Cleaning joints: Tips for cleaning the joints between tiles and which grout cleaner is the right one

Many households are familiar with the problem of dirty tile joints in the bathroom. This is particularly common in bathrooms without windows. Due to inadequate ventilation, mould can quickly form in the joints. How to clean the joints quickly and effectively is explained below.

What helps against dirt, limescale and mould in the joints?

Due to the high humidity in the bathroom, stubborn mould stains quickly appear between the tiles. These small black stains on the joints can be removed in various ways.

Grout cleaner: Which cleaning agent to use?

Steam cleaner
Special cleaner
Home remedy

How do I clean the tiles and grout?

Steam cleaner

A steam cleaner is certainly the simplest and quickest solution for cleaning joints. Although not the cheapest option, it achieves a thorough and effective result. The dirt is loosened by the hot water vapour and then wiped off with a dry cloth.

Another disadvantage is that a steam cleaner is expensive to buy or hire.

Special products / joint cleaners

A chemical solution is offered by special grout cleaning agents (also known as grout cleaners) from specialist shops or DIY stores. These contain grease-dissolving substances that remove stubborn stains and mould. However, these are very aggressive and can damage the grouting under certain circumstances. Care should therefore always be taken to use a cleaning agent that is as gentle as possible.

Home remedies for grout cleaning

In addition to steam cleaners and chemical agents for grout cleaning, dirt and mould should first be tackled with conventional household remedies. These are significantly cheaper and achieve comparable results in most cases.

5 household remedies that everyone has at home

The following recipe makes tile grout clean again. All you need are five things that everyone is guaranteed to have at home. Depending on how dirty the joints are, this process may need to be repeated. The quantity also depends on the surface area of the dirt.

What do I need?

• 3 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp vinegar essence
• 1 bowl
• 1 toothbrush

How to clean properly:

1. Put the baking soda, water and vinegar in a bowl and mix until a thick mixture is formed.
2. Apply the mixture generously to the soiled areas with a toothbrush.
3. This should be left to work for at least 2 hours (longer depending on how dirty it is).
4. Clean the mixture thoroughly with a toothbrush.
5. Wipe with a cloth and lukewarm water.
6. Rinse with cold water and wipe dry.

Other household remedies

Nail polish remover: Dirty joints can also be easily cleaned with nail polish remover from the drugstore. Simply apply this to a cotton wool pad or ear swab and wipe along the joint. However, this is not particularly suitable for removing mould.

Washing-up liquid: This household remedy is particularly suitable for less stubborn stains. Simply apply to the grout using a toothbrush and rinse with water.

3 tips on how to keep bathroom grouting clean for a long time

1. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent the formation of mould. Regular ventilation is extremely important, especially if the bathroom does not have a window.
2. To prevent mould and dirt, wet areas should be wiped dry with a towel after every shower. This should be done particularly thoroughly in the corners and cracks so that water cannot collect there.
3. If you want to stay one step ahead of mould growth, it is best to use special sealants from the DIY store. These are applied to the affected areas and also protect the joints from moisture.

Further information