Netter Real Estate Inc
Richard Bocchieri, Netter Real Estate IncPhone: (631) 848-0748
Email: [email protected]

Your Guide to Easy DIY Grout Cleaning

by Richard Bocchieri 11/27/2024

If you have tile in your kitchen or bathroom, you’ve likely had to contend with stained or dirty grout. While tile itself is easy to clean, the space between the tiles requires more effort. However, you don’t need expensive chemicals or cleaning services to make the grout look brand new again. Here is how to clean grout with household items.

Supplies You’ll Need

Dish soap
Baking soda
White vinegar
Warm water
Stiff scrub brush or toothbrush
Sponge
Cup or small bucket
Spray bottle
Grout sealer (optional)

Step by Step Grout-Cleaning

This DIY grout cleaning strategy has multiple steps to maximize the effectiveness of your tools. Here’s what to do:

  1. Fill a cup or small bucket with warm tap water and a few drops of dish soap.

  2. Add a tablespoon or more of the baking soda and mix thoroughly.

  3. Fill your spray bottle with vinegar for easy application. Then, wet the grout lines by spraying the vinegar. This will give you just the right amount of vinegar without covering the entire floor and causing a hazard.

  4. Take your soap and baking soda mixture and carefully pour it onto the grout lines where you added vinegar.

  5. With a scrub brush or hard-bristled toothbrush, scrub the combination of ingredients into the grout. Begin by working in a small area to determine the effectiveness of the mixture with your grout’s level of staining. This will help you figure out whether you need to opt for a stronger commercial cleaning agent instead of your DIY mixture early on, before you attempt to clean the entire room or wall.

  6. After giving the grout lines a good scrubbing, let everything sit for 5 minutes.

  7. Scrub the grout a second time after you’ve waited for the mixture to work its magic. You should hopefully already notice some of the staining coming up from the grout.

  8. Use a sponge to wipe up and absorb any excess vinegar and water. Try to get the surface as dry as you can.

  9. If you have grout sealer, you can apply it along your freshly cleaned grout lines once everything has dried. You’ll need to let the sealer dry for another few hours—consult the included instructions for specifics.

  10. To get rid of any leftover vinegar scent, do a light cleaning of the tile with your normal household cleaning products or with warm water. Now you should have fresh-looking grout lines in your wall, backsplash or floor without need for harsh chemicals.

As with all DIY cleaning projects, your success depends on many factors. Try this strategy first and move on to stronger solutions if you need the extra help.

About the Author
Author

Richard Bocchieri

Welcome to Long Island Living at its best! The South Shore of Suffolk County is a suburban area that runs along the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. Homes in this area consist of primarily residential properties. This area tends to be diverse in culture and income as it varies by hamlet, village or town. Residents along the South Shore have access to many beaches, parks and recreational activities. I pride myself on my honesty, integrity, hard work and personal service. My first career was in education, starting as a teacher then finishing as a guidance counselor and achieving my Master’s and two PD's. In 1986, I began my real estate career. In a sense, I am still an educator and offering guidance; this time I am outside of the classroom educating my clients on the selling and purchasing processes; which have become so complicated recently and guiding them safely through the confusing and ever-changing real estate market. It is very satisfying to me to help people with not only the greatest financial asset in their lives but their greatest emotional asset; where they celebrate holidays, raise their families and live their lives. I take the needs of my clients very seriously and as a result, I am proud to say, over 90% of my sales are the result of referrals and recommendations. Primarily, my areas of service are the Townships of Babylon and Islip on Long Island’s beautiful South Shore, near pristine beaches and wonderful boating, yet only 55 minutes from Manhattan; truly the best of both worlds. I'm a graduate of the Real Estate Institute and am certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. I also hold a license as a Notary Public. Please feel free to call or visit so I can help you fulfill your real estate dreams. I am a Full Service Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker and provide the following: Free appraisal Rental Mortgages International relocation services Sales Home warranty new homes Free school report Waterfront specialist Notary public Please feel free to call or visit so I can help you fulfill your real estate dreams.

For every sales transaction, a a portion of my commission will be donated to Pronto of Long Island, a nonprofit community outreach center who feed the hungry, clothe the needy and provide hope for our neighbors.  

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