How To Clean Tile Grout

Tiles are an ideal building material for floors, countertops, walls, patios, and a wide variety of other projects. However, like all building materials, tiles can become marred and dirty over time due to exposure to general wear and tear. The grout between tiles can be particularly hard to clean, as it sits on a different level and is made out of different materials than the tiles themselves. Knowing how to properly clean tile grout can make it much easier for you to restore the appearance of your tiled surface in just a few minutes.

What You'll Need

Gather all of the materials and tools that you'll need before you start in order to make the cleaning process as quick and simple as possible. You'll need white vinegar, ammonia, baking soda, a large bucket, warm water, a spray bottle, a grout brush or toothbrush, a rag, and a common commercial cleaner (or a specific tile cleaner). All of these items can be found at most hardware and grocery stores if you don't already have them at home.

Cleaning Tile Grout

First things first, you'll want to clean the tiles themselves. This is a fairly easy process, and requires you to simply spray down the tiles using a common household cleaner or a specific tile cleaner, wiping thoroughly with a rag.

Next, you'll want to mix your grout cleaner, as grout will hold onto dirt much harder than the surface of your tiles will. Fill the bucket with warm water, adding in half a cup each of vinegar, ammonia, and baking soda (be warned: don't add in bleach, as bleach and ammonia and bleach and vinegar both create poisonous gas that can be lethal). Mix until all the ingredients are completely blended.

Pour your newly made mixture into the spray bottle, and spray the grout that you will be cleaning. It is okay to spray the entire area and let the solution sit for a while, as this allows it to sink into the grout and break down the dirt and stains that it is holding onto.

Once the solution has sat for five to ten minutes, you can begin scrubbing liberally using the grout brush (in a pinch, a toothbrush will do). This should be more than enough to remove most dirt and stains, but you may need to apply a second dose of your cleaning solution in severe cases.

Once you've scrubbed all the grout that needs cleaning, you can spray down the wall with water and wipe with a clean rag to leave your tiles and grout sparkling as good as new. For more help, bring in professional home cleaning services.