Grout, a thin paste of sand, water, and other ingredients, is often used to fill the spaces between floor or wall tiles to secure them and prevent them from breaking. But the problem is that dirt, stains, and grime can accumulate on the grout, leading to a dull and unclean appearance. Thankfully, simple cleaning solutions help bring back its sparkle. Below are some natural and chemical tile grout cleaners you can make at home.

Homemade tile grout cleaners to try
Those who prefer a more natural approach to grout cleaning can try the solutions listed below. The ingredients used in these remedies are readily available:

Lemon juice and baking soda
Squeeze lemon juice onto some baking soda to create a paste. Apply it to the grout, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.

Club soda
Club soda is among the best grout cleaners for tile floors. Its carbonation helps loosen dirt and stains, making it a simple yet effective option for light cleaning.

Olive oil and vinegar
Mix equal parts of olive oil and white vinegar and apply the mixture to grout lines. Let it sit for a while before scrubbing it with a brush to remove dirt and grime.

Essential oils and water
Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water and use it as a natural grout cleaner. Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or lemon oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Many suggest using these oils as they leave behind a pleasant aroma once the cleaning is done.

Vinegar and salt spray
Mixing white vinegar and salt in a spray bottle creates a convenient and targeted solution for shower grout. The salt provides a bit of scrubbing action when sprayed onto grout lines.

Dish soap and water
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, apply the solution to the grout, and gently scrub with a brush or toothbrush. This home remedy works well for regular maintenance.

Steam cleaning
Use a steam cleaner to remove dirt and grime from floor tile grout. High-pressure steam can help loosen and lift dirt without harsh chemicals.

Homemade solutions for showers and bathrooms
The humid and damp air inside bathrooms can create an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Here are some homemade solutions to battle mold and mildew in the grout lines:

Borax and water
Mix borax with warm water, apply the solution to grout lines, and scrub with a brush. Borax has abrasive qualities that help break down and remove dirt, stains, and grime from surfaces like grout. It acts as a gentle scrubbing agent without damaging the ties. Borax also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, suitable for killing mold, mildew, and other microbes that grow in damp grout areas like showers.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and spray the solution onto the grout lines. Scrub gently after ten minutes and rinse. This is a handy shower grout cleaner that not only washes the tiles but also helps prevent mold growth, so be sure to give it a try.

Oxygen bleach
Unlike chlorine bleach, which can release harmful fumes, oxygen bleach is non-toxic and safer. It breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash, making it more environmentally friendly. Oxygen bleach is particularly useful for breaking down and removing stubborn stains, including those caused by mold, mildew, dirt, and food spills, without discoloring the tiles. It can help brighten and restore the color of grout. Let it sit for some time before scrubbing and rinsing the bathrooms’ tile grout.

Vinegar and baking soda paste
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply this mixture to the grout lines and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a brush and rinse with water. This mixture can show great results as a shower grout cleaner.

These DIY solutions utilize common household ingredients readily available in the market. They are also pet-friendly and child-safe. Unlike commercial cleaners, homemade solutions are free of harsh chemicals, reducing the risk of unnecessary health problems. Another advantage is that these cleaners are sustainable; they cause little to no environmental harm. Finally, homemade solutions are cost-effective, as homeowners can find most of the ingredients in the kitchen.

While cleaning floor tile grout is easy with natural solutions, they must be used correctly and regularly for the best results in the long run. It is advisable to not wait for dirt and grime to accumulate on the grout and then start cleaning.