How to Clean Tile Grout in Shower with Baking Soda
Tired of grimy, discolored grout in your shower? Don't worry, you don't need harsh chemicals to get it sparkling clean! Baking soda, a natural cleaning agent, can work wonders on your shower grout. Here's how to use it effectively:
What you'll need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Old toothbrush
- Sponge
- Warm water
Steps:
- Prepare the grout: Remove any loose debris or hair from the grout lines with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth.
- Make the cleaning paste: In a small bowl, mix together equal parts baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste: Using the old toothbrush, apply the paste directly to the grout lines. Make sure to cover all the grout thoroughly.
- Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit on the grout for about 15-20 minutes. This will give the baking soda time to break down the dirt and grime.
- Scrub the grout: Once the paste has dried slightly, scrub the grout lines with the toothbrush. Use gentle, circular motions to remove the dirt and grime.
- Rinse the grout: Rinse the grout thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the baking soda paste.
- Clean the shower: Wipe down the entire shower area with a damp sponge to remove any remaining baking soda residue.
- Optional: Vinegar Rinse: For deeper cleaning and to remove any lingering odors, you can use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. After rinsing the baking soda paste, spray the vinegar solution on the grout lines and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse again with clean water.
Tips:
- Wear gloves: This will protect your hands from the baking soda.
- Work in small sections: To avoid the paste drying too quickly, work on small sections of grout at a time.
- For stubborn stains: If the grout is heavily stained, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to your baking soda paste.
- Repeat as needed: You may need to repeat the cleaning process a few times to achieve the desired results.
Maintaining Clean Grout:
Once your grout is clean, you can keep it looking fresh with regular maintenance. Here are a few tips:
- Clean after each shower: Wipe down the grout with a damp cloth to remove any soap scum and grime.
- Use a grout sealer: Applying a grout sealer will help protect your grout from staining and make it easier to clean in the future.
Using baking soda is a safe and effective way to clean your shower grout without resorting to harsh chemicals. With a little elbow grease, you can have your shower looking sparkling clean in no time!
