How to Clean Grout Using Household Products
How to Clean Grout Using Household Products
Although grout is usually a bright white color when you first install it, it takes very little for that white to begin to darken with dirt and grime. If you don’t clean it fairly regularly, you will have grout that is dark and nasty looking. Fortunately, you can clean grout rather easily with items you have around your home. You will need an old brush (a toothbrush works great) and a few supplies, but the grout will look like new when you finish. Here are some tips for how to clean grout using items usually found around the home:
The easiest way to clean grout is to use baking soda and vinegar. Sweep or mop out any large or loose dirt first to make applying the mixture easier. Make a paste of baking soda and water and spread this paste evenly on the grout lines. Then apply the vinegar on top of this paste. A spray bottle is perfect for applying the vinegar, but it can also be applied with a brush or an old soap bottle. The vinegar will react to the baking soda and clean the grout. Scrub over it well with the old toothbrush to get out the most stubborn stains.
If you don’t have vinegar, hydrogen peroxide can be used. Hydrogen peroxide is the main ingredient in many mouthwashes, but you will want peroxide without the colored dye found in the mouthwash. Make a paste from the baking soda, but use the peroxide in place of the water. Spread it on the grout and let it sit for about ten minutes, then scrub with the toothbrush. Mop or sponge to wash out the baking soda when you are done scrubbing.
Oxygen bleach can also be used to clean grout. First, you will want to sweep and wash the surface to remove excess dirt and grime. That way, the bleach can get to the stains. Mix the bleach with water, then put it into a spray container. Spray the solution generously on the grout, then let it sit for 15-20 minutes. For wall grout, spray more product as necessary should it start to dry out. Then scrub the grout with the toothbrush to remove the stains, applying more bleach as necessary so you have enough to work with. If stains remain after scrubbing, apply more bleach and allow it to sit longer. When you are done scrubbing, wipe up any excess bleach and mop the area to remove any bleach that remains.
Once your grout is clean, it is also important to maintain it. Clean up any spills promptly to minimize new stains from forming. Clean up spills even if they are a dry material such as coffee grounds. These can also stain the grout if allowed to remain too long. Inspect the area for any stains and treat them immediately before they set.
Try water first. If the water doesn’t get the stain out, you have prepared the area. Apply hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, vinegar, or even bleach and the stain should come right out. Clean the grout regularly to prevent everyday wear stains from getting established. Consider applying a grout sealer to prolong the life of the grout. Mold can also affect grout. This is especially true in moist areas such as bathrooms. Regularly cleaning grout and ensuring proper ventilation in the room can reduce mold. When the grout begins to crumble and deteriorate, it is time to replace it.
More Great Cleaning Tips to Check out!
