Grout, the stuff that fills gaps and seals joints between tiles, can be a nightmare to clean when stained without the right tools.
The cleaning task is tough because grout is porous and soaks up all sorts of muck, grease, and spills, which can sink in deep, making them a pain to get out of.
Regular grout cleaning can prolong the lifespan of the material and prevent it from becoming a health hazard when mould starts to form.
You might see tips online suggesting bleach or white vinegar for cleaning grout, but they’re not the best choice as they can wear down the material, setting you up for more stains down the line.
But fear not, Sophie Franklin, a cleaning guru from Maid2Match, has shared a simpler, “straightforward” way to get grout gleaming without any elbow grease.
Sophie said: “The easiest way to clean grout without scrubbing involves hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.”
Mixing abrasive baking soda with naturally bleaching hydrogen peroxide gives you a paste that will both whiten and clean your grout.
Throw in a bit of dish soap too as its surfactants are great at tackling stuck grease, oil, and soap, helping to shift stubborn stains.
For this tip, take an empty pot, chuck in two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide, and stir until it turns into a paste. Next, mix in a tablespoon of dish soap.
Slather the mixture onto the grout and leave it for about five to 10 minutes. If it’s been a minute since the grout was last cleaned, maybe park it a touch longer to ensure the mix tackles the build-up.
When the time is up, wipe away the concoction with a pristine cloth and give the area a nice rinse with tepid water. Allow the grout to air-dry fully.
This DIY natural cleaner can give your grout a new lease of life but bear in mind that hydrogen peroxide can decompose over time, and can build up pressure if exposed to light or heat.
Sophie cautioned: “Do not store excess cleaner in a sealed container. The build-up of carbon dioxide may cause the container to break, while the gas could be toxic.”
It’s best to bin any solution left over or stash it somewhere cool and shadowy with a good deal of airflow.
