Tiled surfaces are most commonly found in the kitchen and bathrooms. Tiles are often used in places where water is most likely to hit the wall. It can also be found in the sink area in the kitchen and in the bathtub. Here, dirty drops often fall on the surface of the wall. The tile is not afraid of such influences and is subsequently easily wiped with a damp sponge.
However, the modern technology of surface cladding involves the use of decorative seams between the tiles. Under various conditions, these seams can have a thickness of 1 to 5 mm. They are distinguished by a different quality. The mortar that forms the basis of the grout has a rough structure, which over time accumulates dust deposits in itself, which contributes to the darkening of the joints. Cleaning of such surfaces is distinguished by specific features. In this article we will tell you how to clean the seams between the tiles in the bath.
The causes of darkening seams
Today, special decorative grouts, which are made on the basis of white cement, are used to fill the corrective joints between tiles. The desired grout color is achieved using various shades of color. The result is a finished mixture of a wide variety of colors and shades. However, their cement base, which has high strength, is not able to create glossy surfaces, which does not facilitate cleaning of the joints between the tiles in the bath.
The external structure of this surface becomes rough, resembling the front side of fine sandpaper. If moisture gets on such a surface, there is a likelihood of dust settling, which over time is layered. Moreover, from the abrasive surface of the seam it can not be wiped with a sponge or rags, so few know how to clean the seams between the tiles in the bath.
With regular exposure to vapors and high humidity, a favorable habitat is created for various fungi, as well as mold. This fact finally distorts the decorative appearance of the seams, and in other cases it causes an unpleasant odor that makes you decide what to wash the seams between the tiles in the bath.
Methods for cleaning obsolete tile joints
In the modern world, household chemistry departments offer a variety of all kinds of detergents and disinfectants, applicable to any life situation. To clean the corrective joints between the tiles, you can also choose the right composition. To do this, it is necessary to make a choice depending on the state of the seams.
In the initial darkening, it is sufficient to use a detergent with a low content of soda or chlorine. In the case of mold, it is necessary to resort to the help of antibacterial agents. This is just what it is best to clean the seams between the tiles in the bath in the circumstances.
Regular cleaning
If the grout of the corrective joints begins to fade over time or stains from grease or used detergents have formed on it, then any detergent and hard rags can be used. It is better for the product used for this purpose to have the ability to dissolve limescale fats. How to wash the seams between the tiles in the bathroom? Specific Fairy or CIF compounds can perfectly cope with the task, and AOS or Silit are also perfect. If it is not possible to use these tools, you can try others with similar characteristics.
Bactericidal treatment
How to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom if black mold or fungal formations appear on the tile joints? You should use products containing chlorine. An example of such products is the well-known Domestos or ordinary whiteness, the difference will only be in the smell distributed during processing. The specified tool must be rubbed on the surface of the damaged seams and hold for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse with water. How to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom? In such situations, special tools designed for working with seams are also used. Among the most famous representatives of this group can be called Ultra-Stripper, as well as the equally well-known analogue of BOZO.
Treated seams do not always take on their original appearance. For this reason, after removing the mold, it is recommended that you clean the seams with wet emery paper designed for finishing cleaning. As a result, they will acquire not only a fresh look, but also a completely smooth surface. Upon completion of the stripping, it is best to finish the procedure by treatment with a special fluid designed for long-term protection of the joints, called Atlas Dolphin. It promotes the formation of a protective film on the surface, which warns against subsequent contamination.
Steam generator application
In the 21st century, there is always an alternative way to solve the problem using the latest technical developments. In this situation, we are talking about a steam generator, which has the ability not only to qualitatively clean the seams from stains and deposits, but also to remove mold or fungal masses from the surface. This treatment is of high quality. That's how to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom without much loss. During the cleaning process, various damages on the treated surface are completely eliminated, and no stains and all kinds of leaks are formed.
The processing procedure looks quite simple. Using a steam generator, a hot steam jet is created, which perfectly reaches all the hidden surfaces of the joints, heating the layers to a high temperature with high humidity. All formations are softened for a while and perfectly removed with a rag or a small hard brush. Even if the first time it is not possible to get a 100% result, the procedure can be repeated with the same effect.
Using improvised tools
In the case when the general cleaning has reached a summer house or a country house, it is not always possible to use the services of household chemical stores or sophisticated technical means. In such a situation, the question can be solved in a different way, using various objects that are at hand. How to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom? Let's consider further.
Vinegar
In the household of any home, you can always find vinegar. He can provide invaluable assistance in this situation. If you dilute 9% vinegar in half with water, you will get a working composition, through which you can effectively fight against contaminants formed in the tile repair joints. For processing, the resulting solution is methodically applied between all the tiles. Then, using a used toothbrush, thoroughly clean the seams, depriving them of dirt and various formations. Thus, it becomes clear how to wipe the seams between the tiles in the bath.
Composition for white seams
For white seams located between the tiles, it is desirable to use a composition capable of whitening the surface, capable of not only cleaning, but also etching dirty layers. For this purpose, a home-made mixture composed of soda and bleach is well suited. The preparation technique and the processing process look quite simple, so it’s easy to learn how to bleach the seams between the tiles in the bath.
Ordinary soda is diluted with bleach to form a pasty mixture. Then, the resulting solution is methodically applied to the plane of the tile joints, leaving to dry completely. At the end, the hardened solution is washed off with water using a brush. If the procedure is performed correctly, the surface acquires a bright white color, comparable to a fresh grout.
Hydroperite
Hydrogen peroxide has the ability not only to dye women's hair, but also to bleach faded surfaces. This is the most delicate way to renew the color seams between tiles that have lost their original appearance. For this, the composition of hydrogen peroxide is sufficient to apply to the seam field. A reaction will occur, and all the layers will be left behind. Dirty drips can be removed with a damp sponge, and it is not necessary to rinse the solution specifically.
Features worth knowing
When choosing a tool for cleaning contaminated tile joints, it is always necessary to take into account the quality of the laid tiles. Some types of tiles do not respond well to certain aggressive compounds.
If the material has a glazed glossy surface, then it reacts poorly to various acids. Contact of the acid with the surface of such a tile will inevitably lead to a distortion of its appearance. It may fade noticeably.
Tiles that do not have a glazed coating, but, on the contrary, have a matte surface, must be thoroughly washed after handling the seams. After that, it is covered with mastic as a protective layer.
Glass tile or mosaic is particularly resistant. However, it is worth knowing that the surface of such finishing materials may lose attractiveness in contact with concentrated acids or alkalis.
Among other things, any surface lined with tiles does not tolerate contact with abrasive materials, especially when wet. Some cleaning products have a similar base, they can not be used for care.
For filling adjustment joints between floor tiles, compositions having an epoxy base are very suitable. Such seams are practically not contaminated, and also do not contribute to the formation of mold or other formations in the form of fungi. The use of regular soap is not recommended for cleaning tile joints. The remains of this mass can become a favorable soil for the life of fungi.
Conclusion
The process of cleaning the seams in which mold is wound up is very complex and time-consuming. It will not work out quickly. A positive result can be achieved only by conducting a complex and painstaking process. For this reason, it is not recommended to run the surface of tile joints, throwing them for a long time without attention. If you systematically clean them using conventional detergents, they will retain a presentable appearance for a long time. Even the most attractive tile will not look so impressive against the background of dull and stained seams that have lost their presentable appearance.