Homemade Grout Cleaner

Anyone with tiles in the home can tell you that cleaning grout is a thankless but necessary job. The grout cleaners on the market are harsh, have caustic fumes and still don’t always get all the stains.  Here are a few recipes for homemade grout cleaner that won’t break you pocketbook, and won’t knock you out when you try to use them.

Note, if the grout is split, cracked or missing in places, you may want to remove the old grout and start fresh, making sure to seal the grout well.  This will help avoid staining in the future.

1.  Tough Stains Grout Cleaner

• Washing Soda (you can find this on line for $2.00 to $3.00 per box) or use baking soda
• Kosher Salt (about $2.50 at the grocery store)
• Lemon Juice

Mix equal amounts of washing soda and kosher salt, slowly add lemon juice to make a paste. This past can be applied to both tile wall or counters.  Allow to set until dry. With a toothbrush or small scrub brush dipped in water gently scrub the grout. Remove excess cleaner with a clean soft rag. Rinse.

2.  Hydrogen Peroxide Grout Cleaner

• Hydrogen Peroxide (less than a dollar)
• Filtered water
• Spray Bottle

Mix 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of filtered water in a spray bottle.  Spray grout.  Leave on.  May need brushing to remove tough stains.
*Great as a daily shower spray.

3.  Vinegar Grout Cleaner

• Distilled White Vinegar
• Filtered Water
• Spray Bottle

Mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts filtered water.  Spray grout and Leave to dry.  May require brushing to remove tough stains.
*Also works well as a daily shower spray, but some people may object to the smell of the vinegar on a daily basis.

4.  Tough Stain (Mildew and Mold Removing) Grout Cleaner

This is not a natural cleaner, and may cause grout to crack or split.  If you have a problem with mold and mildew in your tiles, it may be best to remove grout and re-grout tiles then seal it.

• Ajax Cleanser (I’ve used other brands but Ajax works the best)
• Bleach

Make a paste of Ajax and bleach.  Apply to tile and let set for an hour. With a toothbrush or small scrub brush dipped in water scrub grout removing stains. Rinse well.
*Wear Rubber gloves, and work in a well ventilated area.
**Once grout is cleaned with this method, you may want to seal grout to avoid further staining.

If you find that removing the grout is your best option because mold, cracking or missing grout.  Think about using a darker colored grout in your tiles.  It is effective at camouflaging stains.  Also remember that sealing your grout is an effective weapon against staining.

Visit our homepage for more homemade cleaners or go straight to a complete list of homemade cleaning products.