(Formerly called CLR Bath & Kitchen) Do not use on vinyl, natural stones, mirrors, plastic laminates, wood, fabrics, painted, coated or sealed surfaces, colored grout or wall coverings. Part of the EPA's Safer Choice Program recognizing the product as a safer alternative to traditional chemicals.
What do professionals use to clean grout? Whether you believe it or not, most professionals use a solution of white vinegar and water with a 1:1 ratio. This solution is often more effective than dedicated Ph-neutral grout cleaners.
Grout's porous nature also means that caustic cleaning solutions like toilet bowl cleaners and vinegar may corrode the grout, damaging your surface. Learn how to safely restore your grout to its original color without damaging the grout, sealant or tile.
Grout that hasn't been sealed, needs to be resealed, or is in poor shape should not be cleaned with vinegar. The vinegar penetrates into the pores of the grout, further weakening the material. Over time, vinegar will deteriorate the condition of the grout by etching or wearing it away.
Use on most bathroom surfaces including: porcelain, ceramic tile, shower doors, sinks, bathtubs, white grout and caulk, toilet bowls, and fiberglass. Will not remove rust. Do not use on vinyl, natural stones, mirrors, plastic laminates, wood, fabrics, painted, coated or sealed surfaces, colored grout or wall coverings.
Cleaning Grout with Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a safe, natural cleaner and disinfectant you can use all around the house. Pour or spray undiluted vinegar onto your grout and let it sit for 10 minutes before using a toothbrush, scrubbing in a circular motion. Next, rinse away the dirt and mildew.
First, wash your tiles and grout with sugar soap using a toothbrush and scrubbing brush. We used Selley's Sugar Soap concentrate for this, mixed with warm water in a bucket – it works a treat. Use your toothbrush, scrubbing brush and some elbow grease to scrub the grout and give it a good going-over.
The easiest way to clean grout without scrubbing involves hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix the two into a paste with some dish soap and apply to the grout lines. Alternatively, you can use a cleaning solution of water, vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.
I want to actually clean my grout. Magic erasers get the job done, and they do it quickly and relatively painlessly. Technique-wise, I usually cut my standard size magic eraser in half, wet it to slightly more than damp, and scrub the grout line as I squeeze gently.
Countertop, glass cook top, tile, and grout grime won't stand a chance against Windex. The product works on granite, marble, and laminate countertops, and—best of all—won't erode or damage grout.
Time. Make a baking soda paste with water and spread over tile and grout. Leave on overnight and spray with vinegar in the morning. Follow with your regular morning shower and rinse off any baking soda/vinegar residue.
Make a paste from two parts bicarbonate of soda to one part water, then rub onto dirty grout using an old toothbrush. An electric toothbrush with an old head will also work wonders and save your elbows!
Simply pour vinegar from the bottle into the cap and pour it over the dirty grout lines. Allow the lemon juice or vinegar to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, scrub with a small brush or old toothbrush. Rinse the treated area and wipe dry with a towel or rag.
To address rust and lime buildup, Bar Keepers Friend More Spray and Foam, Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener, and CLR Brilliant Bath will all work. A damp sponge or cloth: Use either of these to rub in your cleaning solution.
CLR or Lime Away? An acid-based cleaner is the best way to remove water deposits. Vinegar and lemon juice are two natural alternatives, but they just don't work as quickly and effectively. CLR uses similar ingredients to Lime Away.
Did you know that toothpaste makes an effective tile grout cleaner? To remove dirt and grime from tile grout: Dab some white, non-gel toothpaste onto the grout.
Water containing iron can deposit minerals on the grout that can oxidize and cause a yellow discoloration. If the water used to mix the grout during installation contained iron, this can also cause discoloration.