Some professionals swear by a simple mixture of baking soda and peroxide to clean grout. Hydrogen peroxide is an acid, and baking soda is a base compound. Mixing the two together creates a reaction that can penetrate the grout lines and free dirt and debris.
Steam cleaning or a machine scrubber are also great options for cleaning your grout professionally. Either type of machine could be a good choice for this type of cleaning work. Either of these processes might allow the avoidance of chemicals altogether, as well.
Oleic acid and potassium hydroxide are two active ingredients in our best overall grout cleaner pick. These ingredients work together to help loosen dirt and grime from surfaces while protecting them. Some grout cleaners come with cleaning tools, such as narrow scrub brushes, as well.
Steam Cleaning
For a bit of an investment, you can also kick grout stains out of your bathroom by renting a steam cleaner. Highly effective, steam cleaning is a good option to give your bathroom a clean slate.
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.
One way to clean and whiten the grout is by use of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix the two ingredients to create a thick paste. Then, using a brush, spread the paste on the mold-affected grout and let it work for 5-10 minutes. Scrub the grout with a firm bristle brush and repeat if there is still visible mold.
Chemical cleaners, such as, Tilex, Soft Scrub, Scrubbing Bubbles, or ammonia products will nearly always result in your tile surfaces' grout becoming very discolored.
Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the grout, working on one small area at a time. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. Thereafter, scrub the area with a brush or a stiff toothbrush.
DIY Grout Cleaner
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. Put about two teaspoons of cream of tartar in a bowl. Add enough lemon juice to make a thick paste.
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.
Can professional tile and grout cleaning help prevent mold and mildew growth? Yes, professional tile and grout cleaning can help prevent mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew thrive in damp and dirty environments, such as poorly maintained grout lines.
While it's possible to do a fairly thorough cleaning by hand, professionals have the tools to clean tile and grout more thoroughly than tools at home allow, and it's recommended that you schedule a professional cleaning about once every 9-12 months or so.
Make a paste by combining 2 parts powdered bleach and one part water in a bowl. Once you've achieved the consistency of toothpaste, apply the mixture to your grout lines. Let it sit there for 15 - 20 minutes, then use a brush to scrub vigorously.
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.
While it may be tempting to leave the cleaner on for an extended period, be cautious, as prolonged exposure can lead to damage, especially if the grout is older or more porous.
Cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia can even fade the color of your grout, leaving you with an uneven appearance.
Borax can be a good, cost-effective way to kill and remove mold in grout and doubles as a cleaning agent. It is especially useful for smaller mold problems and for preventive maintenance. Mix borax with water (1 cup of borax per gallon of water) to create a cleaning solution.
To make the solution, add an equal amount of vinegar and warm water and mix it properly. Spray this solution on the stains and allow the solution to break down the stains for some time. Start scrubbing using a brush or scrubber. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on stains before spraying the solution.
Aside from bleach, you'll also want to avoid cleaning solutions containing ammonia. Ammonia-based cleaners can cause the same types of damage as bleach. These cleaners may cause erosion, fading, and yellowing.
Why shouldn't you use Clorox for grout cleaning? There are a few reasons that we advise against the overuse of bleach when cleaning grout and tile. As specialized grout and tile service providers, we believe the biggest reason not to use Clorox to clean tile grout is that it can be very damaging.
Hydrogen peroxide is produced industrially in large quantities. The main use of hydrogen peroxide is as a bleaching agent for wood pulp, as well as for bleaching textiles, paper and food. It is also used as a chemical intermediate in the production of a wide range of chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.