Making the switch to homemade grout cleaner and natural tile cleaner is simple and affordable. You probably already have all the necessary ingredients. In my opinion, these homemade cleaners are more effective than many store-bought options. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about exposing your kids to harmful chemicals when they bathe or play on the floor. These recipes were created out of necessity when I moved into my first home and had to deal with mold in the bathroom. Fortunately, these natural cleaners effectively cleaned the ceramic tile and grout.
The problem with store-bought tile cleaning products is that they often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health. While some claim to offer a deep clean without scrubbing, I prefer using natural cleaning methods. One popular DIY hack is using toilet bowl cleaner for grout, but this can cause damage over time and contains harsh chemicals. Chlorine bleach is another option, but it doesn’t actually kill mold and can be harmful.
To clean grime and buildup on shower tiles, there are several natural ingredients you can use. Vinegar is a gentle acid that works well as a tile floor cleaner, but it can break down grout over time, so use it sparingly. Baking soda is a gentle scrubbing agent that helps remove dirt and stains. Washing soda, which can be made from baking soda, adds an extra cleaning boost. Borax, though controversial, helps remove dirt and stains on tile and grout while also softening water. Castile soap serves as a natural replacement for conventional dish soap in DIY grout cleaners. Hydrogen peroxide has a foaming action that whitens and lifts stains, but be cautious with colored grout as it may bleach it.
Before cleaning tile and grout, consider the material you’re working with. Marble and stone tile require special care as they are more sensitive to acids. Generally, a cleaning solution of filtered water and castile soap works best for these materials. Porcelain tile can benefit from other homemade cleaners such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. When cleaning, use rubber gloves to protect your hands and a grout cleaning brush, scrub brush, or old toothbrush. Let the grout-cleaning mixture sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush or sponge. For less intense messes, a sponge will suffice.
It’s important to protect your grout, especially if it’s older, as excessive scrubbing can cause it to chip and crumble. Regularly resealing grout is recommended, especially in high-traffic areas. If your grout is damaged, it’s time to replace it as it can harbor mold and mildew. By keeping your grout clean and sealed, you can protect it and prevent future issues.
Here are some homemade tile and grout cleaner recipes:
– For light cleaning of water spots or dirt: Dampen a sponge and dip it in regular baking soda. Wipe down the tub or tiles and rinse with warm water.
– For soap scum: Mix filtered water, a little castile soap (or dish soap), and white vinegar to clean the tile and grout.
– For tough stains or set-in dirt: Use a damp sponge soaked in white vinegar to wipe down the surface. Immediately scrub with a mixture of baking soda and a scrub brush or sponge.
For tough stains, try this homemade grout cleaner recipe:
– Combine all the ingredients except vinegar and gently mix. Wipe down the area with white vinegar using a cloth or sponge. Scrub the grout with the baking soda mixture and rinse. For tubs, wipe with white vinegar, sprinkle with the baking soda mixture, and let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse.
To remove mold stains from grout, make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray the grout until saturated, wait 45 minutes, then wipe down with a sponge and rinse well. You can also add tea tree essential oil to the mixture.
Have you ever tried making your own homemade tile or grout cleaner? How did it work for you?