When it comes to grout, it is one of the most porous materials in your home. Similar to carpets, it absorbs all the soil and debris, as well as moisture which can create mildew and mold under the right circumstances. With the store bought premade chemicals claiming to be the best to remove the filth and mold from grout, you are often left duped with a diluted chemical agent that is harsher on your nasal passages than it is on the stains. Where most of the commercial cleaners are ineffective and expensive, there is an alternative and that is making your own with agents already found in your home. We at Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning would like to offer a few homemade concoctions of grout cleaner that costs less and is more effective than the store brands.

Homemade Grout Cleaners

It should be noted that some of the products listed below have the potential to lighten colors and can alter the shade of your grout. Be sure to perform a patch test in an inconspicuous spot to check the potency. Additionally, be sure to properly ventilate the area you are cleaning if you are sensitive to any of the smells in some of the compounds used and wear protective gloves to protect sensitive skin.
1) White Vinegar with Soap – Combine mild liquid dish soap with equal parts of white vinegar. Optional: nuke the vinegar for 1 minute on high in the microwave before adding the dish soap. Apply the solution directly onto the grout and scrub with a bristled brush and wipe clean with a warm damp cloth.
2) Lemon Juice Cleaning Solution – In a mixing bucket, add together 7 cups water, 1/3 cup lemon juice, ½ cup baking soda, and ¼ cup vinegar. Apply the formulation directly onto the grout and allow it to set for 10-15 minutes. With a bristled brush, scrub the grout and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
3) Hydrogen Peroxide – Put the hydrogen peroxide directly on the grout by using a spray bottle or sponging it on and allow it set up to 10 minutes, scrub with small bristle brush and wipe clean with a warm dampen cloth. This method works well on grout that has little to no stains but is fairly dirty.
4) Baking Soda with Vinegar – To create a thick past, mix together ½ cup baking soda with ¼ cup vinegar. To ensure the paste is relatively thick, only add small quantities of vinegar. Apply the mixture to the grout and slightly agitate the mixture into the grout by using a toothbrush that is designated for cleaning; let the mixture sit on the grout for about 15 minutes. With a bristled brush, or the toothbrush, scrub the grout in circular patterns and wipe clean with a warm damp cloth.
5) Baking Soda with Bleach – In a mixing bowl, mix together ¾ cup of bleach and ¼ cup of bleach to form a paste. Be sure to add the bleach in small doses ensure the paste is thick. Administer the paste directly onto the grout and slightly agitate it. Let the paste sit for 10-20 minutes. Scrub the grout in a grid-like pattern using your toothbrush or small bristled brush and wipe clean with a warm damp cloth.

Tile & Grout Cleaning & More in San Diego, Solana Beach, La Mesa, Mission Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, Encinitas, Chula Vista California

Any of these homemade grout cleaners can quickly become your favorite, but these cleaners are ideal for daily maintenance. Every 6-12 months, you should invest in a professional deep cleaning service to remove the deeply penetrated filth and moisture. Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning is readily available to provide out professional tile and grout cleaning service to revitalize your tile and grout to keep it in optimal condition and extend the projected lifespan. Contact us to schedule your next appointment today!