Cleaning Grout with Organic Cleaners

For people looking for a natural way of keeping tiled surfaces in the bathroom or kitchen looking pristine, cleaning grout with organic cleaners is an attractive option.

Advantages of Organic Cleaners

Choosing to use organic cleaners means that the residents of a home are not being exposed to chemicals that may be harmful to their health. Ammonia and other cleaning products with a strong scent can be irritating to the skin, nose, throat and eyes. If this product is mixed with bleach, the solution gives off a poisonous gas.

Even if the fumes from chemical cleaners are not an issue, these products are going down the drain in homes and businesses. From there, they get mixed in with other cleaners and get into the municipal water system. Detergents have the potential to contaminate the groundwater. Keep in mind that groundwater is used as drinking water for over 50 percent of the population in urban areas. Over 95 percent of people living in rural parts of the United States rely on groundwater for drinking and cooking.

Keeping grout clean is the type of chore that needs to be done and that no one enjoys doing. Making a point of tackling it regularly means that dirt has less opportunity to build up. It will be easier to keep clean as a result. Organic cleaners may be gentler than their artificial chemical counterparts. Using a harsh cleaner can damage the grout and the surrounding tile, and replacing these items is time-consuming and in the case of the tile itself can be costly.

Cleaning Grout with Organic Cleaners: Options

Here are some suggestions for cleaning grout organically.

Salt, Baking Soda, Water and Lemon Treatment

Combine an equal amount of baking soda and salt in a bowl. Add water and stir until the mixture is a thick paste. Once the cleaner has been mixed up. Apply it to the tiles and grout with a soft brush. Another option for applying the mixture to the grout is to put on a pair of rubber gloves, dip a finger in the bowl and use it to spread the cleaner along the grout lines. Then use a brush to remove dirt.

The lemon juice is used as a stain remover. Apply it to any areas where the grout has become discolored and leave it in place for 10 or 15 minutes before rinsing.

Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant. Pour it into a spray bottle and apply to the tiles and grout in the bathroom to keep them clean. A three percent solution of hydrogen peroxide, which is available in grocery or drug stores, can be applied after the vinegar treatment for an extra cleaning boost.

Borax

Borax can be used in a couple of different ways to clean and disinfect tiles and grout. One way is to add a half cup of Borax to a gallon of hot water. Then apply the solution to the area you want to clean with a clean cloth or a sponge. Scrub and rinse.

Another way to use Borax as a way to keep grout clean is to add 2 Tablespoons of it and a quarter cup of lemon juice to 2 cups of hot water. Apply to the grout and scrub with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with water after you are finished scrubbing the area.

Keeping Your Grout Clean

When cleaning grout with organic cleaners, you may need to go through the process a few times before all of the dirt is removed. Harsh chemical cleaners may remove the dirt faster but choosing to use an organic mixture is a better choice. The suggestions listed here are all environmentally friendly and will not cause eye, nose or throat irritation when used. They also have the advantage of being inexpensive, which makes them attractive to budget-conscious consumers.