How to Clean Grout - Some Simple Ideas

Cleaning the grout between the tiles in your bathroom or kitchen is a task that should be on every homeowners to-do list. But often the idea of scrubbing and scrubbing... and scrubbing some more leaves this task undone for years. The truth is, like many cleaning chores, more often means less work. Here’s some ideas on how to clean grout that should make the task easy enough that you’ll want to do it more often. In the end that will mean a cleaner room, a healthier home, and less damage to your walls.

One simple idea is to use a non-toxic oxygen bleach. It comes in a powder form. You simply mix this powder with some water and then pour the combination onto the tiles. In about 30 to 60 minutes you give the tiles a light scrubbing and rinse and you’re done! This method produces no harmful fumes and won’t damage colors in any nearby fabrics in case you accidentally spill it. When shopping for oxygen bleach products, be willing to spend more for those that contain the highest levels of the active ingredient as that will make all the difference.

Some stains can come up pretty easy without shopping for any new products. You’ve probably got some good grout cleaners right in your cupboards. You could try a little vinegar mixed with equal parts water. You could also try making a paste out of baking soda mixed with just a little water. In either case, try scrubbing in little circles rather that just along the line of the grout. This will more easily dislodge all the dirt and mold. Remember to rinse well and dry the surface with a towel when you’re done.

While we’re on the topic of saving time and energy, don’t bother saving old toothbrushes for your grout cleaning. The bristles on these brushes are often too soft to get the job done. Investing a dollar or two in a new brush will go along way to saving you from those aching arm muscles.

Finally, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To that end, keep a spray bottle of one part hydrogen peroxide mixed with two parts water in or near your shower. After every use, give the shower a quick spray. The hydrogen peroxide will keep mold from growing, making future cleaning sessions even easier.