Tiles are usually an easy surface to clean, but cleaning floor tile grout is hard work. The grout that fills the gaps between the tiles can get discolored and dirty over time. Due to its porous composition, it attracts dirt and stains easily. Thankfully, you can use common household products to clean floor tile grout. However, before you start the process, take care to check if the grout has been sealed or requires resealing.

How can you clean floor tile grout?

The methods for cleaning floor tiles are pretty simple. However, grout needs special attention, it’s not like simply wiping off the dirt from the floor.

Here are some easy tips and ways to clean stained grout:

Cleaning floor tile grout with a grout cleaner

Utilizing commercial grout cleaners could make it easy to remove mold and restore grout lines.

You can spray the grout cleaner on the tile joints and either wipe it off with a cloth or simply rub the area with a brush. The choice depends upon the manufacturer’s instructions. So before you start working, carefully read the instructions and safety precautions to be taken.

It is advisable not to use extremely acidic cleaners, oil-based cleaners, and waxy cleaners, as the acidic ones may dissolve the grout, and the oily cleaners can attract dirt, which makes the cleaning process more difficult in the future.

Cleaning floor tile grout with baking soda, vinegar, and water

Mix together baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice (baking soda being ¾ of the mixture) to get a paste that you have to then apply over the grout.

Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar and spray it on the grout. This can result in foaming bubbles.

Once it stops foaming, scrub thoroughly with a sponge or a brush. Then, use a wet cloth to wipe the area.

Be aware that adding an acidic substance such as vinegar can result in tile and grout damage, so apply vinegar only if it suits your tiles and if the grout is properly sealed.

Cleaning floor tile grout with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

Make a paste using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. You can use both these in equal amounts or combine them in a proportion that provides a thin paste.

Add a little bit of dish wash soap to the mixture.

Apply the mixture to the tile grout and let it settle for about ten to fifteen minutes. After that, scrub the area with a brush and then rinse with warm water.

Keep in mind that this solution might not be suitable for all forms of tiles, so always check with the tile manufacturer before using it.

Cleaning floor tile grout with bleach

Bleach is mostly used for tougher stains. Chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach can be used for cleaning floor tile grout . Be aware that the chemmical cannot be used as a regular choice as it can cause damage to some types of tiles and grout.

Chlorine bleach also comes with the risk of leaching out the color. So, for white grout, you may use chlorine bleach, and for colored grout, oxygen bleach would be the better option.

You can clean the grout by applying a diluted commercial bleach solution and then scrub the area with a toothbrush. Before using any chlorine bleach products, be sure to rinse the area with water.

If you are using oxygen bleach, then mix equal parts of powdered bleach and warm water and let the solution soak in for approximately ten minutes.

Spray the solution over the grout with a spray bottle. Then rinse the area with cold water, wipe with a cloth and allow it to air dry.

Additional methods of cleaning floor tile grout
Given below are some techniques to get rid of mild grout issues.

Cleaning with water
Sometimes the grout might just need a scrub with water to make it clean. In that case, you can use water and a brush or a wet cloth to clean the affected area and bring back its shine.

Cleaning with a steam cleaner
This method uses steam power to remove the dirt from the grout. Investing in a portable steam cleaner can save you time and effort.

Using a pen to clean tile grout
Grout pens are easy-to-use objects that can brighten the spaces between the tiles. Instead of cleaning, the pens apply a layer of waterproof paint that matches the grout’s original color. Grout pens can combat fungal mold growth and are easily available.

Keep in mind that you can either make your own DIY cleaner or utilize commercial cleaning accessories and chemicals. Once the grout begins to look dirty, immediately start with the mildest approach and clean regularly.