DIY for Tile and Grout Cleaning

Grout lurking between the tiles makes tiles look dirty no matter how clean you try to keep them. Accumulation of dirt and grin can also attract mold and mildew in your bathroom or wet rooms. It can also cause tiles to stain and discolor. However, did you know you may already have what you need in your house for tile and grout cleaning?

In this guide, we will look at several tried and tested DIY tile and grout cleaning methods. The best thing is you do not need to rush to the store as you already have what you need in the house. Let’s dive into this healthy and easy ways to brighten and whiten grout.

Making Homemade Grout Cleaners

First, you will need to make your own natural tile and grout cleaner. There are various ingredients that you can use. We will look at the top recipes, which only take less than ten minutes to mix. What’s more, these cleaners are better than any store cleaner.

Making this homemade grout cleaner guarantees safety for your family as you will not be leaving toxins behind. If you have a lot of grouts, you can look for a tile and grout cleaning machine. However, the following recipes should leave your home looking clean and better than ever.

Easy Homemade Grout Cleaner

Scrubbing the grout can be brutal and often not achieve the desired results. It is especially the case if the grout has accumulated over the years. With this DIY grout cleaning recipe, you will only need three ingredients. You can use the mixture to wash your tub or shower if you make a lot. The product works wonders to remove soap scum too. You will need:

• Half a cup baking soda
• Quarter cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap

When using this product, it is recommended to wear protective gloves. The hydrogen peroxide used in this recipe can sting if you have open wounds though it is not dangerous. Notably, when it gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately.

To mix the tile and grout cleaner:

• Use a squeeze-to container to pour in the baking soda
• Add the hydrogen peroxide into the baking soda
• Add the liquid soap to the bottle.
• Close the bottle and shake well to allow the ingredients to mix properly.

Once you have the liquid, you can now clean the grout. To do so, apply the mixture onto the grout and wait for at least 5 minutes. Then, wipe it off using a paper towel or a sponge and rinse with water to get rid of the residue. The recipe also helps kill any mold or mildew on the grout. Remember to clean the tiles at the same time.

Tile and Grout Cleaner Recipe – Heavy-duty

Has grout accumulated in your kitchen or bathroom, and you have not been able to get rid of it? This heavy-duty homemade cleaner is the best one for you. The baking soda helps dissolve stains and grime, and the ammonia removes streaks from the tiles. When using this product, don’t use it near chlorine bleach as the combination can cause fatal chlorine gas when inhaled. You will need:

• Half a cup baking soda
• 7 cups warm water
• The third cup of ammonia
• Quarter cup white vinegar

You need to mix these ingredients in a gallon container. Add the baking soda, vinegar, water, and ammonia. Stir well to combine. Once you do so, put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray along the lines with grout and wait for a few minutes. Lightly scrub the grout using a brush to remove the stubborn stains and dirt.

Wipe the grout clean using a towel or sponge and rinse the tiles with clean water. You can use your normal when cleaning the tiles to match the clean lines.

Lemon Juice Grout Cleaner

Lemon juice is an excellent product for removing stains and soap scum from many surfaces due to its acidity. It is also effective in removing grout from tiles. Lemon contains mild acidity, so it does not damage the surfaces. It loosens the grout from the tile lines.  The addition of baking soda to the recipe gives it an abrasive quality for scrubbing off the dirt and grim. You will need:

• Three tablespoons of lemon juice
• Three tablespoons of baking soda

Combine the lemon juice and baking soda to form a paste in a small bowl. Then, use your finger or a small brush or old toothbrush to apply a thin paste layer on the grout. Once you do so, leave it to rest for five minutes. After, clean the paste using a soft brush or rag and use warm water to rinse the area.

Mistakes to Avoid

With these three tile and grout cleaner recipes, you can clean and revitalize your tiles. However, when cleaning the grout, there are various mistakes that you need to avoid. They include:

Using harsh cleaning agents: If you have decided to use a store-bought grout cleaner, ensure it is gentle to the tiles. Additionally, when you make the homemade cleaners, follow the exact measurements indicated to avoid mixing a harsh cleaner. Also, do not leave it on for too long as it can ruin the tiles in the long in.

• Not cleaning tiles regularly: When you fail to clean tiles and tile lines regularly, grout accumulates, becoming too tough to clean. You should clean them often to avoid such problems.
• Letting stains and Spills sit for long: If someone spills something that can stain, clean it immediately. Stains can discolor the tiles if a spillage is left to sit for long.
• Scrubbing vigorously: When you do this, you leave scratches on the tiles. You also need to avoid abrasive brushes as they will cause the same issue. A soft rug is ideal when cleaning grout.

Failing to clean tiles can cause mold and mildew build-up. When you use one of these tiles and grout homemade cleaners, you can keep your tiles clean and looking brighter than ever.