Mix one part baking soda with a half part hydrogen peroxide and liquid dish soap. Pour the mixture into the grout lining and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe it off with a clean towel before rinsing it with water. Repeat the process until no stain remains.
How to Clean Grout Without Scrubbing
While tiles are easy to clean, the same can’t be said for the grout. They quickly catch dirt, and it’s a hassle to remove particles stuck on them.
Furthermore, dirty grout causes more than just an unsightly floor.
If not addressed quickly, grime in the grout can damage the interior of your tile. At the same time, it has been associated with many health issues such as skin irritation, breathing issues, allergies, etc.
Hence, if the filler between your tiles is dirty, it’s time to act right away. This article discusses the seven easiest ways to clean grout without scrubbing.
By Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide work effectively as a team when cleaning a porous surface like grout. The former penetrates the surface and removes dirt particles, and the latter helps to brighten the surface.
Things You Need
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Liquid Dish soap
- Towel/ Sponge
- Bowl
- Water
Steps to Follow
- Mix one part of baking soda with a half part of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Mix until they are gooey, like a paste.
- Add a little bit of liquid dish soap- it should be about a one-fifth part of the baking soda.
- Pour the mixture into the grout lining, covering the surface evenly.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes, preferably upto 15 minutes.
- Wipe off the mixture with a clean towel, and rinse it.
- Let the surface dry.
Things to Remember
- The dishwashing soap should be as mild as possible.
- Allow the surface to dry by itself. You see, after the cleaning process, the grout is a little weak and may come off even if you dab it.
By Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
Despite being very acidic, vinegar goes easy on surfaces like grout and is eco-friendly. And to achieve the best results while cleaning, we mix its potency with the stain removal property of baking soda.
Things You Will Need
- Hot water
- Baking soda
- Lemon Juice
- White Vinegar
- Spray Bottle
Steps to Follow
- Mix 3 cups (750ml) of warm water, half a cup of baking soda, about one-third cup of lemon juice, and about 40 ml of white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle vigorously until everything mixes. The solution is ready to go when there’s no baking soda powder remaining on the bottom.
- Apply the mixture to the dirt. Let it sit for an hour.
- Wipe off with a clean cloth. Repeat as needed.
Tip: In addition to grout, you can also use the above method to clean your tiles.
By Using a Steam Cleaner
It may not be one of the cheaper options, but using a steam cleaner is one of the easiest ways to clean grout without scrubbing. After all, everything you need to do is learn to operate the device.
Things You Will Need
- Steam Cleaner
- Hot water
Steps to Follow
- Read the user manual about the steam cleaner and assemble the parts.
- Fill some hot water into the water tank and open the device.
- Slowly, run the cleaner over the stained areas of the grout.
- Repeat until everything is clean.
Points to Note
Since steam cleaner makes use of high temperatures to remove dirt particles from the surface, the grout will be a little weak because of the heat. Hence, it’s better not to walk on the floor until it’s fully dry and hard.
Rubbing Alcohol
Alcohol kills bacteria and removes any grease that may be sticking to the surface of the grout. Furthermore, the process of using it is very straightforward.
Things You Will Need
- Rubber Gloves, Face Mask, and Protective Goggles
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Spray Bottle
The Process
- Put on your gloves, mask, and goggles. Wear long clothes so that your skin doesn’t come in contact with the alcohol.
- Transfer the rubbing alcohol from its packaging to the spray bottle.
- Directly apply the alcohol to the grout. Be careful that you spray the alcohol only on the dirty parts.
- Wait for about 10 minutes and wipe off with a clean cloth.
- Repeat as needed.
Points to Note
Despite the name of the cleaner, you don’t necessarily need to rub on the grout. If the floor is still dirty after the first try, it doesn’t mean you should start scrubbing; you only need to repeat the process.
Using Vinegar and Alcohol
Vinegar and alcohol make a more potent solution for grime that has been staying in the grout for several days.
Things You Need
- Rubber Gloves, Face Mask, and Protective Goggles
- Essential Oil (preferably lemon or lemongrass)
- White Vinegar
- Rubbing Alcohol or Isopropyl Alcohol
- Cloth
Steps to Follow
- Wear your protective goggles, gloves, and face mask.
- In a spray bottle, mix about two cups of vinegar, one tablespoon of rubbing or isopropyl alcohol, and about 20 drops of lemon essential oil.
- Spray the mixture on the problem areas.
- Let the solution sit for about 20 minutes and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Points to Remember
Since this solution is a little strong, you should sample it in a small area before using it.
By Using Sodium Percarbonate
Sodium percarbonate is a highly alkaline substance. A stronger alternative to baking soda, it can easily remove more stubborn dirt and mold from your tiles and grout.
Things You Will Need
- Warm Water
- Sodium Percarbonate Powder
- Protective Clothes
- Brush with Long Handle and Soft Bristles
Steps to Follow
- Wear your safety goggles, face mask, and gloves.
- Mix together two cups of warm water and two tablespoons of sodium percarbonate.
- Pour the solution into the grout, covering all the lines and other affected surfaces.
- Let the mixture stay for about 20 minutes.
- With a brush, rub slowly on the surface if there’s mold or mildew.
- Rinse the surface and let it dry.
- Repeat if needed.
Points to Remember
Sodium percarbonate is a highly toxic substance, and it can cause emergency health hazards if you inhale it or if it comes in contact with your eye. Hence, wear enough safety clothes, and keep it away from your kids.
By Using Bleach
Using bleach requires minimal effort but renders great results. Still, you should be careful about using bleach since it can cause discoloration or its own stains on your tiles.
Things You Need
- A protective gear consisting of rubber gloves, goggles, and long clothes.
- Oxygen Bleach or Chlorine Bleach
- Warm Water
- Spray Bottle
Steps to Follow
- Wear your protective gear.
- Dilute about 1.5 tablespoons of bleach in about a gallon of warm water.
- Place the mixture in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area.
- Let the solution sit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse the area off and let it dry.
Points to Note
- Use bleach only when there are small persistent stains. It isn’t really recommended to pour into the entire lining of the grout.
- Oxygen bleach can be harder to come by, but it’s non-toxic to animals and plants.
- Bleach burns hurt. You will need to keep the substance away from your skin.
How to Protect Your Grout After Cleaning It?
Minimizing the dirt is the first step to cleaning. These are the things you can do to take good care of your tiles and the grout:
- Clean your tiles regularly, at least once a week.
- Seal the grout with a good grout sealant. You need to do a little research to find the one that works the best for your tile type.
- Have separate shoes indoors. Avoid walking barefoot on tiles, since grout can catch the dirt from your feet.
- Place walk-off rugs at the entrance of the room.
- Grout catches more dirt in rooms with a lot of moisture such as the shower. Hence, you need to keep these rooms dry by opening the windows and doors or even by using a dehumidifier.
FAQs on the Easiest Way to Clean Grout without Scrubbing
Can You Remove Mold and Mildew from Grout without Scrubbing?
Unfortunately, no. Mild and mildew are very persistent, so it’s almost impossible to remove them without scrubbing. However, you can decrease the effects of scrubbing by using a brush with soft bristles and a strong cleaning solution.
After How Much Time Can I Walk on My Tile After Cleaning the Grout?
You have to wait at least until the grout is completely dry. In most cases, expect to wait for at least 30 minutes before getting your feet on freshly cleaned tiles.