Cleaning grout is everyone’s least favorite chore, but someone’s got to do it. We’ll show you how to clean grout using common household items that will get your tiles looking their best while being kind on the environment and your wallet.
How to Clean Grout: Avoiding Bacteria and Fungus
Dirty grout is a never ending problem. Because the shower or bathtub is constantly being used, the air in the bathroom is frequently warm and moist, which just so happens to be the ideal climate for bacteria and fungus to grow. Fungus in particular can be especially unpleasant. It not only can have a negative impact on your health, but it will also destroy your grout.
If the fungus gains the upper hand, you will no longer have to worry about how to clean grout, because you will be forced to completely replace it.
That’s why it is important to be sure to consistently clean the grout on your tiles. Especially at the first sign of fungus, many people immediately reach for aggressive (and expensive) cleaning products, which are damaging to both your health and to the environment. We’ll show you how to clean grouting on tiles with common household products. This DIY solution is cheaper, better for the environment, and better for your health.
Warning: Always test any cleaning method on a small, less visible area first, before proceeding to larger areas.
Read on: How to Clean Tiles Naturally
How to Clean Grout: Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Anyone who likes to make chocolate chip cookies, i.e., everyone, has baking soda in the their kitchens. And anyone who ever accidentally cuts or scrapes themselves from time to time, i,e., also everyone, has hydrogen peroxide in their medicine cabinets. These two home remedies are generally all you need to clean grout in your bathroom.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring substance which helps living things maintain their proper pH. The baking soda you can buy in the store is made from soda ash, which can either be manufactured or mined as trona ore. Baking soda is a pure, safe substance which is used frequently in, you may have guessed it, baking. It is an especially effective cleaning agent because it is an alkaline substance and can therefore easily dissolve dirt in water. It is also a natural deodorant, and is mildly abrasive when used in powder form, making it an excellent scrubbing agent.
Hydrogen peroxide is also a naturally occurring chemical made of hydrogen and water. It is sold in drug stores as a mild antiseptic at a strength of about 3%. A bottle costs around five dollars, and you don’t have to worry about harming the environment. When exposed to light, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water, making it totally environmentally safe.
How to Clean Grouting on Tiles:
Here’s what to do:
- Mix 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to grout and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Use a grout brush or an old toothbrush to scrub well.
- Rinse well with water.
Tip: If your tiles are particularly greasy, add a bit of dish washing detergent to your cleaner, to help it cut through the grime more easily.
Warning: Contrary to popular opinion, you should under no circumstances use acidic substances like vinegar or lemon juice to clean grout. The acid will react with the calcium carbonate in the cement, causing it to become porous.
This article was translated from German to English by Christie Sacco. You can read the original here: Fliesenfugen reinigen – die besten natürlichen Hausmittel
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