How to Clean Floor Tile Grout Without Scrubbing
Cleaning tile grout can be a pain in the butt. Scrubbing away dirt and grime with a toothbrush is enough to make anyone cringe. But what if we said you could have a sparkling floor without all the hard work? In this post, the experts at Upstairs Downstairs Cleaning will share quick and easy hacks to clean your floor tile grout without having to grab a scrub brush. We’ve got you covered, from DIY cleaners using peroxide and baking soda or gentle citrus and vinegar to powerful store-bought alkaline cleaners.
And if you want to avoid cleaning altogether, we’ll also reveal the secret to no-scrub cleaning. Our tips will help you maintain clean and stain-free grout, seal grout, and mop tiles for sparkling floors – saving time and your knees!
Easiest Way to Clean Floor Grout
With these quick and easy hacks, achieving spotless grout lines doesn’t have to be daunting. The best way is to use a steam cleaner that loosens dirt and grime from your tile grout, which can be costly. Since many homeowners don’t own a steamer, we have some alternative options. We have had great success with DIY cleaning solutions and listed our top mixes below; you can also use bleach or a store-bought cleaner.
Let’s jump in!
1. Peroxide and Baking Soda DIY Cleaner
Our first at-home solution is Peroxide and Baking Soda. The baking soda neutralizes odors while cleaning, and the hydrogen peroxide kills any fungus or bacteria that may be lurking in your grout. The good news is these products are safe on grout and create an easy-to-use paste once mixed. Apply this paste onto your grimy floor grouts and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping it off with a damp sponge or cloth. This excellent hack effectively removes stubborn stains and discoloration from your floors and bathroom tiles or shower grout without damaging them due to their mild nature. Please note that you should always do a patch test before trying new cleaning solutions on surfaces or grout floors.
Combine a 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide and a 1/2 cup of baking soda to make your DIY grout cleaner.
2. Gentle Citrus and Vinegar Cleaning Solution
The following DIY cleaner on our list is a gentle citrus and vinegar cleaner! It’s made with all-natural ingredients, including lemon juice and white vinegar; this DIY cleaner is safe for your kids, pets, and the environment. It provides a quick solution for dirty grout and helps prevent the buildup of moisture, mold, and mildew in your bathroom tiles or shower walls. And it doesn’t require any scrubbing! Just apply the mixture to your floor tiles with a sponge or spray bottle, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it away with warm water.
To make this magical no-scrub cleaner, mix 1/2 cup baking soda, 3 cups water, 1/3 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup white vinegar.
3. Powerful Clorox Bleach Stain Remover
Most people have bleach, making Clorox a great choice for those without supplies for DIY cleaners. Make sure to dilute it with water before use so it doesn’t harm your tiles or grout. When working with bleach, always wear protective gear like gloves and goggles. Regular grout cleaning will avoid the buildup of dirt and grout stains in the first place.
To make your bleach cleaner, dilute 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water.
4. Alkaline Store-Bought Flooring Cleaner
Now that we have covered the DIY cleaners, it’s onto store-bought. Another way to remove stubborn stains and dirt from tile grout is by using alkaline cleaners. These products are specifically designed to dissolve even the toughest buildup with ease. There are many popular brands available, like CLR, Zep grout cleaner, and Tilex, that homeowners can choose from. However, wearing protective gloves while using these cleaners and testing them beforehand is essential, as they may not be suitable for all types of tiles or grouts. Make sure to follow the packaging instructions provided for the best results.
The No Scrub Secret: Sealing Your Grout
Once you have taken the time to clean your grout, you will want to keep it that way as long as possible! The easiest way to keep your tile grout clean and free from stains, mold and mildew is to apply a sealant. By doing so, you’re protecting the porous surface from moisture buildup and dirt. Apply sealant evenly and regularly to ensure that it’s effective in repelling dirt. You can choose from various types of sealers available in the market according to your needs. Professional cleaning services can also be contacted for deep cleaning and sealing services for shower walls, floors, or bathroom tiles.
Not only does sealing help prevent moisture buildup, but it also stops mold from growing in your grout lines, so cleaning becomes much more manageable. Using a heat-resistant grout sealer on your bathroom grout tiles or shower walls, you can keep soap scum at bay for longer as it repels water and stains.
Mopping Techniques for Sparkling Clean Tiles
Regular mopping of your tile floor is a great way to keep it clean, but it’s essential to use the proper technique for optimal results. First, ensure that you’re using a pH-neutral cleaner with a damp mop, as this will help prevent any damage or discoloration while gently cleaning both tiles and grout. If there are stubborn stains or buildup on your tiles, try using a vinegar solution of 1/2 cup vinegar to one gallon of warm water before mopping so that dirt can easily break down and loosen up.
When mopping, less is more; ensure to wring out your mop thoroughly every time.
Save your time and your knees with these easy ways to clean grout!
These effective cleaning hacks will get your tiles sparkling clean without all the elbow grease. We reviewed how to create a paste with baking soda or use hydrogen peroxide on stubborn stains, making a DIY lemon juice and vinegar cleaner that naturally cleans grout without harsh chemicals and other cleaner options. No matter what solution you decide to clean with, remember to seal your grout after to make maintenance easier.
Lastly, mopping regularly with warm water or a white vinegar mixture is another excellent way to keep your tiles looking clean. With these tips, you’ll never have to scrub grout again! And even though we have shared our best guidance to accomplish this task, we know it’s still time-consuming, especially if you have large areas of tiled flooring in your home. Upstairs Downstairs is available to help and tackle the task for you; fill out our contact form or give us a call to book a deep cleaning of your grout today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do professionals use to clean floor tile grout?
Professional tile and grout cleaners typically use steam cleaning, specialized solutions, and tools. Avoid harsh chemicals to prevent damage. Regular sweeping and mopping can also aid in preventing buildup and simplify cleaning.
Does Dawn dish soap clean tile grout?
Dawn dish soap can be a helpful tool for cleaning tile grout. Combine it with white vinegar and water to make a solution, apply it to the grout lines, and let it sit before scrubbing with a brush. Rinse it off with water and dry the surface.
Does Magic Eraser work on grout?
Magic Eraser can be helpful for cleaning grout. Moisten the eraser and gently rub it over the grout to remove dirt and stains, but test a small area first to avoid damage. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly after use.
Will hydrogen peroxide damage grout?
It is often used to clean grout, but testing it on a small area is crucial. If used correctly, it shouldn’t damage the grout. However, if you need more clarification, seek professional help.
