Don't use bleach to clean grout - swap to natural item that makes it brighter

When it comes to the grout in our homes, whether it's in the bathroom or between the kitchen tiles, cleaningit is often a chore most of us want to avoid.

However, when grout turns dark and grimy, it can make the room look dirty, regardless of how spotless the rest of it is. Sprucing up the area between your tiles can make a room appear brighter and it isn't as tricky as you might think.

Whilst you may be tempted to grab the bleach to clean the grout, you should steer clear of this, according to cleaning expertLynsey Crombie.

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The 'Queen of Clean' is known for her appearances on This Morning and online blog where she shares her expert tips and tricks. Lynsey cautioned that whilst bleach may seem like a "quick fix", it "doesn't actually clean the grout" and instead, just temporarily lightens the surface.

She explained: "Over time, it can damage the grout, make it crumble, and even cause yellowing." Instead, the cleaning guru recommends using a paste of bicarbonate of soda, washing up liquid and water and scrubbing with a toothbrush.

For freshening the grout up in between these scrubs, you should use white vinegar spray, Lynsey said. Lynsey also uses white vinegar to clean her windows and glass, descale the kettle, and prevent mildew in water areas in the home.

She also recommends the product for cleaning the fridge, freshening up laundry, and deodorising the microwave. If you're keen on a chemical-free method to spruce up your grout, a steam cleaner can be used to banish dirt and grime, she suggests.

Without resorting to bleach, your grout will "last longer and stay brighter", making your bathroom and kitchen healthier spaces, Lynsey advises.

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It's also crucial to maintain your grout after cleaning it, with Screwfix recommending homeowners to gently clean grout lines with a mild cleaner or baking soda paste to avoid dirt accumulation.

Applying a grout sealant should also be considered as sealing it "protects it from moisture and stains", simplifying future cleaning tasks. Keeping it dry is also essential to "prevent mould growth", especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

If your grout is past the point of repair and cleaning doesn't bring back its sparkle, grout pens could be a "quick and easy" solution to restore discoloured lines. If your grout is severely discoloured, cracked, or crumbling, re-grouting might be worth considering.