White grout on white tile floors can become discolored over time, making your entire floor appear dirty. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to clean and brighten your grout, using both homemade solutions and commercial products.
Here's how to clean white grout on white tile floors:
1. DIY Cleaning Solutions
- Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide: This is a highly recommended and effective homemade cleaner.
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- How to use: Mix two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide to create a paste. Some recommend starting with 1 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide. For extra cleaning power, add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture.
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- Application: Apply the paste to the grout lines with a grout brush or an old toothbrush, ensuring all the grout is covered.
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- Dwell time: Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes, or up to 15 minutes for tougher stains.
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- Scrub and rinse: Scrub the grout thoroughly with a stiff-bristled brush. The paste should foam as you scrub. Rinse the area well with clean water and wipe dry with a cloth or mop.
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- Why it works: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps loosen dirt and grime, while hydrogen peroxide cleans, whitens, and brightens.
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Baking Soda and Vinegar: This combination creates a foaming action that helps lift dirt.
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- How to use: Make a thick paste with baking soda and water. In a separate spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
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- Application: Apply the baking soda paste to the grout lines. Then, spray the vinegar solution over the paste.
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- Dwell time: Let it sit until the foaming subsides.
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- Scrub and rinse: Scrub with a grout brush or toothbrush and rinse with plain water.
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- Important note: Avoid using vinegar on unsealed grout, as its acidity can weaken the material over time.
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Lemon Juice, Vinegar, and Baking Soda: Lemon juice has mild bleaching properties.
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- How to use: Combine juice from half a lemon, about a tablespoon of white vinegar, and a sprinkle of baking soda to create a runny concoction.
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- Application: Dip a grout brush in the solution and scrub the dirty grout.
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Oxygenated Bleach: For stubborn stains, oxygen bleach can be very effective.
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- How to use: Mix two tablespoons of oxygenated bleach into two cups of warm water for light stains. For tougher stains, make a spreadable paste with just enough water.
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- Application: Pour or apply the solution/paste over a small area of stained grout lines.
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- Dwell time: Allow the cleaner to sit for up to 15 minutes.
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- Scrub and rinse: Scrub and rinse until all the cleaner is removed.
2. Commercial Grout Cleaners
Many commercial grout cleaners are available that can effectively clean and brighten white grout.
* Examples of highly-rated cleaners: Some top-rated options include Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner Spray, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Tub and Tile Cleaner, and ZEP Grout Cleaner and Brightener.
* For mold and mildew: Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover or Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfectant Bathroom Grime Fighter Spray are recommended.
* Application: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and dwell time. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
3. Other Effective Methods
- Steam Cleaning: This chemical-free method uses heat to release grime and mildew and can be very effective for hard stains or large areas.
- Magic Eraser: For quick touch-ups or lightly dirty grout, a Magic Eraser can be used. Wet it, squeeze out excess water, and scrub the grout. Keep in mind that grout's rough texture can wear down Magic Erasers quickly.
- Sugar Soap: Before using other methods, you can wash your tiles and grout with sugar soap mixed with warm water and scrub with a toothbrush or scrubbing brush.
4. What to Avoid
- Bleach: While bleach can temporarily lighten grout, it doesn't truly clean it and can damage the grout over time, causing it to crumble or yellow. If used, it should only be on white grout and diluted, with good ventilation.
- Acidic cleaners (on unsealed grout): Strong acidic cleaners, including some commercial grout cleaners and even white vinegar (on unsealed grout), can corrode grout over time.
5. Maintaining Clean Grout
- Regular cleaning: Clean grout regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, mold, and mildew.
- Rubbing alcohol: Weekly, wipe down dirty grout and tiles with a cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol to kill mold and mildew spores.
- Grout sealant: Apply a grout sealant to protect it from moisture and stains, making it easier to clean in the long run.
- Grout pens: If your grout is beyond cleaning, grout pens can be a quick and easy way to restore discolored lines.
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