Sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide: two natural detergents for restoring the joints in stoneware floors to their initial freshness.
We all know that the biggest benefit of a stoneware floor is its excellent performance in terms of durability and strength, with no complex care and cleaning procedures required. However, some considerable time after installation the joints may need cleaning, since the build-up of dirt and the absorption of fine particles by the grout may cause their colour to become darker, or different from that initially chosen.
Cleaning brings back the joints' original colour, restoring floors to their original beauty.
The essential aids for cleaning joints are:
The amount of effort cleaning will require depends on the amount of dirt in the joints, especially in rooms prone to damp, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
We suggest you start by dissolving a little sodium bicarbonate in plenty of hot water and rubbing the joints thoroughly, first with the sponge and then with the toothbrush.
The toothbrush will be especially useful for the most inaccessible corners and the dirtiest parts. Hydrogen peroxide can be used instead of or together with sodium bicarbonate for more in-depth, effective cleaning. It must also be diluted in hot water; to prevent burns, wear well fitting rubber gloves when using it.
Once the joints have been cleaned in depth, the entire surface of the floor (or wall, such as inside the shower enclosure) can be cleaned with an ordinary detergent and left to dry with the windows wide open.
If you are lucky enough to own a professional electric steam cleaner, it will be invaluable when it comes to cleaning joints. It is another, very environment-friendly, way of restoring the shine to joints and tiles.
To conclude, one recommendation about chemical joint cleaners: to avoid damaging surfaces, paste or liquid products available on the market must always be used in accordance with the producer's instructions provided on the label.