Many people have ceramic tile countertops in their kitchens. When these countertops get dirty, they can produce a grimy appearance. What’s more, bacteria and microorganisms can get in the grout making for unsafe food conditions. While many wipe down their countertops on a regular basis, a deep cleaning should be performed 2 or 3 times a year to make sure they are truly clean. Here are the steps involved. Read on to learn more about cleaning grout and tile.
Step 1: Remove the Day to Day Dirt
Start by wiping off the countertop with a commercial tile cleaner. You can also make your own cleaner by combining 1 2/3 baking soda, ½ cup liquid soap, ½ cup water and 2 tbsp. vinegar. Simply apply to a sponge or rag and wipe countertops to get rid of surface dirt.
Step 2: Clean the Grout
Once countertops are clean, you will want to concentrate on the grout. Grout is porous and, therefore, a prime target for germs, dirt, mildew, and staining so it will be the dirtiest part of your countertop. To get the grout clean, spray it with a commercially prepared grout cleaner or a mild bleach solution. You should wear gloves during this process as these cleaners can irritate the skin.
For tough stains, let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes. Then use a small scrub brush or a toothbrush to get rid of the dirt. Start at one side of the counter and work your way across making sure all grout lines are clean. Avoid scraping the tile with the brush as this can damage the tiles. Let the countertops air dry.
Step 3: Seal the Grout
Next you will want to use a commercial grout sealer to seal the grout. This will help the grout resist stains and dirt in the future. Some may also consider sealing the tiles to keep them protected from dirt. However, if you have glazed ceramic tiles, you won’t need to seal them. Unglazed ceramic tiles, on the other hand, will need to be sealed with a commercially prepared tile sealer to ensure they are protected and stain resistant.
Step 4: Rinse the Counter and Grout with Hot Water
To ensure your counter is germ-free and food safe, you will want to take the final step of rinsing it with hot water. The hot water from your sink should do the trick and you can apply it to the countertop with a sponge or rag. Once you have completed this process, you can feel confidant that your countertops are as clean and food safe as can be. What steps will you be taking to make sure your kitchen tiles are protected? Let us know if we can help you with your grout cleaning project!
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