Grimy grout is a frequent household issue. With countless cleaning suggestions available online, it can be challenging to discern the best methods. To help, I’ve put several of these techniques to the test and am sharing my results. Read on to discover my findings…
I experimented with three different approaches – fresh lemon juice, 2-Oxiclean, and sulfamic acid cleaner (available at most home improvement stores). I began by ensuring proper ventilation by opening a window, and donned a pair of rubber gloves to safeguard my skin. If you intend to try these methods, remember to do a patch test in an unnoticeable area first to ensure there’s no unwanted reaction with your floor material. Bear in mind that my grout is gray – thus it will never appear white. Here’s what occurred:
1-Fresh Lemon Juice
I scrubbed the grout lines with a slice of lemon before giving it a good scrub with a green Scotch-Brite pad. I noticed an immediate improvement in cleanliness. I then rinsed the grout lines with a damp paper towel. The only cumbersome aspect of this method was removing the leftover pulp. Once dry, the grout looked substantially better.
2-Oxiclean
I prepared a small quantity of Oxiclean in a plastic cup, maintaining a 1-to-1 ratio to form a runny paste. Using an old spoon, I applied this mixture to the grout, ensuring constant stirring to prevent the Oxiclean from separating from the water and hardening. After letting it rest for 5-10 minutes, I scrubbed it with a Scotch-Brite pad. This method was quite effective, but the Oxiclean did leave a white residue on the floor, necessitating immediate rinsing with water and thorough mopping afterward.
3-Sulfamic Acid Cleaner
I mixed the sulfamic acid cleaner with warm water, following the instructions on the container. I spooned this mixture onto the grout, and it instantly started fizzing and bubbling up. After scrubbing it with a Scotch-Brite pad, the grout appeared darker initially, which caused some momentary alarm. However, as it dried, the grout looked lighter and cleaner than before, leading me to believe that the initial darkening was due to wetness.
The outcome of all three methods showed noticeable improvements. The area cleaned with lemon juice can be seen in front of the lemon slice, the middle section was cleaned with Oxiclean, and the sulfamic acid cleaner was applied to the rightmost portion.
The verdict: all methods showed results, but Oxiclean emerged as the winner with lemon juice a close second. The latter would be an excellent option for those preferring organic solutions.
Despite the residual white film left by the Oxiclean, which required a second mopping, I chose this method for the remainder of the bathroom. The difference is remarkable! Even though my grout is gray and will never be stark white, it definitely looks cleaner and less stained than before. I hope you find this information useful in tackling your own grout-cleaning task! Feel free to share your own experiences and methods in the comments below.