The Best Way to Clean Grout on Tile Floors and Walls!

Discover the best way to clean grout on tile floors and walls to help get your grout white and sparkling again.

Kitchen, bathroom and floor tiles can add to your home’s décor and there is no argument that they look beautiful when new. However, over time the grout in between those tiles collects dirt and grime and begins to look gray and dull.

It is difficult to keep your grout clean. This is because grout is a porous material and therefore easily absorbs dirt and grime deep down into the grout.

Even the simple act of mopping your floor can push dirty water onto the grout (unless you are using a steam mop) where it can be absorbed adding to dirt building up in your grout.

Cleaning your grout is a time-consuming and work intensive process.

And unless you are using a steam cleaner, there is no easy way to clean your grout without putting in a bit of elbow grease and in the case of tile floors some time spent on your hands and knees.

(You may also want to read this article on how to steam clean bathroom grout).

Considering the time you invest, you want to be sure that your grout looks as good as new once you have finished with all of your efforts.

The internet is filled with various cleaning solutions for cleaning grout, but in this article, we will discuss the best homemade grout cleaner and technique for getting your grout white once again.

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Avoid Using Vinegar to Clean that Grout

Vinegar is great for cleaning a great many things around your home. Several websites even recommend using vinegar mixed with water for cleaning your grout.

However, you should ignore this advice. You should never use vinegar when for cleaning grout because vinegar is an acid and will eat away at your grout which can loosen your tiles.

Unless you look forward to re-grouting your tiles sooner than expected, you are going to want to forgo those vinegar recipes.

So, What is the Best Homemade Tile Grout Cleaner?

The best homemade tile grout cleaner is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dishwashing liquid (optional).

Homemade Grout Cleanser Recipe

1 cup hydrogen peroxide
1 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid (optional)

This solution works well because baking soda is a mild alkali, which can easily dissolve dirt and grease.

When combined with peroxide, which fizzes on contact and loosens and lifts dirt and grime, you have one powerful cleaning agent.

How to Clean Grout on Tile Floors and Walls with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda – 8 Steps!

Choose a day when you have plenty of free time to clean your grout since grout cleaning is a lengthy process. Then use these following steps to get your tiles sparkling clean.

#1. Start by cleaning your tiles as you normally do to remove any extra dirt that is not ground into the grout. After cleaning rinse everything with clear water.

#2. Mix your peroxide and baking soda to make a thick paste.

#3. Using a toothbrush work the paste into your grout one small area (1 or 2 square feet) at a time. Let the paste sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it has time to loosen dirt and grime.

#4. Using the toothbrush again, scrub the grout that has been soaking with the paste on it. (To save time, before scrubbing the grout that has been soaking you can apply the paste to the next area you will be cleaning, so that area can soak while you are scrubbing the previous soaked area).

#5. Press firmly with the brush and scrub the grout well on all sides of each tile.

#6. Using a clean cloth and clean water, rinse the area you have just cleaned. If any of the grout is still dingy re-coat with the paste and let soak again.

#7. Work on the next section of your tile (after it has soaked the prescribed length of time.)

#8. Once you have completed cleaning the entire tile, get another clean cloth (or mop for a floor) and re-rinse the entire area and then dry with a towel or a dry mop.

Keeping Your Grout Clean Longer

Once you have spent a good deal of time cleaning your grout, you are not going to be eager to clean it again anytime soon.

So using these tips to keep your grout clean longer will come in handy for both you and your grout!

Clean Up Spills Immediately

Whether that spill is something wet or dry, taking the time to clean it up immediately will help prevent your grout from absorbing the dirt.

Wipe the area with a clean cloth (or sweep it up) If something that spilled is discoloring the grout, spray the grout with hydrogen peroxide (keep some in a spray bottle).

Let it sit until it quits bubbling and then wipe up the area with a clean damp cloth.

Sweep and Mop Your Tile Floors Regularly

Keeping loose dust and dirt off of your floor where your grout can’t absorb it will help to keep your tile floor clean longer.

Mopping your floor before it gets overly dirty and then wiping it dry immediately after will help keep your grout clean longer.

Wipe Down Tile Walls after Every Use

By taking a few extra minutes to clean and dry your kitchen tiles every time you do dishes and wiping your bathroom/shower tiles every time your bath or shower and drying them will help to keep that grout clean for longer as well.

By following these grout cleaning steps and tips for keeping your grout clean longer your tile walls and floors can look the best all the time.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Clean Grout on Tile Floors and Walls

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe for Grout?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is safe for grout because it is alkaline and unlike acidic cleaners such as vinegar, it does not eat away at the grout.

Can Vinegar Ruin Your Grout?

Yes, using vinegar to clean grout can ruin your grout. Even though vinegar can get your grout clean, it is acidic, hence, it dissolves the top layers of grout molecules, making your tiles loose.

How Can I Make My Grout White Again?

Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Coat the grout with the paste and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush, rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.

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