How to Clean Tile Grout With Baking Soda and Peroxide
Tile grout can easily become discolored and stained, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Thankfully, you don't need harsh chemicals to clean it. A simple mixture of baking soda and peroxide can effectively brighten your grout and make your tiles look new again.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean tile grout with baking soda and peroxide:
What you'll need:
- Baking soda: A natural abrasive that helps scrub away dirt and grime.
- Hydrogen peroxide: A natural bleach that helps brighten and whiten grout.
- Warm water: For mixing and rinsing.
- Old toothbrush: For scrubbing.
- Small bowl: For mixing the solution.
- Microfiber cloth: For wiping and drying.
- Optional: Rubber gloves: To protect your hands.
Instructions:
- Prepare the grout: Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose debris.
- Mix the solution: In a small bowl, combine equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. You'll likely need about 1 tablespoon of each for small areas.
- Apply the paste: Apply the baking soda and peroxide mixture directly to the grout lines using an old toothbrush.
- Scrub: Gently scrub the grout with the toothbrush, focusing on the dirtier areas. Work in small sections at a time.
- Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit for 10-15 minutes. This will give the baking soda and peroxide time to work their magic.
- Rinse: Use a damp cloth or sponge to rinse away the paste and any loosened dirt.
- Dry: Wipe the grout lines with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture.
Tips:
- For stubborn stains: If you have particularly stubborn stains, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the baking soda and peroxide mixture.
- Test in an inconspicuous area: It's always a good idea to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your grout first to ensure it doesn't damage the tile.
- Ventilate the area: Hydrogen peroxide can have a strong odor. Ventilate the area by opening windows or turning on a fan while working.
- Repeat as needed: You may need to repeat the cleaning process a few times to achieve the desired results.
With a little time and effort, you can use baking soda and peroxide to restore your tile grout to its original brilliance.
