Cleaning Tile Grout the Easy Way

tile grout

Tired of looking at dirty and stained grout on your tile floors? 

Well, you’re in luck because, with just a few simple household items, you’ll have your grout looking like new in no time. 

Just grab some baking soda, white vinegar, and a scrub brush and you’re good to go. 

So, put on your gloves, and let’s get ready to clean some grout.

What You’ll Need:

  • Bucket
  • Warm water
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Scrub brush or toothbrush
  • Old toothbrush
  • Clean rag or mop

Steps:

  1. Prepare the cleaning solution. In a bucket, mix together equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the mixture and stir until it forms a paste.
  2. Apply the cleaning solution. Using a scrub brush or toothbrush, apply the cleaning solution to the grout lines. Make sure to work the solution into the grout, using a back-and-forth motion.
  3. Scrub the grout lines. Once the cleaning solution has been applied, use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout lines. Make sure to focus on areas that are especially dirty or stained.
  4. Rinse the tile. After scrubbing the grout, use a clean rag or mop to rinse the tile with clean water. This will remove any remaining cleaning solution and dirt.
  5. Dry the tile. Once the tile is clean, use a clean rag or mop to dry the tile. Be sure to dry the grout lines as well to prevent any water from being trapped and causing damage.

Important Reminder:

It is important to note that vinegar can cause damage to unsealed grout. Before using any cleaning solution, especially those containing vinegar, it is important to verify that the grout is sealed. 

If the grout is not sealed, using vinegar can cause the grout to become discolored, etched, or even disintegrate. If the grout is sealed, vinegar can effectively remove dirt, grime, and stains without causing damage. 

If you’re not sure if your grout is sealed or not, it’s best to consult with a professional before using any cleaning solution.

Why Baking Soda and White Vinegar Work

Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that works as a mild abrasive. Its slightly abrasive property helps to loosen and remove dirt and stains from the grout. 

White vinegar is an acidic substance that helps to break down dirt, grime, and stains. 

When mixed together, baking soda and white vinegar create a powerful cleaning solution that effectively removes dirt and stains from grout without damaging the tile.

How Often Should You Clean Tile Grout?

How often you need to clean your grout depends on the amount of foot traffic and usage in the area. 

In high-traffic areas, it is recommended to clean the grout every 3-6 months. In areas with less foot traffic, you can clean the grout every 6-12 months. 

If you notice any stains or discoloration on the grout, it’s best to clean it as soon as possible.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, cleaning grout on tile floors can be a tedious task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be made much easier. 

Baking soda and white vinegar work together to create a powerful cleaning solution that effectively removes dirt and stains from grout without damaging the tile. 

But remember, always be sure to check that the grout is sealed before using this method.

Are you looking for more cleaning tips? Read How to Clean Tiles with Baking Soda if you have time.

Thanks for reading.

-Baking Soda Guy

Image by Brett Hondow from Pixabay