Tile and grout cleaning can be a really big hassle. Its one of those things that you put on your “To Do” list that never seems to get off. However, it is a necessary evil. If the grout gets destroyed from dirt and bacteria, the dirt and bacteria will find its way behind the tiles and weaken the seal they have to the wall eventually making the tiles fall off. Grout is very porous. Bacteria and other dirt easily find their way deep into the grout if not cleaned on a regular basis. Here I hope to give you a few tips on how to clean tile grout easier and more enjoyably. Also, I hope to give you some grout cleaning basics to help you out so you won’t have to clean it nearly so often.

The easiest way to clean grout is to steam clean it. Steam cleaners can pull dirt and stains out of tile that regular house hold cleaners can’t. If you have access to a steam cleaner, or if you are willing to hire a professional that can do this, it is well worth the extra money. Once the tile and grout have been cleaned, be sure to apply a sealant which ensures that you won’t have to clean it for another year or so. (Be sure you look at what sealant you are choosing, different sealers go with different types of grout & tile.)

However, if you can’t go the steam cleaning route a brush and cleaner work as well. Here is a quick way to clean that troublesome grout in 7 simple steps.
1. Wet everything down. For walls it is most convenient to use a spray bottle, but if you don’t have one, a sponge works just a well (it’s just a little messier). Wet it thoroughly, the idea is that the water will start to break down the dirt a little.
2. Use an organic paste (I have a great recipe for this at the end of this page), vinegar, or some other disinfectant to wipe the soap scum and other dirt off the tiles. This is easily done with a scrubber (I like to use the green and yellow Scotch scrubbies).
3. For the grout, use an organic paste or store bought grout cleaner. Apply to the grout and then scrub with a toothbrush or other bristle brush until clean (you don't have to use a special grout cleaning tool or grout cleaning machine, though it may speed up the process if you do). If you have cleaned the tile first, and have a good grout cleaner, this shouldn’t take too long. The dirt has been loosened from the tile by this time, so you almost won’t have to scrub at all (depending on how old the dirt is).
4. Work on the hard stains with stronger solution.
5. If you are very detail oriented, you can use toothpicks for very small crevices. This will give your work a very finished look.
6. Rinse off with a bucket and large sponge.
7. Dry the area (this is an important step – excess sitting water will seep into the grout causing problems later) & you’re done!

As long as your buildup isn’t excessive, this process should take no longer than 20 minutes. You can get it done in 10 if you work fast.

Some simple tips clean grout:
• When spot cleaning, use the weakest solution that will do the job. Sometimes it is best just to use water if possible. Then work your way up to the strongest cleaners.
• Test your cleaner on a small inconspicuous area of grout & tile to ensure your grout & tile will stay in tact using the product. You don’t want the product eating away at your grout!
• Do not use bleach on colored grout.
• Never use a brush with metal bristles as this will tear down the grout. But using a brush with strong bristles may work better than a toothbrush (and may also be faster is you get a bigger brush for a bigger area). Also, remember to be careful that the brush is not too harsh so it doesn’t scratch your tile.
• Follow directions on all cleaning solutions and wear the proper protective gear.
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed onto the stain) and vinegar work well for stubborn stains.
• Change any broken tiles as soon as possible. Water, mildew, and dirt can get under the tile and grout area compromising a much larger area if not take care of right away. If you can’t fix the broken tiles right away, you can just seal the crack or chip for the time being with caulking.

Here are the recipes I promised:
    Organic Tile & Grout Cleaning Paste
    ½ c Salt
    ½ c Baking Soda
    Water – to make thick paste
    Use this paste as your general cleaner. Then spot clean any stubborn spots.  And finish with a disinfectant.

    Tile & Grout Spot Cleaners

    Recipe 1:  Lemon juice (squeezed directly from lemon over spot). – Let sit for 30 seconds then work on stain with brush.
    Recipe 2:  Vinegar (the concentration you buy at the store)
    Recipe 3:  Hydrogen Peroxide (3% - which is concentration sold at most stores)
    Recipe 4:  Bleach (only for white grout)

    Tile & Grout Disinfectant Cleaners

   Recipe 1:
    Vinegar
    Recipe 2:
    Vinegar
    Followed by Hydrogen Peroxide
    Apply vinegar with spray bottle followed by hydrogen peroxide.  Both vinegar and hydrogen peroxide should be in concentrations sold at most stores – which is believe is 8% for vinegar & 3% for hydrogen peroxide.  Be sure to rinse off after a minute or so.  And DO NOT MIX the two, apply one at a time.
    Recipe 3:
    2 T Borax
    ¼ c Lemon Juice
    2 c Hot Water
    Mix, pour in spray bottle, and spray on, or use a sponge to apply. 

NOTE:  Be sure to rinse off with water and towel dry after cleaning.  Also, using vinegar and bleach on a regular basis can compromise the grout so use sparingly.  However, up to 3 times per year should not cause any problems. 

Lastly, don’t forget to seal your tile and grout!  After all that work, you want it to last!  If you use a sealant, you will only have to work this hard once a year!