Grout has to be the most challenging area to keep clean.
It almost feels like it turns gray the moment you look at it.
A light grout looks beautiful, but without proper maintenance, over time, it’ll harbor build-up, become discolored, stained, and even start to crack.
That can signify significant damage, and you definitely don’t want water behind the wall!
Preventing dirt and grime build-up with thorough bathroom grout cleaning is as important as maintaining your tile grout by minimizing harsh chemicals’ usage.
While these commercial products may damage your grout, they aren’t too pleasant for your family’s health either, so they should be used as a last resort.
Here’s how to take care of your grout, keep it clean, extend its longevity, essentially impacting the overall appearance of your bathroom.
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Maintaining a Clean Bathroom Grout
Prevention is better than cure!
That’s why you want to be a step ahead when it comes to keeping your grout clean and stain-free.
So how do you accomplish that?
Alcohol.
You read that right, a healthy mild cleaning solution that’ll help prevent the forming of mold and mildew.
Use a clean cloth to wipe down the grout with alcohol at least once a week.
It’s essential to get rid of excess water from your tiles every time you take a shower or a bath.
The best tool for the job is easy to hold squeegee that you can use daily on your tiles, glass walls, and shower doors. Alternatively, use an old towel to keep grout looking new.
Keeping your bathroom dry and removing excess water is the key to keep mold and mildew from growing in your bathroom.
With that said.
After taking a shower or bath, open a window or turn an exhaust fan on to remove moisture from the air.
When it comes to mold interception, there are a few spray solutions that’ll help with prevention.
Vinegar and water mixture or hydrogen peroxide are proven inhibitors.
Give your grout a spray at least once to three times a week after you bathe or take a shower with the following solutions:
- Make a mixture of 1:1 vinegar and water in a spray bottle and keep one ready in the storage for a refill once it runs out.
- A green eco solution such as this one can be a good alternative and give you a great scent. Rinse your grout thoroughly and then spray it with a bottle of Hydrogen peroxide.
Remember!
You shouldn’t mix it with vinegar as the combination can be toxic and irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
A little bit of daily work might seem annoying at first, but it’s worth it, and it’ll save you so much time in the long run while keeping you away from scrubbing.
How to Clean Grout
As far as cleaners go, there are plenty of formulas that work.
If you’re asking yourself, what can I use to clean the grout in my bathroom?
It can be a hole of wonder, as different degrees of dirt and stains require a unique approach.
While there are commercial cleaners for seriously stained grout, it’s best to start with the mildest cleaning solution.
1. Cleaning Bathroom Grout with Water and Lemon
Looking for the best natural homemade tile grout cleaner?
Start off with a classic combination of hot water, 1:2 cup lemon juice 1:4 cup liquid dish soap.
Use a large bowl for the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it out and let it sit for a few minutes.
Scrub the grout in a circular course with a specifically designed brush for the purpose of cleaning grout.
This method will help loosen up the grout’s build-up and make the rest of the cleaning process much more comfortable while reducing elbow grease. Rinse with warm water before moving to the next step.
2. Cleaning Bathroom Grout with Baking Soda
Before filling your home with strong chemicals, try a natural solution of baking soda with warm water to create a thick paste.
Create the paste in a bowl by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with warm water.
Use an old toothbrush or grout cleaning brush to work the mixture into the tile grout before repeating the process if necessary.
Additionally…
… you can spray the grout with your bottle of water and vinegar. Doing so will attack the soap scum in your tile grout while creating a bubbling effect from the baking soda.
3. Cleaning Bathroom Grout with Hydrogen Peroxide
If the methods above didn’t provide satisfactory results, your mold and mildew grout might need treatment with hydrogen peroxide.
It’ll help eliminate germs while being toxic-free, known as a natural alternative to bleach.
Make a thick paste of 1:4 hydrogen peroxide and 1:2 baking soda and apply it to your tile grout before scrubbing.
That’ll help remove the dirt stuck in the porous grout and keep it damage-free.
You might need to repeat the process for tough stains, so pour some more peroxide for better results.
Keep in mind:
Hydrogen peroxide should never be mixed with vinegar, so make sure to rinse the surface thoroughly before applying the solution.
4. Cleaning Bathroom Grout with Steam
Arguably the best and easiest method to clean unsealed grout without scrubbing is steam extraction!
This environment-friendly method can be effective for cleaning grout and tackle those tiny pores where debris hides.
Start by applying continuous steam as you go over the grout lines with a pointing nozzle.
While a steam cleaner might not perfectly clean your grout, a mix of detergent and steam will significantly loosen up the debris and pave the way for a more painless cleaning process with other products.
To use this method, you might need to hire a professional or buy a steamer.
5. Cleaning Bathroom Grout with Alkaline
- Most mold and mildew stains found on white grout can be removed with Alkaline cleaners as they are bleach-based. Bleach is considered an alkaline cleaner with a pH of 12. Mainly used for stubborn stains, these liquid cleaners generally contain a pH higher than 7.
- Precaution is necessary, and it’s best to dilute it with a 1:10 bleach to water ratio or follow the label instructions.
- Apply the solution to the grout lines with a sponge and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub the grout lines with a nylon brush till you restore the color of your grout.
- Rinse away excess solution from the tile grout with fresh water.
- Finally, use an old towel to dry the surface and let it dry before resealing the grout.
It’s essential to work in a properly ventilated bathroom, so make sure to open a window, use a respirator, or run a fan to avoid being overwhelmed by fumes.
The sealant from grout can easily be stripped away from the regular usage of Alkaline products, which is not recommended.
They are also dangerous for your skin and can damage your eyes.
Proper protection is a must when working with such cleaners, so always follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions.
6. Cleaning Bathroom Grout with Oxygen Bleach
Start a thorough stain treatment and grimy grout disinfection with oxygen bleach, also known as sodium percarbonate and carbonate such as OxiClean.
This bleach isn’t toxic and is environmentally friendly.
It comes in powdered form and is more genial on your grout compared to the liquid.
Ensure that your bathroom is ventilated and read the label’s instructions.
- Form a paste by mixing 2:1 oxygen bleach with water
- Protect your skin as you work it on your tile grout and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes
- Brighten the grout lines by scrubbing with a firm grout brush
- Use clear water to rinse any excess bleach away before wiping the tile grout with a cloth
7. Cleaning Bathroom Grout with Chlorine Bleach
If you’re dealing with hard discoloration and grime, your best home might be Chlorine bleach as a last resort.
There is a variety of excellent chlorine bleach products to choose from, and all you’ll need with it is a hard brush.
Ready to clean your grout?
- Use a 2:1 ratio of undiluted bleach and water and mix it in a container.
- Bleach is a treat for your skin, so make sure to wear safety gear such as gloves, glasses.
- Let some air in by opening your windows to help ventilate the area, or run a fan to eliminate toxins.
- Apply the bleach to the grout lines with a grout brush and thoroughly scrub to remove the stains. Repeat if necessary.
- Rinse the tiles grout and go over them with a sponge thoroughly. Before resealing, ensure there’s no excess bleach left on the surface.
- Make sure the surface is adequately dried out. Go over it with a dry towel and let air in the night before resealing the grout lines.
With chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach, it’s vital to follow the instructions on the label in an exceptionally ventilated area.
It’s also crucial to rinse it off with clean water as this great cleaner is unfortunately not skin-friendly.
So, ensuring that your shower is thoroughly rinsed and wiped before using it again is imperative.
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