If you have tile flooring in your home, chances are that you are familiar with how dirty the grout can get. Since grout is often a light color, the material can easily become stained and discolored. In a bathroom, dirt, moisture, and soap scum can build up on the grout, which makes it incredibly difficult to get it clean again. Kitchens are prone to spills and foot traffic that easily stain the grout and tile flooring. Try using these natural grout cleaning techniques to restore the grout to its original color.
Basic Cleaner For Light Stains
Baking soda should be an essential item in your array of cleaning products. This is because sodium bicarbonate -- found in the baking soda -- will carbonate when it touches water, which causes it to bubble and dissolve that dirt in a manner that is safe and gentle. Creating a basic cleanser with baking soda is easy to do. You'll need the following:
- Hot water – 4 cups
- Baking soda – 1 cup
Simply mix the water and baking soda together until the baking soda completely dissolves; then apply the solution in a thick layer on the grout with a sponge. Let it sit for approximately 20 minutes before cleaning it off with a clean sponge.
Heavy Cleaner For Tough Stains
If you have a tough stain on beige or white grout, you'll need a cleaning solution that is a bit stronger. It will require these items:
- Hot water – 2 cups
- Borax – 2 Tbsp.
- Baking soda – ½ cup
- Dish soap – 2 Tbsp.
Combine the ingredients in an empty spray bottle, and spray them on the grout you want to clean. Let the solution soak into the grout for about 15 minutes, then scrub the grout using a bristled brush. Avoid using excessive force when scrubbing, since that could cause your grout to break. Once you're done scrubbing, simply wipe the grout using a damp cloth.
Mold Remover
While bleach is commonly used to kill mold, it can be unhealthy. You can make a natural hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution instead.
- Warm water – ½ cup
- Hydrogen peroxide – ½ cup
Shake the mixture up, and spray it on any grout that has mold growing on it. Allow it to soak in for about 20 minutes, then clean it off with a cloth.
If you are having difficulty cleaning your grout using these 3 techniques, consider hiring a professional tile and grout cleaning service to tackle the stains for you.
