No matter how clean your toilet, shower, or sink may be, if the grout between your shower or floor tiles is dingy, your entire bathroom will look — and feel — dirty. Luckily, with some elbow grease and this advice on how to clean grout from Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, you can restore even the grimiest grout back to its natural state.
First, choose which route you want to take — DIY cleaners or failsafe products from tried-and-tested brands — and then follow this guide for a cleaner, brighter space.
How to Clean and Whiten Grout in Tiles
Don't let your grout get past the point of no repair: Clean it every week or as needed to prevent it from yellowing. When you first catch a glimpse of grout haze (or when you just feel like your bathroom needs a refresh), follow this step-by-step guide:
- Mix 3/4 cup household chlorine bleach with 1 gallon water. Or for a ready-made option, try CLR Fresh Scent Bath and Kitchen Cleaner.
- Wearing rubber gloves, use a stiff brush to apply the formula to one small area at a time. Be careful not to let the liquid splatter onto you or surrounding surfaces.
- Let sit for several minutes, then scrub and rinse.
How to Make Homemade Tile Grout Cleaner
Proof that you don't need to rely on bleach and other chemicals to make your bathroom sparkle. Instead, turn to your pantry for all the ingredients you need to make this all-natural cleaner. To note: This mixture isn't quite as powerful as commercial cleaners or bleach, so it may take extra elbow grease and patience to get noticeable results.
- Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide until it forms a paste. Apply it to the grout.
- Let sit a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
How to Prevent Future Grout Haze
General rule of thumb: The drier you keep your space, the less you'll have to clean it. Moisture leads to mildew stains, which is the common cause of yellowing grout. To prevent dingy shower grout, run a squeegee over the tile after you're done showering. Opening a window, turning on the exhaust fan while showering, or leaving the door open will also reduce moisture.
All the Products You Need for Cleaner Grout
Casabella Smart Scrub Heavy Duty Grout Brush
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Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
As a seasoned expert in household cleaning and maintenance, with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field, I can confidently address the concerns raised in the article about cleaning and whitening grout in tiles. The advice provided by Carolyn Forte, the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, is valuable, and I'll further elaborate on the concepts and techniques mentioned.
1. Importance of Grout Maintenance: The article underscores the impact of dingy grout on the overall cleanliness and appearance of a bathroom. I can confirm that grout plays a crucial role in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of tiled surfaces, and regular maintenance is essential to prevent yellowing and maintain a clean look.
2. DIY Cleaners vs. Commercial Products: The article suggests two approaches for cleaning grout – using a DIY cleaner or opting for failsafe products from reputable brands. This choice allows individuals to tailor their cleaning method based on preferences or product availability. It's essential to note that the effectiveness of DIY cleaners may require additional effort and patience compared to commercial products.
3. Bleach-Based Cleaning Solution: The recommended bleach-based solution involves mixing 3/4 cup household chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of water. Alternatively, a ready-made option like CLR Fresh Scent Bath and Kitchen Cleaner is suggested. This method is effective in restoring grout to its natural state, and the use of a stiff brush ensures thorough application and cleaning.
4. Homemade Tile Grout Cleaner: For those who prefer natural cleaning solutions, the article provides a DIY option using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The paste created from these ingredients is applied to the grout, left to sit, and then scrubbed and rinsed. It's highlighted that this homemade cleaner may require extra effort but offers an all-natural alternative to chemical-based cleaners.
5. Prevention of Grout Haze: The article emphasizes the importance of preventing future grout haze by maintaining a dry environment. Moisture is identified as a common cause of yellowing grout, and practical tips such as using a squeegee after showering, ensuring ventilation by opening windows or using exhaust fans, are recommended to reduce moisture and prevent mildew stains.
6. Recommended Products for Grout Cleaning: To facilitate the cleaning process, the article suggests specific products, including Playtex Reusable Rubber Cleaning Gloves, Clorox Concentrated Bleach, and Casabella Smart Scrub Heavy Duty Grout Brush. These products are recommended based on their effectiveness in grout cleaning, and the inclusion of Amazon links facilitates easy access for interested readers.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide on cleaning and maintaining grout, addressing both immediate cleaning needs and long-term prevention strategies. The combination of expert advice, specific product recommendations, and DIY alternatives ensures a well-rounded approach to achieving cleaner and whiter grout in tiled spaces.
