Even after a mop, tile floors with dirty grout will still look dull and shabby. Luckily, you can easily clean the grout using simple household products to keep your tiles looking like new.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Make a paste of baking soda and water
Mix baking soda with water in a 3:1 ratio to form a thick paste. This all-purpose cleaning mix can clean grout of all colors. However, vinegar can damage some natural stones, such as marble or limestone.
- Apply the paste to the grout using your fingers.
- While baking soda is harmless, wear rubber gloves to prevent scuffing or skin irritation from abrasion from grout and baking soda.
Step 2. Mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle
Spray the vinegar mixture on the baking soda paste that has been applied to the grout. After that, the pasta will start to foam. This reaction indicates a natural cleansing process is in progress.
Do not use vinegar if the tiles are made of natural stone
Step 3. Wait for the mixture to stop reacting
The foam that forms is a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar. Usually, the reaction occurs for a few minutes. Once the foaming stops, the chemical cleaning process is complete.
Step 4. Scrub the grout with a brush
Use a nylon bristle brush or toothbrush to scrub any grout. Focus cleaning on the corners or ends of the grout to clean those areas too.
Step 5. Mop the floor with fresh water
Use a mop and fresh water to remove any remaining baking soda and vinegar. Rinse the mop and change the water occasionally during the cleaning process so that the remaining cleaning mixture doesn't spread to other parts of the floor.
Method 2 of 4: Using Oxygenated Bleach
Step 1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach in 480 ml of warm water
Make the mixture a few moments before use for best results. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the bleach is fully working. The leaching power of oxygenated bleach can damage colored grout, but is usually safe for all types of tiles.
Step 2. Test the mixture on the grout in hidden corners before applying it all over the floor
Some tiles or grout may experience fading or discoloration from the bleach. Use a small amount of the bleach mixture on the grout in hidden areas to test the color resistance of the grout or tiles.
Step 3. Pour the bleach mixture over the grout
Make sure you pour enough of the mixture to completely cover the grout. Clean one part of the floor first gradually so that the entire floor does not get muddy or wet.
Step 4. Use a nylon bristle brush to rub the bleach mixture into the grout
Let the mixture sit in the grout for a few minutes for optimal results.
- Scrub the grout using the brush in a back and forth motion.
- Make sure you scrub the corners and edges of the floor as dirt and dust tend to collect in these areas.
Step 5. Dip the brush in bleach powder to increase the cleaning power
If the stain on the grout appears darker or more pronounced, you can increase the power of the bleach by dipping a wet brush directly into the bleach powder.
NOTE: Pour a small amount of bleaching powder into a separate container to prevent the water from the bleach mixture from getting into the package or container of the bleach powder
Step 6. Rinse the floor with water and dry
Pour clean water directly over the tiles and dry with a clean towel or cloth.
Method 3 of 4: Using Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda, and Dishwashing Soap
Step 1. Make a paste of the required ingredients
Mix 180 grams of baking soda, 60 ml of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. This mixture makes a very effective paste for cleaning grout in three ways:
- Baking soda works as a natural abrasive to brush and remove dirt from the grout.
- Hydrogen peroxide chemically reacts with baking soda to produce bleaching oxygen ions.
- Dish soap can remove dirt and remove grease.
- NOTE: Chemical reactions from the bleaching or cleaning process can affect colored grout. Do a test of the mixture on a hidden corner first before you clean the entire floor.
Step 2. Apply the paste on a nylon bristle brush
You can use a toothbrush or nylon bristled brush. Make sure you spread the paste all over the grout between each tile, as well as in the corners or ends of the room to keep the floor thoroughly clean.
Step 3. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes
You can see the foam reacting when the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide react. Let the paste work on the grout and remove any stubborn stains or dirt.
Step 4. Rinse the grout with warm or hot water to remove any remaining mixture
Pour a small amount of water directly on the tile to remove any remaining mixture from the grout.
Be aware that wet tiles are usually very slippery
Step 5. Use the patchwork to wipe the grout and remove any remaining cleaning mixture and dirt
Clean the grout of any remaining paste by scrubbing the tiles with a towel. You can stand on a towel and rub it on the floor with both feet, or crawl and rub the towel against the tile with your hands directly.
Step 6. Mop the floor with clean water
Make sure that no soap or dirt remains on the floor by thoroughly mopping the floor with a cotton cloth or sponge. Rinse the rag and change the water regularly to keep the floor looking thoroughly clean.
Method 4 of 4: Cleaning the Grout with a Steam Cleaner
Step 1. Rent or buy a steam cleaner
This machine can clean and disinfect all types of tiles and grout because it does not use chemicals. Visit a local home supply store to purchase or rent a steam cleaner. Make sure the tool you get has the right nozzle or mouth to clean the grout:
- Steam hose
- Small brush connection
Step 2. Follow the manufacturer's directions to install and fill the machine
Read the instructions carefully so you don't damage the appliance.
Step 3. Fill the container with clean water until it reaches the volume limit according to the instructions in the manual
Do not add chemicals or soap to the water reservoir of the steam cleaner.
Step 4. Start the engine and let the water heat up
The appliance manual contains suggestions on how long you need to wait after starting the machine before starting cleaning.
Step 5. Move the cleaning brush over the grout in a back and forth motion
Start at one corner of the room and work your way up to the other end of the room. The steam produced by the appliance will lift dirt and dust from the grout, as well as kill any fungus present.
Step 6. Use a towel or washcloth to absorb any remaining moisture after cleaning is complete
Be aware that the floor may feel slippery after the steam condenses into water.
Step 7. NOTE:
Steam cleaning methods or cleaning using steam can remove the protective layer of grout. Therefore, only use a steam cleaner if the grout has not been protected or the existing coating is old and you are ready to remove it.
Tips
- Always test new cleaning products or mixtures on an inconspicuous area to make sure the materials used don't damage the grout or tiles.
- When using a mixture of baking soda or oxygenated bleach, do not prepare more than the required amount, as they lose their power quickly.
- After cleaning, coat the grout with a coating to keep it clean for a longer period of time.
Warning
- Do not use a coarse-bristled brush such as a steel or wire brush as this can damage the grout.
- Do not use vinegar on marble, granite, travertine or other natural stone tiles as this can scratch the surface and cause permanent damage. Grout with these materials should only be cleaned using a mixture with a neutral pH.
