10 DIY Homemade Grout Cleaners

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Grout is called the space between the tiles, and is usually harder to clean because they sit at a lower level than the tiles themselves. Therefore, grouts tend to be dark and dirty over time, especially if you live in a humid area and/or have mold problems.

With that said when cleaning grout, it pays to invest in an eco-friendly cleaner. Dirty grout can be cleaned with less toxic products that you can mix at home. Instead of buying from the grocery store, you can make your own household cleaner to get rid of unsightly stains and mold. In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own homemade grout cleaner.

Homemade Grout Cleaner

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Contents

Recipes for Homemade Grout Cleaner

Whether you want to stay away from commercial cleaners because you want to be eco-friendlier in your everyday living, or whether you simply want a convenient homemade grout cleaner, here are some great recipes that will help you out.

Lemon Grout Cleaner

In this recipe, you will have a fresh-smelling grout cleaner. This is applicable for people who want a light, citrus scent. Most of the ingredients are easy to find around the house so this should be a breeze to make.

What you’ll need:

  • 3 cups of water
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • old toothbrush

Directions:

  1. Mix all of the ingredients into a spray bottle.
  2. Apply it to the grout using the sprayer.
  3. Let the area sit for a few minutes.
  4. Start scrubbing the grout using an old toothbrush.

Epsom Salt Grout Cleaner

If you prefer the cleaning power of Epsom salt, this is a great grout cleaner recipe to consider. It also makes use of common household ingredients. Epsom salt has been associated with reducing stress and also as a magnesium supplement for humans.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 cup Epsom salt
  • 1/4 hand washing dish soap (liquid)
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • old toothbrush or an brush
  • plastic scooper

Directions:

  1. Mix the ingredients in one container.
  2. Use a plastic scooper to pick up some of the solution.
  3. Pour the scoop onto the grout.
  4. Start rubbing the grout with your brush.
  5. Rinse the grout with water and let it dry.

For Stubborn Grout Stains

If you need to get rid of stubborn grout stains, this is a recipe for you. Keep in mind that you need to be careful because of the hydrogen peroxide, so wear safety gloves and keep children and pets out of the way when you are cleaning.

What you’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup of baking soda
  • 1 tsp dish soap
  • 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
  • old toothbrush or an brush
  • plastic scooper
  • safety gloves

Directions:

  1. Wear safety gloves to protect yourself from the hydrogen peroxide.
  2. Combine all of the ingredients mentioned above into a bucket or container.
  3. Scoop out the mixture using the plastic scooper and pour over the grout.
  4. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Scrub the area and then rinse.

For Very Stubborn Grout Stains

If the above-mentioned grout cleaner recipe still didn’t work, why not try this one? It is simply a stronger version of the previous list of ingredients. As always, wear gloves so that you’ll handle the hydrogen peroxide safely.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • old toothbrush or an brush
  • 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
  • safety gloves
  • plastic scooper

Directions:

  1. Wear safety gloves to protect yourself from the hydrogen peroxide.
  2. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the affected area.
  3. Spray the hydrogen peroxide on the grout to make it wet.
  4. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Start scrubbing the affected grout and then wipe it clean.

Foamy Grout Cleaner

This easy grout cleaner is a homemade blend of various ingredients, such as kitchen staples. You can easily dot this at home – the essential oil is simply an added bonus to make the cleaner smell good after you’ve used it on your grout.

What you’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 3 tbsp dishwashing liquid
  • 3 tbsp salt
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup baking soda
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil or similar
  • scrubbing brush

Directions:

  1. Combine all of the ingredients into a bucket or large container.
  2. Keep mixing until the mixture gets a foamy consistency.
  3. Pour some content into a spray bottle.
  4. Start spraying the grout.
  5. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Watery Grout Cleaner

A watery mixture such as this one could also be a good cleaner for your grout. This recipe makes use of common household items but it also uses washing soda, which is typically used to make homemade laundry detergent if you have hard water problems.

What you’ll need:

  • 1/4 cup washing soda
  • 1 tbsp dish soap
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 gallon water with container

Directions:

  1. Use a 1-gallon container to combine vinegar, washing soda, and dish soap.
  2. Pour the water slowly into the mixture.
  3. Transfer some of the mixture into a spray bottle.
  4. Spray the floor and then let it sit.
  5. After a few minute, start scrubbing the floor.

Hot Water Grout Cleaner

Never underestimate the power of hot water! It kills bacteria and germs easily because of its temperature. Combine it with Castile soap, vinegar, and essential oils, you’ll have a convenient homemade grout cleaner for stubborn stains!

What you’ll need:

  • 1 gallon hot water
  • 2 tbsp Castile soap
  • lemon essential oil drops (as needed)
  • 1/4 cup vinegar

Directions:

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a bucket or container.
  2. Dip a mop and start mopping or scrubbing the affected area.

Hot Water Grout Cleaner #2

If the above-mentioned recipe didn’t suit you, here’s a stronger version, which uses hydrogen peroxide. As always, wear safety clothing when you handle chemicals like these to avoid accidents. This will be ideal for very tough stains.

What you’ll need:

  • 5 gallons hot water
  • lemon essential oil
  • 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
  • safety gloves
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup white vinegar

Directions:

  1. Wear safety gloves before handling the mixture.
  2. Combine all the ingredients into hot water and stir.
  3. Apply on the grout in either spray or mopping method.

Simple Grout Cleaner

For those who want a hassle-free and minimal ingredient grout cleaner at home, here’s a simple and straightforward recipe just for you.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 tbsp dishwashing detergent
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar

Directions:

  1. Combine the ingredients into a spray bottle and mix.
  2. Spray on the grout as needed.
  3. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Scrub the grout and then rinse.

 

Tea Tree and Orange Grout Cleaner

If you are a big fan of essential oils, this recipe is for you. It makes use of both tea tree and sweet orange essential oils to make your tiles and grout smell good. However, you can also substitute it with similar oils that suit your smelling preferences, but we greatly advise citrus-like scents for a clean feeling.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 tbsp baking soda
  • tea tree and sweet orange essential oils
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp Castile soap

Directions:

  1. Combine the baking soda, water, and Castile soap.
  2. Pour 30 drops of tea tree and 20 drops of sweet orange essential oil.
  3. Shake and stir the mixture.
  4. Spray the mixture onto the grout.
  5. Wipe the grout and tile clean afterwards.

How to Keep Grout Clean

So now that we have some homemade grout cleaners, how else can you keep your grout clean? Here are some simple tips to lessen grout stains and mold so that you don’t have to scrub hard the next time you clean up.

1. Seal your grout yearly

Get your grout sealed so that it won’t be penetrated by various dirt and debris that could form stains and mold. Sealing grouts is just as similar as sealing your driveway pavement – you can easily find a grout sealer in your local hardware store. An added bonus is that the both the tiles and grout get preserved of their texture and color, too.

2. Mop or wipe the tiles weekly

By regularly cleaning your tiles and grout, you’re keeping away dirt and debris from forming stains. Even just a simple combination of cleaning solution (as mentioned above) and water will do – so long as you don’t overdo the harsh cleaners.

3. Use gentle detergent on floor leaning

As mentioned above, we prefer using natural cleaners on grouts if there are no horrible stains. By using these products, you’re prolonging the lifespan of your tiles and grout.

4. Vacuum regularly

Much like mopping or wiping, vacuuming will also help get rid of dirt and dust that could settle in your grout and form stains.

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