No matter where your grout is, it is bound to become dirty. There are different ways your grout can get dirty. Grout in the bathroom is subjected to mold and mildew. The kitchen subjects grout to food stains, general household traffic and grime and mildew.

The key is to find a grout cleaner that will work for your grout problems. It is best to start with the least impact on your health. If the natural products will not work, you can try the harsher chemical cleaners last. While you may not wish to use chemicals, it is important to find a way to eliminate the mold and mildew from the grout.

Start with the first grout cleaning product and work your way to the last.

1Vinegar and baking soda: Dilute vinegar with an equal amount of water OR make a paste of baking soda with a little water. Use a stiff brush and scrub in small circles. Rinse with water and mop up remaining water.

2Steam cleaner: The pressure of a steam cleaner can loosen debris and stains that cleaners cannot dissolve. Steam cleaners are excellent sanitizers and are a great alternative to cleaning products.

3Regular household cleaners: Cleaners, such as Mr. Clean, Lysol or powder-based cleaners can help clean grout.

4Commercial tile and grout cleaner: For very stubborn stains, try to find a cleanser that has a balanced pH level to protect your grout from erosion of the chemicals. Spray on and let sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

5Oxygen bleach powder, hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach: This is the absolute last step to take. They should be diluted first. Follow directions and read warnings. These are very powerful cleaners and you should not use any other cleaners around these cleaners, as the fumes can be toxic and fatal.

Basic tips for grout cleaning:

• Test your cleaner on a small area before applying over entire floor.
• Clean grout with water to remove loose surface debris. Allow to dry.
• Avoid bleach on colored grout, it will become discolored.
• Use a stiff brush. Toothbrushes are not strong enough and metal bristles will wear away the grout.
• For any chemical cleaners, make sure room is well ventilated.
• Use protective eye gear and rubber gloves for chemical based cleaners.
• A grout cleaning tool can help, as well. Just scrape away the debris without the use of harsh chemicals!
• Apply grout sealer. Be sure to purchase the right type for the gout you have. Apply this sealer once a year or more, if possible.
• Grout sealer will prevent the migration of moisture below and within the tile, and it will help prevent stains.

If you keep up on your grout cleaning, it is likely the natural alternatives will work just fine. Try to stay away from harmful toxic cleaners. Cleaning grout can bring a fresh new look to your bathroom or kitchen.

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Comments (4)

• |2009-02-25 09:26:32 Lyndsey  - Grout Cleaning
  These are great tips for cleaning tile and grout. But, remember, safety should always come first. Ensure you wear the proper protective equipment, and never mix cleaners and chemicals as this is dangerous and may cause health issues.
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• |2009-09-10 05:40:16 LMALIK  - Howto clean grout?
  you can clean grout now with non-toxic oxygen bleach.mix this magic powder with water and simply pour it into the grout.in the time it takes you to drink a vanilla soda,the grout will be ready for a very light scrubbing and final rinse. oxygen bleach is color safe as well.
  
  by:- Latesh Malik
  http://www.knobsplusmore.com
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• |2010-03-01 11:21:38 debra
  by oxygen bleach powder, do you mean something like oxy clean? that is the only type i can think of, but if there is another that you have had success with, please share. i just bought a house and have tile floor in the entire downstairs that is sufferring from three children, three dogs, and two cats. thanks for any help.
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• |2010-08-31 04:55:24 jully
  Hi,
  Fine instructions. We can use a grout cleaner made from household articles or buy one in the store. What I have discovered is that using bleach and hydrogen peroxide to clean grout work perfect. What you certainly want to do before using any of these chemicals is testing a little spot on a tile and see what the effect is. If the color stays ok you can use it.
  
  Kitchen remodeling LA || Bathroom remodeling LA
  
  
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