Grout Cleaning DIY

There are several different grout cleaners available on the market. In fact, the selection is so great, it is hard to know what to use to clean grout for the grout job you need done. There are mild cleaners, tough acting ones, bleaching cleaners, pastes, and organic cleaners. We will go over each of the different types of cleaners to help you determine what is best for your job.

First we will discuss mild grout cleaners. Mild grout cleaners are for a more regular use. If the grout is not very dirty, and you are able to get it cleaned on a regular basis, or it is not in a high soil area (like on a kitchen wall) you can use a mild grout cleaner quite effectively. For mild grout cleaners, you can use almost any general household cleaner. However, there are a few notes of caution. First, be sure that if you have colored grout, that the cleaner you are using doesn’t have any bleach in it, or it will discolor your grout. Second, if you are using a powder product be sure it is non-abrasive so it doesn’t destroy the grout. To make these cleaners more effective, it will be beneficial to let water or the cleaner sit on the area you wish to clean for 10 to 15 minutes before washing. This will help loosen any grime and make the scrubbing job much easier.

Bleaching cleaners are what their name implies. As I mentioned earlier, don’t use any sort of bleach cleaner on colored grout. However, if you have white grout, you may be able to get away with using a simple bleach solution to clean your grout. This cleaner falls under the mild cleaner category. You want to make about a three-to-one solution water to bleach, anything stronger than that can damage the grout.

Pastes are very effective grout cleaners. There are several commercial pastes you can buy that really do a great job. Pastes have the approximate consistency of toothpaste. To use them, you first rinse the area to be cleaned, then spread the paste on the grout only. Let sit for a few minutes, and then go to town scrubbing with a soft bristle brush. Pastes are great agents for very dirty grout or high traffic areas, though you will find yourself on your hands and knees scrubbing the floor, it will not take too long and be very effective. Because grout is porous, it is difficult to get dirt out of the several pores, however, grout paste cleaners are made with small grains that get into the pores and clean them out.

Next are very tough acting grout cleaners. You will have to go to a commercial product line to find these. These need to be used with caution and only if none of the other methods worked. Be sure to use the proper safety equipment like goggles and gloves while using these cleaners, and be in a well ventilated area. Look for the most mild type of cleaner possible and be sure it is made specifically for grout and tile. Use of too harsh chemicals too often will erode the grout itself and the glue holding the tile in place causing a bigger problem than dirty grout. So be sparing with the tough chemicals.

Last are some organic grout cleaners you can make at home. They are all quite mild, but can be effective as well. First, you can use vinegar diluted one-to-one or full strength. However, be careful not to use it full strength too often or it will eventually erode the grout. Second, you can use lemon juice. It is quite effective and a natural disinfectant. However, beware that lemons will bleach colored grout. And another cleaner you can make at home is a nice paste. Take one third each baking soda, salt, and vinegar.

Hopefully, these guidelines will help you in choosing what to use to clean grout.