How to clean tile grout: ‘Effective natural treatment’ to clean tile grout without bleach

Grout fills in the voids left between tiles. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it prevents moisture and contaminant build-up while supporting the tiles, keeping them in place – most often in kitchens or bathrooms. Many do not even notice it is getting dirty until it starts to turn a darker colour. Having dirty grout not only looks bad, but it can also be a potential health hazard too – harbouring bacteria and allowing mould to grow, so it needs to be cleaned regularly.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Sarah Dempsey from MyJobQuote and Olly Cavner, Operations Manager at Essential Living, have shared their top tips on the most effective ways to clean tile grout using natural remedies rather than bleach.

Olly explained that while bleach is commonly used to clean areas around the home, it should never be used on grout. He said: “A lot of us will use bleach as our go-to when trying to get rid of mould and mildew, but bleach is, of course, very toxic, not only to those that may breathe in the fumes but also to our waterways and aquatic environments. 

“As well as this, bleach can also colour mould white unless it’s scrubbed well, meaning bacteria may still be on your tiles and able to build up again over time.”

Instead the expert suggested: “Homemade remedies are an effective way to clean your tile grout without using any harmful chemicals that we don’t want going back into wastewater.

“Whether you’re looking to remove mildew and mould, whiten up your grout or degrease it, there are a number of solutions to try.”

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For grout stains and mildew, the most common approach is using baking soda, according to Olly, which homeowners can use to scrub down on grout with a damp sponge.

He said: “For any mould that’s a bit more resistant to your baking soda, white vinegar is another product you can add into a spray bottle and spray on top of the baking soda. Leave this to sit on your grout for a few minutes before using an old toothbrush to help scrub away the stains.”

Sarah agreed with using the combination of baking soda and white vinegar to clean grout. She instructed: “Create a baking soda paste by mixing some baking soda with water. Then, apply this paste to your grout lines. 

“Once the grout is covered with the baking soda paste, mix some vinegar with water in a spray bottle and then spray this onto the baking soda on your tile grout. The mixture will start to foam. Once it’s stopped foaming, scrub it with a brush. Then, rinse the area with water and wipe it dry.”

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The cleaning pro also noted that white vinegar can be used on its own to banish grout. She said: “Vinegar is well-known for being one of the most versatile and effective natural cleaners available. 

“Vinegar is naturally acidic, meaning that it can prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and other types of bacteria.

“Simply mix some distilled white vinegar with some water in a spray bottle and then spray the mixture directly onto the tile grout. Leave the substance to soak for around 10 to 15 minutes and then scrub it away with a brush.”

While white vinegar is an effective cleaner, Olly warned that it should be used with caution. He said: “It’s important to remember that due to its acidic nature, it can wear away at some tiles over time, so it’s recommended to only use white vinegar as a last resort.”

Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to clean tile grout instead of using bleach. This powerful cleaning agent is often used for whitening and lightening. However, it’s also a great disinfectant, sanitiser, and deodoriser. 

Sarah said: “Hydrogen peroxide is a great, natural cleaning agent and has the benefit of anti-fungal properties. 

“Pour some of the substance into a spray bottle and then spray it directly onto the tile grout. Allow this to soak for around 10 minutes and then scrub.”

Just as with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide produces oxygenated bleach, which is highly effective for cleaning grout.

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