Are you buying or selling a home? Keeping it in great shape is an essential part of homeownership. And while cleaning and maintenance isn’t everyone’s favourite thing to do, making sure all of the little things are taken care of can make a huge impact on potential homebuyers.
One of the things that a lot of homeowners neglect but that’s an important part of keeping your home looking great is cleaning the grout in your tile floor. And while it might seem like a tedious task, it’s easier than you think to keep it clean.
First, start with a mild cleanser. You don’t want to use a highly concentrated, acidic cleanser because it could damage your grout and tile. Instead, for regular maintenance, opt for clean water and a stiff-bristled brush. Work in a circular motion and let dry.
If your grout hasn’t been cleaned in awhile or has some light stains, create a solution that’s half warm water and half vinegar and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the grout with the solution, let is sit for five minutes, then work a bristled brush in a circular motion.
If vinegar and water just aren’t cutting it, you can try covering your grout with a mixture of baking soda and water, then soaking the spraying the covered areas in vinegar. Let the mixture foam and, once it has stopped, scrub with a brush and rinse with warm water.
For really tough stains or older grout that hasn’t been cleaned in years, you may have to resort to other household cleaners like hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach solutions. Always make sure to clean and rinse your grout after you’ve used these products so you remove the dirt and grime.
Once you’ve cleaned your grout, keep your grout looking great by spraying it with vinegar and water once a week. Working it into your cleaning routine makes it much more manageable, and can help prolong the life of your tile floor.
Proper home maintenance is a great way to increase your home’s value if you’re selling! If you’re interested in selling your home in the near future, contact HomeLife Power Realty Inc. in Guelph and Kitchener.