Refresh & Protect Wall Tiles Using a Grout Pen
Tiled areas are prone to accumulating dirt and grime, and most stubbornly mould and mildew in grout lines. They can be a nightmare to clean using grout cleaner spray and elbow grease. There is however an easier way.
In this article we’ll talk about a straightforward and quick way to rejuvenate and protect tile grout using a handy and ingenious grout restorer pen.
Why it's Important to Keep Tile Grout Clean
Tile grout is porous, making it a magnet for dirt, especially in humid areas of your home, typically the bathroom and kitchen.
Regular grout cleaning and maintenance keeps wall tiles looking fresh and hygienic, especially shower tiles and tiles around a stove or cooker, where grout lines are particularly susceptible to mould, mildew, grease and grime.
Different Types of Tile Cleaner
There are many different detergent products that work well for cleaning tiles, in the bathroom and the kitchen. They cut through grime, some are specifically for mould or mildew, others have antibacterial properties too. And with not much elbow grease and a sponge, the surface of a tiled area is straightforward to clean.
Be sure to choose a cleaner suitable for your tiles. No Nonsense Grime Remover for example is good for a wide variety of tile materials.
Benefits of Using a Grout Pen
Sometimes, even with grout cleaner spray and a brush, cleaning stubborn dirt and getting grout to look as good as new is impossible. A grout pen however brings grout back to original colour.
A grout pen also acts as a grout sealer, helping to prevent future moisture ingress, protecting against mould and mildew.
Using the same colour grout pen as your existing tilework will bring it back to a new look. But you can change the look of your bathroom or kitchen tiled areas with different coloured grout pens, such as grey, cream, terracotta or a whole range of other colours.
Choosing the Right Grout Pen
When selecting a grout cleaner, consider the ingredients. Choose non-toxic, eco-friendly products, especially if you have children or pets. Look out too for pens that are odourless with fast drying colourant.
Ease of use is important. A grout pen that’s straightforward to use can save significant time and effort. And make sure you choose a pen with a reversible nib to make colourant application easier and extend its life.
Using a Grout Pen
Tile Cleaning
Before application, thoroughly clean the tiles. Use a detergent spray and sponge to remove surface dirt and grime from the tiled surface.
Grout Cleaning
Use a small brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the tile cleaner into the grout. The aim here is to remove loosened dirt and cement residue from the grout lines and to clean tile edges where grout grime has spread.
Next use a sponge and water to wipe down. Then wipe over with a dry cloth and allow the area to dry thoroughly before using your grout pen.
Allow the grout cleaner to work for the recommended time, usually between five and ten minutes, to break down dirt and mould.
Next use a sponge and water to wipe down. Then wipe over with a dry cloth and allow the area to dry thoroughly before using your grout pen.
Applying Grout Pen Colourant
Shake the grout pen and press the nib down on a paper towel until the colourant starts to flow. Then carefully trace the grout lines between the tiles with the pen, ensuring even coverage. Allow the colourant to dry for at least 4 hours, avoiding contact with water during this time.
When dried the grout colourant will provide a water resistant seal to help protect from future visible stains and mould. But remember, keeping your new-look grout pristine will require regular cleaning in the usual way.
Final Thoughts
Grout pens offer an easy way to refresh wall tiles that are showing dirty grout, and protect against grime build up, mould and mildew. You can also use grout pens to give your tiled areas a visual makeover by changing the grout colour.
We hope this article has given you some home improvement inspiration. And it goes to show, that with just a little bit of DIY knowhow you can keep your home looking great.
For more DIY inspiration go to the Hiatt Hardware blog for helpful how-to guides and home & garden articles. For a huge selection of hardware and ironmongery visit Hiatt Hardware.
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