Peroxide has a similar reaction with baking soda, releasing gas bubbles that help lift stains. The acid in the vinegar reacts immediately on contact with the baking soda, causing a bubbling reaction that releases carbon dioxide and helps lift dislodged dirt and stains.Īs another alternative, if you don’t have any vinegar, head to the medicine cabinet and use hydrogen peroxide instead. Using a spray bottle, apply vinegar over the baking soda paste. The baking soda’s gritty texture helps to dislodge some dirt as it’s initially applied. Step 1: Make and Apply Baking Soda PasteĬombine baking soda and water to form a relatively stiff, wet paste, then apply along grout lines and brush-in with a stiff brush. When combined, they have an effect similar in many ways to oxi-based cleaners. Baking soda and vinegar each offer their own cleaning properties. Cleaning Grout – Method 3: Baking Soda and VinegarĪlthough it takes a few extra steps, you can get your grout clean with nothing but pantry staples. Oxi-cleaners act on stains by “oxidizing” them with an oxygen-based formula that is far less reactive and dangerous than other oxidizing cleaners and sanitizers, which usually contain chlorine bleach. Using an oxi-based cleaner in lieu of more harsh chemical detergents is a very safe option, as these products generally contain non-harmful (though not necessarily non-toxic) ingredients. If using the mop method, be sure to scrub well enough to dislodge any remaining dirt in the grout lines as you go. If using the damp towel method, you may need to repeat the process a time or two to get all of the dirt and residue off. Alternatively, if you’re working on a large area, you can complete this step all at once by wet or damp mopping the surface extremely well with water. Then, dry with another clean cloth or towel. Using damp rags or towels, wipe up any remaining dirt and cleaner. Work with constant pressure and pace to maintain a consistent result and avoid patchiness. However, any cleaning brush with stiff bristles will work with a little extra effort.īy now the oxi-cleaner should have broken up and oxidized most of the stains, allowing the brush to mechanically clear away the remaining dirt and debris. You can make the job significantly easier by using a cordless drill with a drill brush attachment.

Step 3: Loosen Dirt and Stains with a Brushīegin scrubbing the grout lines with a firm-bristled brush. Just avoid letting the solution dry before moving on to the next step. Work one section at a time and give it anywhere from five to twenty minutes to penetrate and act on the stains. Ideally, use an old paintbrush to apply the oxi-cleaner solution along the grout lines. However, I like to double that concentration for an extra powerful solution. If you like, you can use the proportions listed on the container. Mix up a concentrated solution of oxi-cleaner and water. This prevents things like dirt, hair, soaps and oils from getting in your way and making a bigger mess than necessary. Regardless of which method you choose to clean your grout, it’s important to start with a clean tile surface. If you need to purchase one, even a steam cleaner like the Bissell SteamShot is relatively affordable at a little over $40 online (as of October 2021).ĭISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. Replacement Grout Brushes (for steam cleaner, as needed)Įxpected Cost to Clean Grout: This project can reasonably be completed for little to no cost if you have the basic tools, cleaners, and pantry staples used in many of the steps.Hard Surface Steam Cleaner (like the Bissell SteamShot).

Bissell steam shot baseboards