DIY: 5 effective ways to clean grout on tiles

Have you been on a cleaning spree during this COVID-19 lockdown? We bring you a task that you could take up next—cleaning tile grout
COVID19 Stay at Home Guide 5 effective ways to clean grout on tiles
Having a germ-free, clean and safe home is the requirement of the hour. Photo credit: Олег Заnкин /Getty Images

Tile grout or the filler between each tile is highly porous in nature which makes it prone to stains, grease, grime and dirt—unclean grout can lead to the growth of mould and mildew. If you are looking for some easy ways to keep the tiled wall and floor surfaces neat and hygienic, here are some home remedies for cleaning the grout lines efficiently.

With these homemade solutions, you can keep your floors and walls sparkly clean. Photo credit: Imagemakers Creative Studio/ Getty Images

A Hot Water Spray

A warm water spray is the mildest cleaner for tile grout. Just spray the water onto the tiled surface and scrub the grout lines with a soft bristle brush. Wipe with a dry cloth.

You can also consider steam cleaners as they are one of most effective and eco-friendly ways to clean grout lines. Hot steam flows into the recessed grout lines to loosen all the dirt, grime and grease to make the tiled surfaces clean.

Vinegar and Water

Remove dirt and mild stains from the grout lines with a solution made with equal parts vinegar and water. Spray mild vinegar solution on the grout lines and let it stay on the grout for at least 5 minutes. Scrub the grout with a stiff brush. Wash the area with warm water.

NOTE: It is essential to dilute vinegar in water because vinegar is highly acidic in nature and can damage the tile and grout.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is one of the most popular home remedies used to remove tough stains from the tile grout. The first step is to make a paste of baking soda with water and apply it onto the grout lines. Then spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water onto the baking soda paste. There will be a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar—bubbles will form on the surface, later converting into a thick foamy mixture. Once the formation of bubbles stops, scrub the grout with an old brush to remove the buildup. Rinse with warm water.

Another way to use these two ingredients is by mixing baking soda and vinegar so that it forms a thick paste. Apply the paste onto the grout lines and leave it for 30 minutes. Now wash with warm water.

Hydrogen Peroxide

If the tile grout has moderate stains then spray hydrogen peroxide on the grout lines to remove dirt and stains. Scrub with a bristle brush, rinse with warm water and wipe.

Alternately, you can make a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Immediately apply it onto the tile grout and let it stay for sometime. Clean the grout lines with a brush. Rinse the tiled surface with warm water.

Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

For routine cleaning, spray diluted vinegar onto the grout at least once a week. Wipe with warm water.

The periodic maintenance should include application of sealers onto the grout lines. This is an effective way to fill the pores and keep the grout lines clean. Make sure that grout is absolutely dry before applying grout sealer.

Remember to periodically seal tile grout lines. Photo credit: Rawpixel/ Getty Images