How to Clean Grout the Easy Way
The mad dash to install tile in our homes left a maddening cleaning problem in it’s wake – dirty, discolored grout lines that are labor intensive to clean. Make the cleaning less labor intensive and grout lines look like new again with these easy ways to clean grout.
Buy a Toothbrush
Purchase a cheap, stiff bristled toothbrush for the job , nothing cleans grout better. The head of the toothbrush is the perfect size and the bristles won’t leave scratches behind.
Hydrogen Peroxide Whitens Grout
Mix one half cup of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray on grout and let set for five minutes, then scrub grout lines with toothbrush. The peroxide dissolves debris so you can brush it away and it also whitens grout.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
If the diluted hydrogen peroxide was not strong enough to remove the deep down grit and grime, then it’s time to bring out the dynamic duo – vinegar and baking soda . Brush the baking soda into the grout with a dry toothbrush, being sure to cover all the grout. Then pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray all the baking soda thoroughly. The dynamic duo will begin to fizz and bubble, working it’s cleaning magic while you rest for 30 minutes. Wipe grout and tile clean with a damp sponge for a no-scrub clean.
Lemon Freshness
Fresh lemon juice will brighten up any dark discolorations or stains in the grout line. Squeeze fresh lemon juice (lemon juice concentrate works fine too) onto the discoloration and allow to sit for 10 minutes. The citric acid will break down the stain and you’ll be able to wipe it away with a damp sponge. The lemon juice also shines the tile and leaves a fresh scent behind.
Coca-Cola Cleans Grout
Coke on, coke off, clean grout left behind. Pour Coca-Cola over grout and tile, leave sit for 10 minutes then rinse off for clean grout and shiny tile.
Erase the Grout Stains
Use this trick to keep grout stains at bay or to whiten grout in a hurry when company is on the way – Erase the stains with a rubber pencil eraser. Purchase a small eraser or two and keep handy to use on stains as they happen. Discoloring buildup is usually on the grout surface and an eraser is all that’s needed to remove it.
Out of Sight
Since grout and tile differ, try these cleaning tips in an inconspicuous spot first to determine how your grout and tile will react to the cleaning method.
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