How do you clean soot from tile and grout?
Question:I have tile in front of my fireplace and I can't seem to get the tile or the grout clean. Any suggestions? I've already tried baking soda..
Answers:
For my tile counter tops (white tile/white grout), I use Clorox Clean-up. It comes in a spray bottle. I just spray it on and leave it for 5-10 minutes and when I come back, the grout is spotless. Wipe with wet rag and dry.
You can use a mixture of detergent and bleach. Scrub it with a toothbrush. It's a lot of work but it'll look like new. . .
Tile and flooring stores have industrial strength grout and tile cleaner. I would advise going to the local store there and picking up a bottle of this type of solution.
Cleaning Rusty Tile
Rust stains on tile can be removed with kerosene.
Cleaning Ceramic Tile
* Before cleaning bathroom tiles, run the shower on hot for five minutes to steam the dirt loose.
* For stubborn stains, apply a paste of scouring powder and water and let sit for five minutes. Scrub with a nylon scrub pad, rinse and wipe dry.
* To keep the grout joints on tile countertops clean longer, wash with a solution of 1 to 2 tablespoons chlorine bleach in one quart of water. Dry thoroughly, then apply an acrylic sealer or three coats of lemon oil. Let dry one hour between coats.
* Remove mildew and make tiles sparkle by sponging with a solution of ammonia and water.
* Remove soot from fireplace tiles with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, then wash.
Cleaning Plastic Tile
* If bathroom walls are dull, wash the tiles with a solution of vinegar and water. Polish with a towel.
* Has a tile come loose? For a quick fix, put a little piece of chewing gum on each corner, use a warm iron to press it back into place.
Cleaning Porcelain
Lighter fluid will remove most dark, stubborn stains from porcelain sinks and bathtubs.
Try using bleach and a mild soap. I have grout in front of my fireplace and that works. It will come off but if its been there for a while you wont get it back to its regular shine.From now on clean it as soon as it gets on there,it comes off easier. Go to a fireplace store to see if they carry a cover to lay down on the tile to keep it from getting dirty while your fireplace is going. They do carry them.
I've found that "Oxy Clean" has removed some things I thought would never come off. ANOTHER thing to try might be one of those "Magic Erasers". I haven't used any but "Glad", but there are many brands out there.
WARNING: Be careful as they will remove layers of skin if you rub too hard! (A light scrubbing will remove most ink stains off your hands too: especially if you've overfilled your ink jet cartridges!)
Those "Magic Erasers" are unvelievable! Even old magic marker stains and rusty "can marks" on your counter come out!
Good luck with the grout!
Civit Bang! The best bathroom cleaner known to man. Works great on tile grout, lifted mine from yellow to bright white.
Well I clean the grout in my house by using bleach (lots like 1 part to 4 parts hot water) and a abrasive scrub brush, works like a charm. put water bleach solution in a spray bottle and spray where the grout directly.
I've cleaned condo's for years and i have found the best product for cleaning tile and grout is water and vinegar. Just use it half and half. Hope this helps good luck!
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