How to Clean Shower Tile Grout with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Shower tile grout can easily become discolored and stained over time, making your bathroom look dingy and unclean. Fortunately, you can effectively clean your grout using natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar. This method is budget-friendly, environmentally friendly, and surprisingly effective. Here's how to do it:
What You'll Need:
- Baking Soda: A natural abrasive that will help scrub away dirt and grime.
- White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer that will help remove mildew and bacteria.
- Spray Bottle: To mix and apply the cleaning solution.
- Old Toothbrush: A handy tool for scrubbing grout lines.
- Sponge or Cloth: For wiping away the cleaning solution.
- Optional: Rubber Gloves (for sensitive skin)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Grout: Wet the grout lines thoroughly with water. This helps soften the dirt and grime, making it easier to clean.
- Mix the Cleaning Solution: In a spray bottle, combine equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Warning: The mixture will fizz and bubble, so make sure to spray it directly onto the grout lines.
- Apply the Solution: Spray the grout lines generously with the baking soda and vinegar solution. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the cleaning agents to work their magic.
- Scrub the Grout: Using an old toothbrush, scrub the grout lines gently but thoroughly. Pay extra attention to any particularly stained or discolored areas.
- Rinse and Wipe: Rinse the grout lines with clean water to remove the cleaning solution and debris. Then, use a sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining residue.
- Dry: Allow the grout lines to air dry completely.
Tips:
- Pre-Treat Stubborn Stains: For stubborn stains, you can create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the stained areas, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub gently with the toothbrush.
- Repeat as Needed: If the grout is still dirty, repeat the process. You may need to repeat this cleaning routine every few weeks or months, depending on how frequently you shower and the level of grime buildup.
- Prevent Future Staining: Apply a grout sealer after cleaning to help prevent future staining and make cleaning easier in the future.
Benefits of Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:
- Natural and Safe: Both baking soda and vinegar are natural ingredients that are safe for use in your bathroom.
- Cost-Effective: This cleaning method is significantly cheaper than using commercial grout cleaners.
- Environmentally Friendly: Using natural ingredients helps to minimize your environmental impact.
By using baking soda and vinegar to clean your shower tile grout, you can enjoy a sparkling clean bathroom without harsh chemicals and a hefty price tag.
