Forget about strong chemicals and fumes, this is the best homemade DIY grout cleaner that actually works! It will save you money too.

 

Tile is one of the most durable – and stunningly beautiful – materials you can use as a floor. It will withstand floods without warping and can even handle scuffs and dings better than wood or carpet. The only issue is keeping that bright white grout beautifully clean. 

 

Do you struggle with keeping your grout clean? Or maybe you moved into a new place and the grout is just stained up? Either way, I have some fantastic news for you! This homemade grout cleaner works just as well as (if not better than) strong cleaners you can buy at the store. 

 

 

What Is Grout? 

 

Grout is the rough material that is used to fill in the space between tiles. It is usually applied as a paste or mortar. As it dries, it becomes solid. 

 

What Makes Grout Dirty? 

 

Before we get to the grout cleaner recipe, it’s so important to understand what is making the grout look filthy. 

 

More often than not, the grout is dirty from the mop water. I’m not kidding! When you mop a floor (or wash a tile wall like in the bathroom), the mop pushes the dirt into the spaces in between the tiles. It’s just inevitable, considering how low the space is. 

 

Another thing that makes grout dirty is when liquid gets in the cracks and stains it. Things like paint, mud, coffee – basically anything that could stain a carpet can also stain the grout. 

 

This Is Why You Need To Clean Your Grout

 

Obviously, a clean grout makes the entire room look brighter and cleaner. Did you know that it will also make your grout last longer too? 

 

It’s true! As the dirt and grime piles up on your grout, it can cause it to crack and you might need to replace it earlier than if you just keep it clean. 

 

The Best DIY Grout Cleaner 

 

Are you ready for it? This is the best DIY grout cleaner – it even rivals the kinds you can find in the store! 

 

There are just two ingredients – baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Together, they whiten your grout and as you scrub it looks like the dirt just lifts away. 

 

The ratio is one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda. 

 

An example of the amounts is 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of baking soda. 

 

How To Clean Grout With Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda 

 

First, decide how much grout you are going to clean. This will determine how much cleaner you should make. 

 

For an entire bathroom floor, I suggest making at least 1 cup of cleaner. 

 

Then, combine the hydrogen peroxide with the baking soda in a glass bowl. Mix it up really well. It will sizzle and fizz a lot – that’s the chemical reaction. It should form a thin paste. 

 

Scoop the paste and spread it directly to the grout. Let it sit on the grout for about 5-10 minutes, but not longer. Then, use a scrub brush to scrub the grout. An old toothbrush works the best!

 

If you find that it’s not coming clean very easily, add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. This will help to cut through the grease. 

 

Finally, after you scrub the grout completely clean, give the entire floor a final cleaning with a mop or damp cloth. Wash the floor with some warm after and a few drops of dish soap. This will clean off any leftover grout cleaner and make the entire floor shine! 

 

More DIY Grout Cleaners

 

Sometimes, hydrogen peroxide is tough to find in the stores. Here are some more homemade grout cleaner recipes that you can try too! I think the hydrogen peroxide mixture works the best, but lots of people love these cleaner combinations too.

 

• Lemon Juice Cleaner – 3 cups water, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/3 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup white vinegar. Mix in a spray bottle and spray the grout.

 

• Epsom Salts Cleaner – 1 cup Epsom salts, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup liquid dish soap. 

 

• Vinegar And Dish Soap – 1 gallon water, 1/4 cup washing soda, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp dish soap. 

 

• Essential Oil Cleaner – 1.5 gallons hot water, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 3/4 cup white vinegar, 5-10 drops of essential oils. 

 

Vinegar And Grout

 

If you are going to use vinegar on your grout, make sure it is really diluted, but I suggest not using it at all. 

 

Vinegar is an acid and it has a pH of 2. This acidity makes it so bad for grout that if you use too much, it could corrode the surface. 

 

If you read notes from people suggesting you mix vinegar and baking soda, you can try it, but understand it will clean just as well as plain water. It isn’t effective and could even damage your grout, so use vinegar sparingly on your tile. 

 

How To Keep Grout Clean 

 

Now that you know the best homemade grout cleaner, how do you maintain it and keep it clean for good? 

 

My biggest tip is to seal your grout about once a year. The sealant will create a barrier that will prevent stains and dirt buildup. 

 

Another way to keep your grout nice and clean is by vacuuming it instead of just sweeping and mopping. The vacuuming will really suck up the tiny bits of dirt and dust that can settle on the grout and stain it. 

 

Also, be careful not to use too much soap cleaner or detergent when you mop your floors. Excess floor cleaner can leave a residue that actually attracts more dirt to it, making more work for you.

 

Finally, make sure your floors stay completely dry. If you use too much water when you mop, go back and dry it up. Too much moisture on the grout can cause mildew stains and discoloration really fast! 

 

DIY Grout Cleaner: Final Thoughts

 

Of all the different homemade grout cleaners, the best one I found is the combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. With just these two ingredients (and a handy toothbrush) you can scrub your grout and make it look brand new! 

 

Read More And Continue Keeping Your Home Clean:

 

How To Quickly Clean Your Oven

The Easiest Way To Clean Your Dishwasher

How To Clean A Kitchen Sink Drain

 

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