How To Clean Grout Without Scrubbing
Save yourself the effort of scrubbing on your hands and knees by trying these cleaning methods, promising little or no scrubbing.
2 minute read
Bleach
Bleaching is always a quick solution for stuck and stubborn dirt. Commercial grade bleaches work fast but there is a problem with their use in a domestic setting. This is because most industrial bleaches are chlorine-based or contain other harsh chemicals that let off powerful fumes. These are recommended for outdoor settings like the patio.
A good alternative to these harsh bleaches is oxygen-based bleach. Oxygen ions break down dirt and stains by a process of oxidation, exactly like when metal corrodes by being exposed to water and oxygen. This type of bleach is very powerful and especially good for coloured stains like red wine. The good thing is that this type of bleach does not let off fumes and will not burn skin or clothes, making it safe to use anywhere in the house.
When cleaning grout with bleach, the longer you leave the solution on the grout, the easier it will be to clean off the dirt. Mop or wipe the grout generously with a bleach solution and leave it to sit for 4-6 hours. For best results, you can scrub lightly to get to the dirt in the deeper parts of the trough.
After getting rid of the stubborn dirt and stains, keep the grout clean by always adding bleach to the mop water. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and wiping off.
Vinegar solution
Vinegar is a well-known cleaning agent for many domestic tasks. It can be used on grout as an alternative to bleach. Vinegar is acidic, which helps break down dirt for easier cleaning. Use it with baking soda for best results. To clean with vinegar follow these steps:
- Apply baking soda into the grout, making sure to fill the troughs
- Sprinkle vinegar over the baking soda and let it bubble for 3-5 minutes
- Use a grout brush to scrub lightly to remove the muddied mixture. If the dirt does not come off, repeat the whole process and let it sit for longer
- Be sure to rinse the grout afterwards with warm water until it’s clean
