Homemade Non-Toxic Grout Cleaners

Regular grout cleaning is important to keep up the new, clean look of the grout and tiles by removing any discolouration and dirt that builds up from everyday use. It’s also important to regularly clean your grout so that you can remove any toxic mould and mildew that has managed to grow, and help prevent it from coming back. There are many grout cleaners available in local supermarkets, but I prefer to use other eco-friendly methods. Here are a few of my recommendations to which grout cleaner is best suited for which job.

Light Grout Cleaning

A fairly well ventilated bathroom that is used 1-2 times a day should be able to get away with regular light grout cleaning once a week or so. To do this I recommend simply using an eco-friendly washing up liquid (such as bio-d washing up liquid) and a light cleaning sponge (typically white), or if you have one, an old toothbrush. Paired together, the right cleaning product and right tool should be able to prevent the build up of dirt and grim on the tile and grout surface.

How to Kill and Remove Light Mould from Grout and Tiles

To remove light mould on the grout and tiles, try putting white vinegar neat in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the mould. It’s best to leave the vinegar as long as you can to completely kill the mould, but if you’re in a rush I suggest leaving it at least 5 minutes before cleaning it off with a toothbrush. You may be left with marks on the grout where the mould has been; if so, try the following solution.

Clean Stained Grout

If your tile grout is not sealed properly, then you will find that the grout can get stained very quickly, and to clean this properly you’ll need a stronger product. Although there is other home made solutions that do a better job, I find the easiest to make at home is a mixture of salt, baking soda and white vinegar as all these products are available in local supermarkets, if not already in your house. Make a paste by adding the ingredients together in a bowl in equal parts (1/3 salt, 1/3 vinegar, and 1/3 baking soda). Apply it to the stained grout and if possible, leave it for sometime on the grout surface. Then simply scrub the stained grout with an old toothbrush and finally rinse with clean water. This is perfect for unsealed grout as this home made cleaning recipe is fairly mild, and shouldn’t damage the unprotected grout.

Store Bought Tile and Grout Cleaners

If non-toxic grout cleaners don’t give you the results you were hoping for then you may chose to try a harsher store bought tile and grout cleaner. If you do, always read the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully before applying it on the grout, and always wear gloves and protective clothing. Also try in a hidden area first as some can cause coloured grout to fade or damage unsealed grout.

Homemade cleaning products should be preferred because you know what goes into them, and store bought grout cleaners typically contain harsh chemicals (such as bleaching agents) which can cause damage to the grout, and even worse harm pets and children.

Prevent grout discolouration and mould growth

The key to preventing discolouration of the grout is to have it sealed properly, and the key to preventing mould a mildew growth is ventilate, ventilate, ventilate! Using the fan while and after you are in the shower and opening the windows as much as possible will make a huge difference; this may not always be possible in the colder months so try keeping a towel near by, or even better a squeegee to remove any excess water. Also leaving the shower door/curtain open after your shower helps the ventilation. Keeping it dry as quick as possible reduces the opportunity for the mould to grow.

A Friendly Warning

If you are using any new cleaning product, then first try it on any hidden area to test if it causes any damage to the grout. The grout should be washed with water first before you apply any cleaner, so that all the loose debris is washed away. Once the tile has dried, apply the cleaner and scrub it with a toothbrush or cleaning sponge, and then wash it again with water.