The Best Grout Cleaner for Tile Floors

Clean tile grout with baking soda.

Grout is typically incorporated into your tile structure, placed between tiles to give a finished look and to lock the tiles into place. Grout is composed a bit differently than tile and thus requires a separate cleaning routine. Mopping the tile floors often keeps both the tile and grout clean, but when the mopping alone does not clean the grout effectively you must incorporate a stronger cleaning routine.

Regular Cleaning of the Grout

Regular cleaning can be done with your normal floor cleaning procedure. Sweep the floor with a broom to remove loose buildup from the grout. You can also vacuum or damp mop the flooring if you need a more powerful cleaning routine. If using a damp mop, allow the tile and grout to air dry. This is often all that is required throughout the week to keep the grout clean and free of buildup.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a cleaner both safe for tile and grout. The vinegar works as a disinfectant plus cleaning element that will remove sticky buildup. To use, mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon water. Starting with a damp mop, wipe down the grout. For heavier buildup, saturate the tile with the cleaner and scrub with a nylon cleaning brush. Drizzle dish soap over any tough stains caused by grease or food residue and continue scrubbing with the nylon scrub brush. Wipe down the tile and grout with a damp mop after cleaning to remove any messy residue left behind.

Baking Soda Paste

This works especially well when you have thick layers of residue or buildup on the grout that will not come off with a liquid cleaning solution. To use, mix about 3 cups baking soda to 1 cup water, stirring until you have a consistent paste. Dip a nylon brush into the mixture and scrub down your grout with this paste. After scrubbing in, clean the floor with a damp mop to remove the messy paste residue. Let the floor air dry and examine it afterwards. If no residue remains you are finished cleaning; if you see residue, repeat the baking soda application.

Things to Avoid

Do not use bleach to clean grout. While it may work for white grout it can discolor nearly any colored grout. The bleach can also damage surrounding tile, making it important to avoid any type of bleach or bleach-based cleaner. Also avoid wire brushes as these can scratch both grout and tile.

References

• Keene State College: Green Cleaning --- Do-it-Yourself Safe Cleaning Solutions
• Michigan State University Extension; Homemade Cleaners; June 2003