The long-term use of bleach on grout can lead to several adverse effects. As an oxidizing agent, bleach can weaken the cement binding the grout, reducing its durability. Additionally, it can cause discoloration, leading to an uneven and blotchy appearance.
We highly advise against using ammonia or bleach to clean any grout. Cleaning solutions that contain bleach or ammonia will not only work to erode your grout over time, they will cause your grout to become even dirtier by leaving a film behind, which attracts dirt.
Baking soda works the best. Generously sprinkle on the grout, add water to make slushy and short hair brush. Beats all chemicals I have tried...
Remember the tip on avoiding bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals to clean grout. It would be best if you also avoided vigorous scrubbing. A rough brush and too much elbow grease will remove the dirt, but it could also remove the grout. Another way to prevent grout damage is to use a squeegee on shower walls.
Acidic Cleaners
Cleaners that have a high chemical pH or are acidic will begin to eat away at your grout and make it more fragile and porous. Stay away from cleaners that contain vinegar and citrus. This will eat away at the top layer of the grout and cause the need for replacing grout lines sooner.
Getting in between the tiles is hard but OxiClean™ can make keeping your grout sparkling white easy. Always refer to packaging for directions. MIX Fill to line 4 per gallon of water. For some surfaces, like grout, a more concentrated solution/paste may be needed.
Professionals often use steam to loosen the dirt and other particles trapped in the grout without needing to scrub manually. While every steam cleaning machine is different, you'll follow this basic process to clean grout lines: Use a steam cleaner with a small nylon brush attachment.
Grout is porous and usually sealed to resist stains. However, acid can degrade these silicone-based sealants, causing them to break down and wash away. Contrary to popular belief, this can happen with just one application of vinegar. Once the sealant is removed, dirt can penetrate the grout, leading to discoloration.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a natural neutral cleaner that is safe to use on grout. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce oxygenated bleach, which is highly effective for cleaning grout.
If you're a die-hard DIYer, using Dawn dish soap alone can be a safer option for mild cleaning. Dilute a small amount of Dawn in warm water, scrub the grout with a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly.
Here's a few DIY grout cleaners you can try: Make a spreadable paste with 3/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap. Add more baking soda or peroxide if the mixture is too runny or thick.
Stay away from cleaning solutions that contain bleach or ammonia, as these will usually cause severe discoloration of your grout and you may need a full regrouting to rectify the issue.
Next, ensure you're NOT scrubbing any of the tiled areas with bleach or ammonia products. Chemical cleaners, such as, Tilex, Soft Scrub, Scrubbing Bubbles, or ammonia products will nearly always result in your tile surfaces' grout becoming very discolored.
House cleaning professional Filip Boksa says the most effective way to clean tile grout is to mix ½ cup (136 g) of baking soda, 1⁄4 c (59 mL) of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of dish soap. Pour the ingredients into a small bowl and mix with a spoon. Baking soda is alkaline, so it won't harm your grout.
Start by adding two capfuls of Oxygenated Bleach to a spray bottle along with some warm water. Gently shake the bottle before spraying the Oxygenated Bleach solution onto tiles and grout and leave for 15 minutes.
Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda on the spot you want to clean. It should be making a sizzle sound as the chemicals interact. Then, start scrubbing. The paste should turn foamy, like watery shaving cream.
The most effective and simple way to clean your grout is using distilled white vinegar mixed with water. If the grout is heavily stained and requires lightening, you may decide to first apply bicarbonate of soda paste before you begin cleaning.
It works on the tile and the grout, effectively cleaning everything from hard water stains to mold and mildew stains to soap scum.
High-traffic floor grout: Should be sealed every six months to one year. Guest bath and shower grout: Should be sealed every year or two, depending on frequency of use. Backsplash grout: Backsplashes in high-traffic areas should be sealed once yearly on average.
Magic erasers are a fantastic way to get grout very clean, very quickly. The downside is, the grout will rip through your magic erasers in a hurry. You'll go through more of them than you're used to, and that means this is one of your more expensive options.
As an oxidizing agent, bleach can weaken the cement binding the grout, reducing its durability. Additionally, it can cause discoloration, leading to an uneven and blotchy appearance.
Hydrogen peroxide won't damage normal tiles or colored grout. However, you shouldn't use it on polished marble. Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is a great way to remove stubborn stains from your grout.