Homemade Grout Cleaner

Ceramic tile looks lovely, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, but when tile becomes dirty, and when grout becomes discolored by mold and mildew, it's anything but attractive. Discolored grout and grimy ceramic tile cheapens the appearance of a home, even if the rest of the home is sparkling clean.

Don't let the condition of your tile grout ruin the appearance of your home. Try the following homemade cleaners. Not only will your grout and tile end up clean and shiny, but you will also save money while using environmentally friendlier products.

Regular-Strength Cleaner

Before mixing and using the following homemade cleaner, take the necessary safety precautions by putting on safety goggles and rubber gloves, and provide adequate ventilation. You'll need 3 cups of water, ¾ cup of liquid chlorine bleach, a 1-quart spray bottle, an old toothbrush, or any small stiff-bristled brush.

Begin by combining the bleach and water in a spray bottle. Spray the diluted bleach on the grout, and allow it to soak in for several minutes. Even before scrubbing, you'll notice the discoloration fading away.

Next, begin scrubbing until the dirt and discoloration has completely dissolved. Rinse it well with clean water, and dry it with an old towel or rag. Your grout should look as good as new!

Heavy-Duty Homemade Cleaner

If your grout appears dirty and discolored beyond help, give this heavy-duty homemade cleaner a try. This heavy-duty homemade cleaner is considerably stronger than regular-strength homemade grout cleaner, and safety precautions are necessary. You'll need safety goggles and elbow-length rubber gloves. In addition, the active ingredient in this homemade grout cleaner will cause pitting when applied to porcelain or wood, so you'll need heavy-duty masking tape to protect surface edges.

To make a 1-quart batch of heavy-duty homemade cleaner you'll need muriatic acid, which can be bought at most home improvement or hardware stores, 4 ½ cups of water, a 2-quart plastic container with a lid, a wooden stirring stick, and an old or inexpensive paint brush.

Begin by adding the water to the container, and slowly stir the acid into the water. Carefully apply the solution to the discolored grout, and allow it to soak in for about 45 minutes. You'll notice the grout becoming lighter in color as the solution works.

Lastly, with safety gear still in place, thoroughly rinse away the muriatic acid with clear water, and dry the tiles and grout with an old towel or rag. Repeat the process if necessary until the color of the grout is as light as desired.