Best Homemade Grout Cleaner – Easy and Effective DIY Grout Cleaner

Tired of going through the hassle and expense of purchasing commercial grout cleaners that don’t live up to their promises? The high price tags, the need to drive to the store, and the frustration of using products that barely make a dent in dirt and grime buildup can leave anyone feeling defeated. 

Fortunately, there’s a better solution right at your fingertips. This guide to the best DIY grout cleaner offers a homemade cleaner recipe that’s not only cost-effective but also remarkably efficient at cleaning tile and grout lines. 

Say goodbye to stubborn dirt and hello to good grout with our easy and effective homemade grout cleaning solution. Read to learn more!

1. Method Baking Soda and Water

First on our list of homemade solutions to clean the grout is the baking soda and water mix, an exceptionally efficient tile floor revitalizer. This tile grout cleaner is not only easy to prepare but also accessible, using ingredients typically found in any kitchen. 

To achieve the best grout cleaner results, simply mix a 3:1 ratio of baking soda to water to create a paste. Apply this mixture directly onto the grout lines and scrub using a brush to brighten the grout and remove buildup. 

Not only is this method cost-effective, but it is also highly regarded as the best grout cleaner when it comes to its efficacy in restoring the original shine of your tile cleaner.

2. Vinegar and Water

Another readily available and highly effective solution for tackling dirty grout is the combination of vinegar and water. This grout cleaner works brilliantly to clean the tile without the need for harsh chemicals. 

• To prepare this cleaning product, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. 
• After applying the solution to the grout lines, let the mixture sit for a few minutes to break down the dirt and grime. 
• Then, use a grout brush for more effective scrubbing, ensuring all the buildup is removed. Rinse the area with clean water after scrubbing. 

Vinegar acts as a natural cleaner and disinfectant, effectively cutting through the grime that tends to accumulate in grout lines. For areas with heavier buildup, applying a grout sealer after cleaning can help protect against future stains and dirt, maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your grout for longer periods.

3. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are two popular combinations not only used for tile grout but for various cleaning tasks around the home. When these two ingredients are mixed, they create a powerful mixture to clean grout lines effectively. 

The oxygenation process that occurs when hydrogen peroxide interacts with baking soda helps lift and remove stains, making it especially useful for areas that are heavily stained or discoloured.

• To create this grout-cleaning solution, mix two parts of baking soda with 1 part of hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.
• Apply the mixture directly to the grout lines and allow it to sit for several minutes.
• Scrub the treated areas with a grout brush or an old toothbrush for detailed cleaning.
• Rinse the area with water to remove the residue, revealing cleaner, brighter grout lines.

This combination is not only effective for restoring the look of tile grout but is also a safer alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, offering a homemade solution that is both economical and environmentally friendly.

Additional Tips on How to Clean Grout with Homemade Grout Cleaner

Now that you have your homemade grout cleaner ready, here are some additional tips to ensure your grout cleaning process is as effective and efficient as possible:

• Prepare Your Materials: Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand. This includes rubber gloves to protect your hands, a grout cleaning brush or an old toothbrush for scrubbing, and a bucket of water or a damp cloth to wipe clean the area after you’re done.
• Use the Right Technique: For optimal results, apply your chosen grout cleaner directly along the grout lines and allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down the dirt. Then, using a grout cleaning brush, scrub the grout vigorously to remove any buildup. For white grout, maintaining a consistent scrubbing pattern ensures it is even clean without discolouration.
• Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: While it might be tempting to use bleach or other harsh chemicals on really dirty grout, these can damage the grout over time. Stick to the homemade solutions outlined above for a safe and effective clean.
• Consider a Steam Cleaner: Another way to clean grout, especially for larger areas or particularly stubborn stains, is using a steam cleaner. The high-pressure steam helps to loosen and remove dirt without the need for scrubbing, providing an alternative method that is both effective and effort-saving.
• Rinse and Wipe Clean: After scrubbing the grout, it’s important to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and wipe it dry. This removes any remaining cleaner residue and reveals the true cleanliness of your grout.
• Repeat as Necessary: For areas with heavily stained or dirty grout, you may need to apply the cleaner and scrub multiple times. Persistence is key to restoring the appearance of your grout.

Tips to Maintain Clean Grout

Of course, after the cleaning tips, maintaining your grout’s cleanliness is paramount to preventing future buildup and discolouration.

Here are some tips to keep your grout looking pristine:

• Regular Cleaning: Prevent grime and dirt accumulation by cleaning your grout regularly with a mild solution. This can be as simple as using the vinegar and water mixture mentioned above on a weekly basis.
• Immediate Spill Cleanup: Avoid stains by cleaning spills immediately. Whether it’s on the kitchen counter or bathroom floor, prompt action can prevent the liquid from seeping into the grout lines.
• Apply Grout Sealer: After deep cleaning, applying a grout sealer can drastically reduce the penetration of moisture and dirt, extending the clean appearance of your grout. Reapply the sealer once a year or as recommended by the product.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals can erode grout over time, leading to damage and discolouration. Stick to mild, natural solutions for both cleaning and maintenance.
• Ventilation: In areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent mould and mildew growth. Use exhaust fans or open windows after showers to dry out the area thoroughly.

The Role of Professional Tile and Grouting Installation

Did you know that tile and grout installation are some of the major determinants of how easy it will be to clean your grout in the future? Not only is this a simple and budget-friendly bathroom upgrade, but also increases the durability of your tiles.

DIY installations often have gaps between tiles or uneven grout lines, which can trap dirt and moisture, leading to tough stains and discolouration over time. Professional tile installation ensures a tight fit between tiles and even grout lines, making it easier to maintain clean grout over the years. 

In addition, professional installers often use high-quality sealants during the installation process, providing an added layer of protection for your grout and reducing the likelihood of future staining or discolouration.

Closing Thoughts

If you don’t find commercial grout cleaners effective or are looking for a more natural and cost-effective solution, try out these 3 DIY grout cleaner recipes and the additional tips for maintaining clean grout. 

Remember, regular cleaning and proper installation are key to keeping your tile grout looking its best. With persistence and consistency, you can achieve sparkling clean grout lines without the use of harsh chemicals. So next time you’re faced with dirty or discoloured grout, give these homemade solutions a try before reaching for commercial cleaners. Your wallet and the environment will thank you.

If you are in Brisbane and need tile and grouting service for your newly constructed or renovated bathroom, feel free to reach out to us at AC Bathrooms. With our expert tile installation, grouting, and sealing services, you can ensure a long-lasting and easy-to-maintain clean appearance for your tiled surfaces.