How to Clean Tile Grout with Lemon and Baking Soda

Over time, dirt and dusts can build up on tile grouts making them look stained and unpleasant. For light to mild stains, instead of using bleach or other commercial chemical products, consider organic and natural alternatives such as lemon juice and baking soda. They could be right there in your cupboard and fridge.

Here are 5 simple steps to help guide you from start to finish.

Tip: Choose an area of the tiles and apply this technique to test the result before applying to the whole surface. Some tough stains might require stronger solutions such as commercial bleach products. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your family when cleaning using bleach products.

Preparation

You will need the following:

• 1 to 2 lemons: may require more depending on area of coverage
• 1 x lemon squeezer (optional)
• 1 x pack of baking soda
• 1 x small brush (toothbrush works fine)
• 1 x mop & bucket

Before applying the paste, make sure the surface of the tiles is cleared of any tangible debris. It's a good idea to vacuum the surface area to provide a good starting point.

1. Extract Lemon Juice

Cut a lemon in half and put each through a lemon squeezer and pour into a bowl, sieve out any seeds.

2. Add Baking Soda

Add equal part of baking soda into the bowl and mix gently until a paste is formed. To thicken the paste, add additional baking soda in small portions. If the paste is too thick, add more lemon juice as needed.

3. Apply Paste to Tile Gout

Run through the grout with the paste, spread evenly along the grout lines and make sure no gaps are left. Allow 5 to 10 minutes for the mixture to work on the stains.

4. Scrub the Paste on the Tile Grout

Use a small brush or toothpaste to scrub the paste against the grout.

5. Mop and Clean

Use warm water to mop the floor clean of any residue of the grout cleaner and let it dry.

How it Works

Lemon is recognised for its medicinal use since ancient times due to its antibacterial properties. Lemon juice also has a mild acidity with a low pH level and it's that acidity which helps breakdown the scum particles that appear as stains. Once the scum is broken down, the baking soda acts as an adhesive that sticks to the remains before been removed by way of scrubbing.

How Often Does the Tiles Needs to be Cleaned?

The appropriate cleaning schedule depends on the actual usage in your household and other environmental factors. Typically, this can vary from a weekly or fortnightly to a few months. A family with children and pets for example may require more frequent care.

The more diligently cleaned, the easier it is to maintain a clean surface and unstained grout. For example, you can schedule a weekly or fortnightly clean to help keep your tiles in their best condition.

Conclusion

We have covered in 5 simple steps on how to create and apply your own environmentally friendly cleaner using lemon and baking soda. Hopefully, this gives you an idea of how to keep your tiles and grout clean using a natural cleaning product.

Disclaimer

Information provided on this website are of general in nature and they are not medical advice. Contact Emergency, Poison Center or Medical Professional if you have any health concerns.