How to clean grout on floor tiles? [June-2022]

Grout dirt is very stubborn and does not get cleaned easily. But if you know the proper way to clean grout on floor tiles then you can save yourself from a lot of hassle. This will save both your time and money.

Throughout my grout cleaning experience, I have got to know a lot of hacks that make the journey easier. So without any further delay, let us have a look at the proper way to clean grouts on floor tiles. 

So, tighten your seatbelts, and let’s jump into it right away.

What tools are needed to clean grout on floor tiles?

During your floor tile grout cleaning process, the following tools will come in handy. Hence, it will be the best decision to have them with you before you start to clean grout on floor tiles.

1. Chemical Guys Heavy Duty Sprayer

This heavy-duty sprayer comes in a 3 set pack and is resistant to harsh chemicals. Its efficient spray head is can deliver 40% more liquid. On top of that, the 16 oz containers are made of clear plastic which lets you see what is on the inside. 

Average Customer Review Score (Out of 5): 4.5

Features:

• bottle for a chemical-resistant detailing product.
• The heavy-duty, high-output sprayer head that comes with this bottle pumps out 1.3 ml of product for every stroke, which is 40% more than ordinary sprayers. Lucid plastic is a product type.
• 16-ounce bottle capacity for expert detailing in any circumstance.
• Precautionary statements, danger identification, and easy product dilution are all provided on printed labels.

Pros:

• Long lasting
• Durable with harsh chemicals
• Transparent making it easy to see inside
• An efficient output nozzle sprays out more chemicals

Cons:

• The 16 oz size may not be a suitable size for some people 

2. Rubbermaid Grout Cleaner Multi-Purpose Scrub Brush

The Rubbermaid multi-purpose scrubber has a motor fixed on the head which reduces your effort in cleaning. The motorized head rotates 60 times per second, meaning you do not have to scrub much manually.

The motorized head will also help you clean places that are hard to reach and difficult to wash. Its rubberized grip feels ergonomic and prevents slipping off the brush handle from your hand.

Average Customer Review Score (Out of 5): 4.5

Features:

• You don’t have to scrub since oscillating heads do it 60 times per second.
• You may choose the best tool for the job thanks to interchangeable accessory brushes.
• Rubbermaid’s water-resistant construction provides the durability you expect.
• Settings for continuous and pulse scrubbing
• comfortable cleaning with an ergonomic grip and rubberized molding.
• Settings for both pulse and continuous scrubbing
• 6 volts is delivered by the tool.
• It includes four AA batteries.

Pros:

• Water resistant
• Easy to grip 
• Heavy duty
• Rotating head helps in faster cleaning

Cons:

• Need to replace batteries after they get discharged

How to clean grout on floor tiles on the entrance?

The entrance is one of those areas where we have maximum footsteps. Hence, it becomes dirty at the fastest pace, especially because of outside dirt. To clean it, you can use a DIY grout cleaner made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

DIY Grout Cleaner Making process:

• Wear safety gloves to avoid skin irritations
• Take a bowl and mix equal portions of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in it
• Stir until it becomes a standard paste.

Application process:

• Take a grout cleaning brush and apply the cleaner you have made
• Apply it evenly on the grout
• Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes

After the application process, you need to scrub as long as the dirt is cleaned. Then rinse with lukewarm water. Let it dry, and then check for any uncleaned area. 

If you find any, then repeat the process and make the region sparkling clean. There is another homemade grout cleaner recipe that you can try if you do not have access to the ingredients.

Alternative cleaning process:

• In a bowl, mix water and bicarbonate of soda in the ratio of 1:2 and form a paste
• Apply it to the dirty grouts
• Scrub them with a cleaning brush
• Spray vinegar on the region
• Let bubbles form and keep it like that for some time
• Clean it with warm water

How to clean grout in the bathroom and shower area?

Cleaning grout on the bathroom and shower area is a bit different. Here also, you can use DIY homemade grout cleaners, but you need to prepare the environment for that first.

DIY Grout Cleaner Making process:

• Wear safety gloves to avoid skin irritations
• In a container, mix baking soda and bleach
• Stir it to make a thick paste.

Application process:

• Close the door and windows of the bathroom/shower area
• Run the hot shower for a few minutes
• Apply the thick paste evenly with a brush
• Let it sit for around 20 minutes

Now you can wipe off the paste with a dry cotton towel. Let it dry and then check for any remaining dirt. If there are any, then clean off the mud by repeating the above steps. After everything is complete, do not forget to wipe the entire bathroom area.

Cleaning tile grout using a grout pen

Another method for getting rid of dirty grout is using a grout pen. This is the perfect solution for those who are in a hurry. This does not remove the dirt. Instead, it applies a waterproof layer of paint, matching the color of your floor tile grout. This layer on top hides the mud and dirt below it, making it a quick solution. 

A grout pen is also a good option for cleaning hard water stains. But do not consider this to be a regular alternative to cleaning the grouts. This solution can be used for short-term results, especially by people who have a shortage of time.

Using plain water to clean tile grout

Another shortcut approach to cleaning the grout quickly is using plain water. But here is a thing to understand. You cannot apply it whenever you want. There are some pre-requisites.

This method will work only if the grout has some wet dirt or clay on it and is not there for long. If that is the case, then you can apply warm water and scrub it. This will clean off the dirt.

Which one is better: Chemical cleaners or DIY cleaners?

For grout cleaning purposes, DIY cleaners are better than chemical cleaners in most cases. This is because the chemical cleaners which we buy from the stores may contain harsh chemicals. These harsh chemical cleaners can cause skin irritations.

On top of that, if you use such harsh chemical-based cleaners on a regular basis, then the tiles and grout may also start to erode. As a result, you will also have to replace the tiles, which will bring an additional cost.

Considering all of these problems, DIY homemade cleaners are better than chemical cleaners. They do not contain such harsh chemicals which reduces your chance of skin irritation.

Conclusion

When it comes to grout cleaning, we all get a shiver running down our spine. This is mostly because of the excessive effort required. But that energy-draining process can be made easy if you know how to clean grout on floor tiles. For this, you do not need to use any ready-made harsh chemical cleaners.

You can prepare DIY grout cleaners at home and make the tiles and grouts sparkling clean, just like new. Just follow the steps mentioned above and clean it accordingly. You would love the results.

You may like to read Bruces Floor Cleaner for Laminate and Hardwood Floors