Surfaces tiled, most often 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 subsequently is 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. A solution forming the basis of grout has a rough structure, which eventually accumulates a dust deposits, thereby darkening seams. 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 cementitious base having a high strength, is not able to create a glossy surface that 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 is layered over time. Moreover, with the abrasive surface of the seam it is not possible to wipe a sponge or cloth, so few people know how to clean the seams between the tiles in the bath.
With regular exposure to vapors and high humidity, a favorable living environment is created for various fungi, as well as mold. This fact completely distorts the decorative appearance of seams, and in other cases is the cause of odor, forced to make a decision than to wash the joints 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 grout joints corrective eventually start to fade or stain it emerged from the fat or used detergent, then you can use any improvised detergent and stiff cloth. 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? Fairy or CIF specific 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. As a result, they will acquire not only a fresh look, but also a completely smooth surface. Upon completion of cleaning is best to finish the procedure by treatment with a special liquid designed for long-term protection of 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, it is a steam generator, which has the ability to not only clean seams qualitatively from stains and layers, but also to withdraw from the surface of mold or fungal mass. 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 excluded, and also no stains and all kinds of leaks are formed.
The processing procedure looks quite simple. With steam generator creates a hot jet of steam, which is perfectly achieves all the hidden surface seams, heating to a high temperature lamination at an elevated 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 dilute a 9% vinegar mixed with water, it turns working composition, by which we can effectively fight against contamination formed in the corrective tile seams. 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 joints located between the tiles, it is desirable to use the composition is capable of bleaching a surface, can not only be cleaned but also peretravlivat dirty bedding. 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. To do this, the composition of hydrogen peroxide is enough 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 acid with the surface of such a tile will inevitably lead to a distortion of its appearance. It may fade noticeably.
Tile having no coating glazed, but rather having matte surface after manipulation with seams must very carefully cleaned. 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 when 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 without attention for a long time. 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.