures having a cement base.

They appear in the form of a powdered filler, for the dilution of which water or latex is used. Inexperienced specialists work with mixtures that contain Portland cement substances. This grout is quite elastic and easy to work with. In addition, it easily fills the narrowest seams.

To dilute this kind of mixture, a respirator and goggles are used. Since there is a risk of contact with the mixture in the eyes or allergies.

There are cement-based mixtures in a ready-to-use form. This material is also convenient when working, only its cost is much higher. Therefore, it is practically not common in the construction industry.

When mixing the mixture yourself, it is recommended to strictly follow all the instructions indicated by the manufacturer. If this is not done, then the too liquid solution, after drying, will spread and form cracks. Using too thick a solution is fraught with the fact that the mass is not able to fill all the butt sections, therefore, the tightness between the tiles is broken.

2. Grouts based on the use of epoxy resin.

This mixture has the highest strength and adhesive properties, in addition, the percentage of its moisture absorption is almost zero. It is used in the process of grouting joints between tiles installed on the surface of the pool, in the bathroom, baths, on the front sections of the building, in rooms with high performance characteristics.

The use of such a grout requires special care and scrupulousness from the person performing the work. Since special efforts will be required to remove excess material, there is a risk of damage to the tile itself.

The grout contains epoxy resin and a special hardener, which fixes it on the surface. It is sold in a different package and mixed with the main formulations before starting work. The finished mass is not intended for long-term storage.

The seams between the tiles in the bathroom - cleaning with chemistry

Before proceeding to consider the means by which tiles are cleaned, a few words should be said about the rules for caring for them. If they are not adhered to, then the tile will serve its owners for a short period of time and lose its appearance.

Despite the fact that ceramic tiles are highly durable and resistant to various kinds of influences, there are a number of rules for its operation:

• abrasive cleaners or a metal brush are not suitable for cleaning tiles with a glossy surface, even if there are minor scratches, the original gloss is lost;
• chemical compounds based on the use of acid can easily damage the seams between the tiles on the floor;
• to improve the strength of the joints, it is recommended to use an epoxy resin paint, it allows you to improve their resistance to a humid environment;

• in the process of washing tiles, you should rely solely on specialized products that are designed to clean ceramic tiles; the use of other types of products is unacceptable;
• do not use cleaning products that contain pumice, sand, grease solvents in the form of soap;
• if there is a need to remove various kinds of contaminants, then for these purposes use a brush with soft bristles, which is not able to remove the coating on the tile;
• to wash matte tiles, use specially designed emulsions; after washing, they are covered with wax mastic, which makes their color more expressive.

To purchase a product with which you can clean the seams between the tiles, just contact any household store. There are a huge number of cleaning products designed to clean the tiles and the joints between them.

Chemical agents are characterized by the following advantages:

• the possibility of removing mineral deposits;
• effective fight against an unpleasant smell;
• protection against harmful microorganisms, bacteria and germ;
• the use of aromatic additives fills the room with a pleasant smell.

Please note that each type of tile has its own characteristics, which determine the type of cleaning agent used in the process of washing it. Before using this or that composition, you should read the instructions from the manufacturer well.

For example, if you use a solution in which chalk is present to wash ceramic tiles, but stains appear on the surface, which are very difficult to get rid of.

Do not use chemicals immediately. First try to get rid of the dirt with a soft brush and water. If the desired effect was not achieved, then resort to more radical methods.

An excellent tool in this matter is the Pemolux powder mixture. To apply it, you should use the same brush, which is wetted first in water and then in powder. In this case, it is better to wear rubber gloves. After applying the composition, it is recommended to wait about ten minutes, and then all the seams are cleaned with a brush.

The use of this method is relevant if the tile has slight contamination.

How to clean the seams between tiles folk remedies

• moisten the tile surfaces;
• apply baking soda with a sponge;
• wipe the surface of the tile to get rid of dirt;
• do not press too hard on the surface, as there is a risk of damaging the tiles.

Chlorine lime helps to make the tiles and the seams between them snow-white and shining:

• dilute lime with water until a liquid mass is obtained;
• using a spray bottle, apply the solution to the surface;
• after seven minutes, wipe the tile with a damp cloth.

Tip: Use a mask when performing this cleaning method, as there is a risk of an unpleasant odor. Although the positive aspect of such cleaning is the fact that all mold and pathogenic bacteria are destroyed between the seams.

The use of acetic acid will help to cope with stubborn dirt between the seams of the tile. To clean the seam between tiles, follow the instructions:

• apply vinegar essence using a spray bottle;
• using a brush, spread the vinegar on the surface of the seam;
• after 7 minutes, rinse off the vinegar with a damp cloth.

Please note that acetic acid is not used in its pure form. It is diluted in a ratio of 1.5 tablespoons per 500 ml of water. It is recommended to use this method first before applying bleach, as cleaning with vinegar is more gentle and harmless to both the tiles and the skin of the person doing the cleaning.

Another popular method for cleaning the joints between tiles is citric acid. To do this, follow these steps:

• take a sponge and wet it with water;
• lightly squeeze the sponge and dip it in citric acid;
• after 3 minutes, wash off the solution from the surface.

The width of the seams between the tiles does not affect the use of one or another processing method. In addition, you should take into account the fact that after applying any of the above cleaning methods, be sure to rinse off the solution and wipe the tile dry.

Another popular way to clean tiles involves a combination of the above methods. To prepare the solution, you will need to mix in a metal container:

• 3 glasses of water;
• 0.25 cups of soda;
• 0.15 vinegar essence;
• 0.15 citric acid.

Be sure to wear gloves when using the cleaner. This substance is quite aggressive, so you need to work with it quickly. Use a toothbrush or sponge to clean.

Apply the composition to all seams and wait ten minutes. Rinse off the surface with clean water. It is preferable to do the procedure at least twice. With this solution, it is easy to get rid of even the most difficult contaminants.

How to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom mechanical method

To use this cleaning method, you do not need to go to the store for chemicals or prepare mixtures based on folk recipes.

It is enough to have sandpaper at home. It is with its help that the seams are cleaned. Only special attention should be paid to the tile, it is unacceptable to scratch it with paper, as there is a risk of damaging the appearance of the coating. This option is quick and easy to perform.

After cleaning all the seams, they are treated with water, and then the tiles are wiped dry.

In addition to sandpaper, a toothbrush, sponge, and dish scraper are used. This option is suitable for a small kind of pollution. In addition, as an addition to this method, it is recommended to apply washing powder to the tiles.

In answer to the question of how to clean the seams between tiles without the use of chemicals and folk remedies, the best option would be to use a sponge based on melamine foam. This material is durable, but at the same time soft. It easily penetrates into any pores, removes all stains and dirt without the use of chemicals.

To apply a melamine sponge, only water is required, and the less effort is applied to wash, the higher the effectiveness of the process. This sponge helps to clean not only the seams between the tiles, but also does an excellent job of cleaning plumbing fixtures, sinks, bathtubs, mirrors, etc.

We offer you to get acquainted with practical tips that will help make the cleaning process easier and safer:

• when washing the joints between the tiles, be sure to use gloves;
• an excellent tool for cleaning the seam between the tiles and for washing the tile itself is a chemical that is used to wash glass or mirrors;
• the washing process always starts from the bottom, and the procedure for cleaning and wiping the tiles from the top;
• to whiten the seams between the tiles, the use of hydrogen peroxide is perfect, which is applied directly to their surface without further rinsing;
• when the polished tile is cleaned, it is required to apply a special mastic to its surface, and a vinegar solution is used to improve the gloss of the glossy tile.

Removing grout from tile joints

If all of the above methods for cleaning the surface between the seams of tiles did not help, then more radical methods should be resorted to. If after some time after cleaning the grout still darkened, then mushroom-like bacteria settled on its surface. Their main feature is the presence of characteristic dark spots on the surface of the seams.

To paint over these places, a special covering felt-tip pen is used. It is with its help that problem areas are hidden.

In addition, there are a number of tools designed to update the seams. To purchase them, you should contact a specialized store. In the presence of a more serious kind of contamination that leads to crumbling of the grout during washing, one should resort to opening this material.

Tip: Before starting work, furniture and other items should be removed from the room, as a large amount of dust will be released during the opening process.

The procedure is carried out with special care, in order to avoid damage to the tile itself. After the first pass, all joints are wiped with a damp cloth, and then the procedure is repeated again. If the emery wheel failed to remove certain areas, then sandpaper should be used. Next, the seams are treated with a solvent and a primer. A new grout is applied to the surface.

In specialized stores there are products that are designed to protect the joints between tiles. It takes a lot of time and effort to carry out the procedure of their application. Therefore, these funds are used very rarely. After all the seams have dried, they are treated with a protective compound. For these purposes, a small brush is used. It is not recommended to apply the solution to the tile, as it destroys its integrity. In case of contact with the mixture, immediately wipe it off with a rag.

In order not to have to remove the grout completely, it is necessary to ensure proper care of the tiles. Once a month, wipe the seams with a stiff brush and warm water. Thus, it will be possible to preserve the original appearance of their appearance for many years.

Sooner or later, everyone has to face the question - how to clean the seams between the tiles on the floor. Even if you regularly carry out wet cleaning in the house, the joints between the tiles will inevitably become clogged, which will not only spoil the visual perception of the surface, but can also cause diseases in family members.

Floor tiles are the most susceptible to dirt, so regular maintenance is required.

Causes of pollution

The floor is constantly exposed to dirt, dust, water and various substances. But if you can wipe the tiles in a few seconds, then with the joints everything is much more complicated. It takes time and effort to wash them, but it's worth it.

Seams accumulate dirt and become an ideal breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria, fungus and mold. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the situation immediately, until it comes to disastrous consequences.

Before you start washing the tiles on the floor, you need to determine the type of pollution, since the selection of cleaning products and a further list of actions largely depend on this.

Most often, the seams suffer for the following reasons:

• remnants of materials after repair;
• detergents;
• dirty water;
• particles of food;
• dirt from the street;
• dust.

During the operation of the surface, the grout darkens, foreign particles stick to it and, if measures are not taken, a fungus will soon be added to the problems of cleanliness.

During operation, tile joints become dirty and the surface loses its original appearance.

Tools and materials

How and how to wash dirty tile seams on the floor? For this, a whole arsenal of means is used. Much, of course, depends on the type of pollution and the degree of its neglect. Sometimes you can get by with improvised means and a simple sponge, but in most cases you still need special household chemicals and a hard brush.

To wash the seams between the tiles on the floor you will need:

• used toothbrush;
• scraper;
• grout;
• rubber spatula;
• household chemicals (powder, gel or spray);
• soda;
• vinegar;
• lemon;
• peroxide;
• dishwashing liquid;
• protective gloves;
• clean water and a sponge.

Ideally, old grout should be disposed of with special tools.

Dirt at the joints

So, let's look at what and how to clean the clogged seams between the tiles on the floor. If the pollution is not too serious, even improvised means are suitable for this, for example, you can clean the seams with a toothbrush and soda. If particles of fat are clogged between the tiles, additionally sprinkle the treated areas with vinegar to activate the reaction with soda. For a pleasant smell and enhance the effect, add lemon juice.

If it is easier for you to work with household chemicals or stains are not cleaned by such methods, use special compounds designed to wash tiles and joints between them. Available as a cleaning powder, active gel or spray, these products work very quickly. If the stains are difficult, apply the product on them and leave for a few minutes. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

If a fungus develops

Now let's look at how and with what to clean the darkened seams between the tiles on the floor, if it has already come to the fungus or mold. Here, simple methods will be powerless, because after infection, getting rid of the problem is quite difficult. The best way would be to completely replace the affected areas.

In cases where fungal infections occur, the inter-tile material is removed and a new grout is applied.

First you need to clean the affected areas of the seams between the tiles. This is done in the same way as during the repair - with the help of a scraper. After that, it is advisable to walk along the joints with antiseptic impregnation in order to protect the floors from the spread of germs. After it dries, you can start sealing the cracks. Dilute a small amount of grout and cover the loose seams with it.

Such an update is recommended to be carried out from time to time, since in addition to contamination, there is a gradual destruction and washing out of the material. This can affect the aesthetics, hygiene, water tightness and strength of the facing surface.

After finishing work

A big problem arises when you need to wash the tiles on the floor after repair. Such a need arises if particles of mortar, grout, building dust, primer, paint, etc. remain on the tile. In this case, ordinary soap solution is no longer enough.

Often, solvents, ammonia or kerosene are used to remove serious pollution. These substances are not used in concentrated form, they are used to prepare a cleaning solution. With their help, it is possible to soften the stains from the repair, and after that it becomes much easier to wash them.

Before using a solvent, make sure that your tile is able to withstand the action of this aggressive substance. Test the product on an inconspicuous area. If the surface has not deteriorated, you can safely wash it.

If the solution or paint still cannot be washed off, you can use a blade or scraper. At the same time, try not to damage the decorative part of the tile.

Whitening

Now let's look at how and with what you can wash the old seams between the tiles on the floor so that they turn white again. Over time, the joints between the tiles darken, as they absorb dirty water, dust, various pigments, etc. Therefore, they need to be refreshed periodically with bleaching.

The simplest and most effective way can be considered the application of a peroxide-based composition. Such a product is quite safe for tiles and grout between joints, but with prolonged contact with the skin it can cause irritation, so be sure to wear gloves.

Dilute a small amount of the mixture in a plastic container. It consists of dishwashing gel, directly peroxide and soda. You should get a creamy gruel. The proportions are taken approximately equal. The gel will rid the seams of fat, and soda and peroxide will return them to their former whiteness. Apply the composition with a toothbrush and rub a little. Then leave for a couple of hours for the reaction to pass. Then rinse everything off with clean water. Washing floors in this way is recommended several times a year.

If you monitor the condition of the joints and wash them regularly, and not just after repair, you will extend the life of your floor and protect your home from fungus and mold.

The tiled walls immediately after repair look flawless. However, over time, you have to look for ways to clean the seams between the tiles in the kitchen. The cracks get clogged with dirt and spoil the appearance of the room. It is not always possible to wash them with ordinary detergents. In a room with high humidity, the integrity of resistant grouts and sealants is gradually destroyed by the action of bacteria and molds that can penetrate deep into the structure of the material. If grime is difficult to remove from grout lines, more aggressive grout cleaners should be used.

It is best to use specially designed seam cleaners.

Ultra Stripper Cleaner is a concentrated product. It successfully cleans mosaics, porcelain, granite, cement and ceramics from stubborn dirt. Diluted with water before using Ultra Stripper. The concentration of the solution depends on the amount of contaminants.

BOZO disinfectant is used to clean tiles and tile joints. Due to its viscous consistency, the product evenly covers the porous surface of the gaps. It effectively removes stubborn grease, salt, soot and rust. After treatment with BOZO, the unpleasant odor disappears.

Very quickly help to wash the seams means - a concentrate for tile joints HG. Before using it, clean the joints with dishwashing detergent and dry their surface. The drug is applied with a brush and washed off after 10-15 minutes. The seams literally turn white before our eyes.

For light soiling, it is better to use Atlas Delfin tile and grout impregnation. It is desirable to apply it immediately after repair to prevent the appearance of contamination. Atlas Delfin protects the porous surface of the mortar, preventing it from accumulating impurities. Impregnate is resistant to cleaning agents and makes kitchen tiles shine.

Light dirt can be easily dealt with by Mr. Muscle Expert for the kitchen. It will remove burnt fat, stains of sauces and burnt milk on tile joints. The spray has an antibacterial effect.

A good result is the use of Pemolux cleaning powder. It is applied to a small brush and rubbed on the cement. It is convenient to handle the seams with an ordinary toothbrush (preferably a children's or electric one). The disadvantage of the product is the presence of abrasive elements (ground marble) in its composition. There is a high risk of surface damage to adjoining slabs.

The whitening pencil Snowball will quickly and easily restore the whiteness of tile joints. It is enough to draw a line over the seams with a pencil so that they look like new again. The components that make up the product penetrate deeply into the cement, destroying molds and bacteria.

2 way - steam cleansing

You can return the walls to their original cleanliness with the help of a steam cleaner. A steam cleaner is a device that releases hot steam under high pressure. A jet of steam easily removes old stains, destroys pathogens and mold spores that have penetrated the cement.

To clean tile joints, you must purchase a steam cleaner that can be heated to a temperature of at least + 175 * C. It is better to use the device together with a brush attachment. Steam will come out through it more concentrated, so the effect of steam on the surface of the seams will be higher.

After processing the joints with steam, it is necessary to wash off the contamination with water at room temperature. You can additionally treat the surface with antifungal disinfectants.

3 way - cleansing with bleach

You can clean recently darkened seams in the kitchen with chlorine-containing bleaches (Whiteness, Cif Ultra White, Domestos). These tools will help destroy the colonies of fungi and bacteria on the upper layers of the material.

Bleach is applied to the contaminated surface with a brush and left for 10-15 minutes. After that, the product is applied again and washed off with plenty of water. Bleach is difficult to completely wash out of a porous surface.

You can enhance the effect of chlorine-containing products with baking soda. A thick paste is prepared from baking soda and bleach (reminiscent of toothpaste in consistency). It is applied with a spatula to the seams and left to dry completely. The composition is washed off with water and a brush.

It is necessary to ensure that the seam is completely covered with the composition, otherwise dark spots will remain on it.

This method is suitable for cleaning joints covered with white grout. It is not recommended to use bleach on colored surfaces, even if the shade of the putty is very light. The colored surface after the application of bleach will lose its color uniformity and will look untidy.

If you have to process a large area, you must definitely close the doors in the kitchen and open the windows, otherwise the pungent smell will spread throughout the apartment; work should be done with gloves and a mask.

4 way - the use of improvised means

Laundry soap is a good preventive measure against fungi. Fungal microorganisms die in an alkaline environment. Soap should be regularly cleaned the surface until mold appears on it. Laundry soap will help get rid of the mold that has recently appeared on the seams. Only laundry soap in the form of a brown bar has antifungal properties.

You can clean the seams between the tiles on the floor with baking soda. Moisten the floor and generously sprinkle the gaps with soda powder. When it gets wet, every centimeter of the surface between the plates is thoroughly wiped with a toothbrush. Particular attention should be paid to places with black spots and dots.

A solution prepared from:

• 1 tbsp vinegar;
• 1 tsp baking soda;
• 1 tbsp ammonia;
• 2 glasses of water.

First, baking soda is dissolved in water, then vinegar and ammonia are slowly added to the solution. The product is applied with a brush to the seams for 10 minutes, then washed off. The composition actively foams and “explodes” pollution from the inside, allowing them to be easily washed off. The solution, along with the dirt, is washed off with water.

A similar result is observed after applying a soda solution with the addition of vinegar and citric acid. 200 g of baking soda are dissolved in 2 liters of water, then 100 ml of lemon juice and 50 ml of vinegar are added. Instead of lemon juice, you can use citric acid. It is diluted in water in a ratio of 1:2. The composition is applied to the joints and washed off after 15 minutes with water.

To remove dirt from the inter-tile gaps, they are sprayed with an acetic solution from a spray bottle. To prepare the solution, water and vinegar are taken in equal parts. The joints covered with mortar are cleaned with a stiff brush (not metal).

Well dissolves greasy and burnt stains hydrogen peroxide diluted in water (it is mixed with water in a ratio of 1: 2).

When choosing how to wash pollution, you need to consider the type of tile. The glazed surface may become dull after treatment with products containing acids.

Method 5 - mechanical cleaning

How to clean the seams between the tiles in the kitchen without resorting to chemicals? Mechanical cleaning of the joints between tiles is the most radical way to solve the problem. This is hard and painstaking work that is done only by hand. The use of electrical appliances (drill with a nozzle or a grinder) is not recommended. They can damage the tiles.

To clean seams with ingrained dirt, use:

• putty knife;
• screwdriver
• semicircular chisel or sandpaper.

You can cut off the dirty grout layer using a metal tube cut at an angle and sharpened.

But it is better to purchase a special scraper for cleaning tile joints and removing old grout. It is a handle to which a wide diamond-coated blade is attached. Blade thickness is 1 - 1.5 mm. It allows you to clean even very thin gaps between tiles. If the joints are wide, you can use models with multiple blades or remove layers of grout with one blade, positioning it at an angle.

The handle of the tool is at an angle of 45 degrees to the work surface. Therefore, during long, painstaking work, the hand does not get tired. By pressing the tool, you can cut off the grout layer from the seam along its entire length with one movement.

If the fungus has appeared on the surface of the grout recently, only the top layer of material can be removed. If the cement has darkened for a long time, you need to cut off the layers located below the darkened ones. Fungal spores can be found in deep layers of the material. You cannot detect them with the naked eye. Remaining in the grout, fungi will continue to destroy it.

In the course of their life, fungal microorganisms emit volatile organic compounds that can cause various diseases, so you need to clean off the affected layers of building material with gloves and a mask.

In some cases, it is necessary to remove the entire grout. After removing the affected material, the joint is dried with a hairdryer. You can install a heater with a heating coil nearby, or a fan heater. Such devices quickly lower the humidity of the air.

The dried surface is treated with special fungicidal agents. Instead, you can use a special primer that prevents the occurrence of biocorrosion, colonization of molds and bacteria (Ceresit CT99). After applying it, a new grout is applied, to which a little antifungal primer should be added.

The seams between the tiles in the bathroom can be safely called the weakest link in the wall decoration - during the operation of the room they become so dirty that even expensive tiles lose their attractiveness against the background of this dirt. There is no way to avoid this - unfortunately, these are the operating conditions of this room. The only thing that can be opposed to this phenomenon is the regular cleaning of the seams from dirt. This will be discussed in this article, in which, together with the okuhne.net website, we will deal with the question of how to clean the seams between the tiles - we will consider different options for solving this issue and choose the best among them.

How to clean the seams between tiles photo

How to clean the seams between tiles: a chemical method

What is a chemical method for cleaning tile seams from dirt? This is their banal washing with the help of modern detergents. But their use is somewhat limited - the fact is that they easily cope with smooth surfaces, but not with rough and porous ones, which, in fact, are the seams between. As a rule, dirt eats into them, and modern household chemicals turn out to be a weak assistant in this matter, especially when it comes to loyal household chemicals. If you want to try your luck with the help of such means, then it is better to look for potent acid-based solutions, but you should not count on any comforting result with their help - the maximum that you can do is lighten the seam a little, but no more.

How to whiten the seams between tiles photo

Among all such household chemical compounds, it is better to pay special attention to the good old Pemolux, the effectiveness of which has been proven by time. But one should not count on it too much when it comes to serious chronic pollution. All chemical cleaners are used in the same way - they are applied to the seams, after which an exposure is given so that the reagents do their job. After that, the seams are washed with warm water. To increase the effect of their impact, you can additionally use a brush.

In principle, in some way chemistry works, but it only works when the dirt has not yet had time to finally penetrate into the structure. That is why such care for the tile, or rather the seams between it, must be started from the very beginning of the operation of the tile - in general, it should not be brought to a critical moment!

How to clean tile joints: mechanical technology

In some ways, the mechanical way of solving the question of how to clean the seams in the bathroom is more effective - it doesn’t matter how deeply the dirt has penetrated into the grout structure. You just pick up some kind of scraper and gradually, centimeter by centimeter, scrape off the top layer of grout along with the dirt. Yes, the work is difficult, tedious and painstaking, but it is productive.

How to clean the seams in the bathroom photo

If we talk about the devices with which you can perform such work, then here you can select only sandpaper or a kitchen scraper. It is highly not recommended to mechanize this cleaning method and use all kinds of nozzles on a drill - the only thing you will achieve in this way is damage the enamel. Everything must be done by hand, which is the disadvantage of this method. Alternatively, non-hard metal brushes can be used, but they remove the grout layer in stripes that are noticeable. A brush and sandpaper are, of course, good, but a small semicircular chisel, which is usually used by wood carvers, proved to be the best in practice. In principle, it is quite simple to make it from a thin tube, cutting it in half and sharpening the edge on a grinder.

How to clean tile seams: a folk way

In most cases, traditional technologies are always more effective than cleaning products of modern technologies. Cleaning with their help the joints between the tiles is complex and simple at the same time. In fact, it is a mixture of chemical and mechanical technology - at the same time it allows you to whiten the seams between the tiles and clean them. Despite this, you still have to sweat a little - of course, if you want to get a good result.

Folk way to clean seams photo

This technology consists in the independent preparation of a reagent from improvised means and, of course, its use in practice.

Such a composition is prepared from ordinary baking soda, vinegar and lemon. The recipe is simple - six glasses of water, half a glass of soda, a third of a glass of vinegar and the same amount of lemon juice.

The liquid obtained in this way is applied to the seams, it is given a ten-minute exposure so that the resulting "acid" does its job, after which all the dirt is easily washed off with clean water. You can enhance the effect of such a home-made solution with a brush - it will help the solution to quickly penetrate into the grout structure. As a rule, in order to finally clean the seams of dirt, this operation must be performed 2-3 times.

Cardinal seam cleaning technology

Let's just say that there are such contaminants that cannot be removed by the methods described above. In most cases, this is old dirt with traces of mold and other impurities - it makes no sense to deal with such dirt. Especially with, no matter how you wash it, scrape it off and poison it with household chemicals, it will still appear again after a while - tenacious muck, you won’t say anything. It is better to destroy such pollution in cardinal ways. Yes, yes - the old grout will have to be completely dug out, the cleaned seams should be treated with a special primer (for example, Ceresit CT 99), and then a new grout prepared with the addition of the previously indicated primer should be applied.

How to clean tile seams photo

I agree, the work is not easy, but if you do not want to change the tiles in the bathroom, you can do it. The situation is somewhat facilitated by special devices, for example, scrapers - their direct purpose is to remove glue from the seams, but they also cope with grouting quite simply. In fact, this is a handle on which wide diamond-coated blades are attached - the thickness of one blade is 1.5 mm, and if your seam is wider, then several blades are installed on the machine. Although you can get by with one - in this case, the knife needs to be set a little diagonally. With this approach, diamond seam cleaning blades wear down quickly.

How to protect the seams between tiles from contamination

Once having solved the question of how to wash the seams between the tiles, few people want to return to him again - after working in the sweat of your brow for several days, you will surely curse everything that this world rests on. But even more you will curse the master when you find out that there are special compounds to protect the seams from contamination. Applying them is a painstaking task, and not every master will want to get involved with this work. But in vain, because these tools really work. They fill the pores in the grout and thereby prevent the penetration of dirt into them - after processing the seams with such compounds, the grout is easy to clean, like the glossy tile itself.

How to clean tile joints photo

Applying materials of this type to the seams is somewhat problematic - in terms of the fact that manufacturers strongly do not recommend that the protective liquid fall on the tile itself. According to them, stains can form at the points of contact between the tile and the liquid. It is for this reason that, in order to avoid such a turn of events, it is recommended to paste over each seam on both sides with adhesive tape, which, as you know, is quite troublesome. In general, you should not count on the fact that the master will perform this work for free and with high quality. You will also not be able to control it, since this liquid is absolutely colorless and after application it is not visible. In a good way, if you want high-quality protection of seams from pollution, then do it yourself. What is the name of this liquid? A prominent representative of such products can be called ATLAS DELFIN (it slightly embellishes the white seam with a yellowish tint) and Ceresit CT 10 Super.

In principle, everything, and it remains to add quite a bit. One little piece of advice - if you don’t want to solve the question of how to clean the seams between the tiles with enviable regularity, do not use white grout in the bathroom. Contrasting seams also look very nice, and pure white tiles are rarely used in these rooms, so replacing white grout with any other is quite simple!

Everyone who monitors the hygiene of their home sooner or later wonders how to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom, and restore the attractiveness of the entire tile. This is not at all accidental, because it is on the seams that most bacteria and mold form. This entails not only an unaesthetic appearance of the surface, but also harms health. You should not bring the appearance of your bathroom to such a state, it is better to prevent the appearance of serious pollution.

How to clean the tiles in the bathroom and the seams between them?

The tile endures harsh means of exposure, so the types of cleaners are very diverse:

• alcohol;
• vinegar or citric acid;
• special anti-mold products;
• chlorine-containing products;
• window cleaner;
• ammonia;
• melamine sponge;
• steam cleaner.

You will also need the following tools:

• Toothbrush;
• soft clean sponges;
• clean rags;
• spray;
• napkins;
• rubber gloves.

How to clean tile joints?

Each product requires specific handling for effective cleaning. Check out the detailed description of the use of each of the above to spend a little time on the entire washing procedure.

Method 1

Vinegar or alcohol kills harmful living organisms in tile joints very well. For the effectiveness of the application, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Take the undiluted substance.
2. Dip your toothbrush in it.
3. Process the seams around the perimeter.

Note: Wear gloves and be prepared for bad odours. Do not mix both these products, their combination can damage the integrity of the seams.

Method 2

Recently, many special chemical compounds have appeared on the market that clean the seams and kill the fungus. They require strict adherence to the instructions:

1. Dilute the concentrate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Apply to the seams with a brush or toothbrush.
3. Leave for 20 minutes.
4. Wash off with water.
5. Wipe with special wipes.

Method 3

Chlorine-containing detergent concentrates are well suited for the prevention and disinfection of seams. To do this, simply treat the surface and seams with a diluted solution. To flush or not - check with the manufacturer's instructions, as some of them do not need this additional action.

Method 4

Very well, quickly and effectively cleans the seams and all tiles with a steam cleaner. In this case, proceed as follows:

1. Prepare the device for work, taking into account the wishes of the manufacturer.
2. Finish all seams.
3. Wipe dry the entire surface, removing traces of dirt.

How to wash the tiles in the bathroom from limescale and rust?

For daily care, liquid or gel tile cleaners are suitable. Terms of use:

1. Dilute the substance in water.
2. Scrub the entire tile surface with a sponge.
3. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth.
4. Wipe dry with paper towels or a soft cloth.

Window cleaning sprays do a good job of removing dirt and adding shine to the surface. For best results, use it like this:

1. Spray the liquid onto the tiles.
2. Leave for 10 minutes.
3. Wipe with a damp sponge.
4. Wipe dry with tissue paper.

The easiest and cheapest way to clean bathroom tiles is to use soapy water when cleaning. It is applied like this:

1. Prepare a soapy solution. Do not use liquid and laundry soap for this, but only ordinary toilet soap.
2. Dip a sponge into the solution.
3. Wash the tiled walls from top to bottom.
4. Wipe dry from bottom to top.

Note: This method is effective for daily use. It may not work on strong old pollution.

How else can you clean the tiles in the bathroom?

The use of improvised alternative means is also effective if certain rules and sequence are followed.

Option 1

Table vinegar cleans tiles very well from plaque. Use it like this:

1. Take a spray bottle.
2. Pour 7% vinegar into it.
3. Spray on the entire surface of the tile.
4. Leave for 10 minutes.
5. Scrub the tiles with a synthetic bristle brush.
6. Wipe off any residue of vinegar with a damp cloth.

Note: vinegar can be replaced with a solution of citric acid.

Option 2

Another available natural remedy is alcohol. It has good cleaning and antiseptic properties. Apply it like this:

1. Take 4 liters of water.
2. Add 100 ml of pure alcohol.
3. Apply the solution to the sponge.
4. Clean the tile.

Option 3

Ammonia also cleans plaque, but at the same time it also returns the lost shine to the tile. Use this step by step guide:

1. Take 2 liters of water.
2. Add 1 tbsp. ammonia.
3. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
4. Spray the solution onto the tiled walls.
5. Leave for 10 minutes.
6. Wipe with a large damp sponge.
7. Wipe dry with household wipes.

Note: the tool removes traces of repairs well.

Option 4

There is another way to remove any dirt from the surface of the tile - a melanin sponge. It is applied without additional funds in this way:

1. Dip a sponge in plain, clean water.
2. Wipe down the entire surface of the tile.
3. Wipe dry.

• Do not grout tile joints with products that contain a high concentration of acids;
• Treat the seams after cleaning with hydrogen peroxide;
• Do not use hard metal brushes on glossy tiles;
• In all cases, use rubber gloves;
• Do not use liquid soap to clean the tiles - it leaves stains;
• Matte tiles are washed with emulsions and covered with wax mastic;
• To keep the tiles shiny, do not use plumbing cleaners;
• For daily care of tiles, a solution for cleaning glass and mirrors is suitable. Spray it on the walls and wipe with a soft cloth. In this case, you will have to carry out general cleaning of the tiles very rarely.