How to clean tile grout with baking soda and vinegar

Using baking soda and vinegar to clean tile grout

Baking soda and vinegar is an incredible cleaning combination and works great for cleaning shower tile grout.  These are very natural substances, so you don’t have to worry about using other harmful chemicals in your shower or other living spaces.

Instructions:

• Add water to baking soda until you have a paste.
• Apply the paste to the grout with a toothbrush. Leave it for 20 minutes.
• Rinse the paste off with water, and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• Repeat if necessary.

Baking soda
Water
Container for water
Toothbrush
Sponge
Vinegar

1. Create baking soda and water paste

You’ll want to start by mixing baking soda and water.  Start by putting some baking soda into your container and then adding water.  Start by adding very small amounts of water and then stirring.  It is always easier to add more water than it is to take it off.  You want to have a paste-like texture so that you can spread the baking soda, but you don’t want it to be so watery that it drips once you spread.  Add small amounts of water until you reach the paste-like texture.

2. Apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the grout.

Once you’ve achieved the ideal baking soda water consistency, you’re ready to start spreading it on your grout.  Use the toothbrush to apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the grout. Keep repeating this process until you have covered all of the grout with the baking soda paste.  After you’re done spreading the baking soda paste, allow it to sit for half an hour

3. Allow the mixture to sit for up to 30 minutes.

Once your chosen mixture has been applied, it’s time to let the product do its thing. Wait anywhere between ten and thirty minutes to allow the tiles to absorb the product.  You can wait longer than 30 minutes, the only important part is that the paste dries up.

4. Scrub with the toothbrush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

Once the paste has set for 30 minutes, scrub the shower tile group with a soft bristled toothbrush and vinegar. Pour a cup of vinegar and use it to dip your toothbrush.  You can also put the vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the vinegar into the baking soda paste.  As the baking soda and vinegar reacts, you should be able to see and hear the fizzing.  Go ahead and scrub hard with your toothbrush. The toothbrush scrubbing is how you remove the baking soda residue from tile.

When you have finished scrubbing, wipe any remaining residue off with a damp cloth or sponge.  Since you’re in the shower, you can also use your shower head to hose down the tile.

5. Repeat if necessary.

If your first attempt does not fully get the job done, you can try it again. If your grout is extra dirty, you might want to consider using additional cleaning materials such as soap or even chemicals designed for cleaning bathrooms.  If you’re using cleaning chemicals you should use protective gloves so your hands are not harmed.

Clean tile grout with baking soda and vinegar

Your tile grout should now be cleaner than it was before!  You’ll have to repeat the process of cleaning tile grout with baking soda and vinegar in a couple of weeks or months when it gets dirty again.  Cleaning your tile grout regularly will keep it looking clean and reduce the amount of effort required each time you clean.

Frequently Asked Questions about cleaning tile grout

Simply go ahead and repeat the process above.  Each time you do it, you’ll remove a little bit more grime.  If your grout is very dirty, you might want to consider using more powerful substances such as bleach.

Yes, it is completely safe to use baking soda and vinegar.  However, it could irritate your skin.  I would recommend you use some gloves while working with the mixture to avoid irritation.

Baking soda and vinegar will most likely not damage your tile or grout.  However, I cannot speak for all types of grout and grout.  If you’re concerned about your tile being damaged with baking soda and vinegar, I would recommend that you test in a small section first and see the results.