Grout can become stained and dirty over time. This is especially common in the kitchen and laundry room, where frequent use and heavy foot traffic lead to dirt and grime buildup. This can make the space look dull, lifeless, and dilapidated. Hence, they need to be cleaned occasionally. Cleaning grout, however, needs a bit of care.
Grouts are delicate and need gentle cleaners, and the ones available in the market usually contain chemicals and additives. So, if you are in need of an effective grout cleaner, it is possible to make it at home, with zero chemicals. All you need are a few ingredients available in the kitchen that can help lift the dirt easily.
Homemade Grout Cleaner You Must Try
Here are a few homemade grout cleaning options you can try:
Baking Soda and Water
To use baking soda and water, mix equal parts of both into a container to form a paste. There are two ways you can use it:
- First, let the paste sit for a while, then scrub it off.
- Second, dip a brush into the paste and gently scrub it onto the grout. This is considered more effective in cleaning the grout.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide with 1 part baking soda. Add 2 tablespoons of dish soap to it and mix well. Depending on the area you want to clean, you can create 2-3 batches of the cleaner. Apply to a small area at a time with a hand or spoon, then spread evenly along the lines. Remember, a small quantity goes a long way.
Next, allow it to sit properly for 5-10 minutes. It is important as this helps the mixture to work efficiently. Then scrub each grout line gently; only a few scrubs will show the difference. As you work through the lines, you might notice the bright white grout lines. Ensure you scrub all grout lines on each tile. This might take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the area. This option is worth every minute you spend.
Sweep away the dirt, and then mop the area with a rag using a small amount of dish soap and hot water. You may need to go over the floor a few times with the mop, changing the water frequently so the dirt is completely removed. If you see that the extra cleaner isn't coming off easily, throw a big towel down and walk across the floor to dry it. If you are cleaning the shower grout, it will be easier for you to rinse away the cleaner.
Baking Soda and Dish Soap
To make this cleaner, you need one cup of warm water, 3-5 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap. Mix them well. Before you apply the cleaner, pour some vinegar and allow it to sit for a few minutes. This allows the mixture to lift the dirt. Next, pour the baking soda and dish soap mixture on the grout lines. Ensure not to overdo it, but apply a generous amount of the solution on top of the vinegar.
Next, scrub the grout with a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt. This is a time-consuming step, so take your time and move the brush in between the grout lines. You can also use an old toothbrush to clean the thin grout lines.
After scrubbing, let the cleaner sit for at least 5 minutes before moving on to the next section. This will allow the grout cleaner to work effectively and efficiently. Wait for more than 5 minutes and wipe the mixture off each section. You can use an absorbent towel or sponge so that any excess liquid and loosened dirt can easily be lifted away. If required, you can repeat the process.
Baking Soda, Lemon Juice, and Vinegar
To make the cleaning mixture, take 3 cups of water, ½ cup of baking soda, ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice, and ¼ cup white vinegar. Put all the ingredients in a spray bottle and mix well. Then spray it onto the grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Using a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush, gently scrub the surface to restore the grout line's shine.
Epsom Salt and Baking Soda
Take 1 cup of Epsom salts, ½ cup of baking soda, and ¼ cup of liquid hand-washing dish soap. Mix them together into a paste. Scoop the mixture and apply it to the grout, then let it sit for a while. Scrub gently with a brush, then rinse.
Baking Soda, Lemon Juice, Vinegar, and Essential Oil
Baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar are considered good cleaners. But when you add an essential oil, such as lemongrass, it helps mask the vinegar's acidic scent. To make the mixture:
- Place a large bucket or a deep bowl on a level surface and add baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar. Also, add a few drops of dish soap and sprinkle some salt, as required.
- Upon mixing all the ingredients, the mixture will start foaming, which is absolutely normal.
- Once the foam sits, add some essential oil and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Spray generously onto the dirty grout and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. This helps break down the buildup easily.
- Lastly, scrub gently and rinse with a damp cloth or clean water to remove any residue.
| Notes | Since this contains salt and baking soda, make sure to give the bottle a quick shake before each use, as the minerals can settle at the bottom. |
Washing Soda, White Vinegar, and Dish Soap
Washing soda, when mixed with white vinegar, is also an effective grout-cleaning solution. The solution is easy to make. All you need to do is mix ¼ cup washing soda, ¼ cup white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon dish soap with 1 gallon of water.
Ensure to use a large container to mix these ingredients. Once they are mixed well, pour the contents into a spray bottle. Next, generously spray the floor and allow it to sit for a while before scrubbing. Ensure the floor is cleaned and rinsed well to remove the soapy residue.
Which is Best: Hydrogen Peroxide or Bleach?
Hydrogen peroxide is considered more effective and safer than bleach. This is because hydrogen peroxide won’t damage the grout. Instead, it will whiten, brighten, and disinfect the floor. Whereas bleach can damage the grout and is also deemed harmful if inhaled.
What Should Not Be Used to Clean the Grout?
Cleaning the grout can be tedious and time-consuming. Hence, some homeowners may sometimes opt for shortcuts to complete the cleaning process in half the time. Though some options deliver immediate results, they can create issues in the long run.
As grout is porous, it can easily absorb the products, so using certain chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia, can degrade the grout over time. Also, bleach can leave a thin film behind that can attract dirt. Thus, causing grout and tile to weaken. It is also advised not to use a toilet bowl brush, as it often contains bleach.
How to Clean Grout? Step-by-Step Process
The cleaners mentioned above are considered quite effective for cleaning grout. Once you have prepared the solution, here are the steps to clean the grout:
Apply and Allow It to Rest
After application, let the cleaner sit for some time (for at least 5-10 minutes) before scrubbing. The period of setting is also called dwell time.
Use a Small, Firm Brush
Grout is porous, meaning it has microscopic holes and spaces through which liquids can pass. These gaps and spaces can also trap dirt and grime. Hence, they need to be scrubbed with a small brush so the dirt and grime can be easily cleaned. For a cheaper option, consider using a toothbrush.
Scrub First Then Mop
The best way to clean the tile floor is to scrub first. After the floor is properly and thoroughly scrubbed, mop it with water. Remember to sweep away the excess baking soda with a broom or use a wet/dry vacuum. Once done, give the entire floor a final mop using a damp cloth. Use warm water with a few drops of dish detergent, or plain water. This will remove any remaining grout cleaner and leave the floor shiny.
Add Detergent to the Vertical Grout
Adding dish detergent along with the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to the grout can help clean it easily. The detergent will help the mixture stick to the grout, ensuring it works well.
Apply Grout Sealant
After scrubbing, cleaning, rinsing, and drying the grout, it is best to apply a clear grout sealant. This helps keep it clean and resists daily stains. The sealants are readily available at the local hardware stores. Ensure to get a low-odor, water-based sealant, depending on the tile material.
Conclusion
Using homemade grout cleaner is a smart way to clean grout because it doesn’t contain chemicals. There are multiple options for making cleaners at home, which are discussed in this blog. You can get most of the ingredients at home without hassle.
