The Cure for that Dingy Tile Grout

I don't know about you, but I REALLY hate that the grout around my floor tiles just never seems to get clean. I scrub and scrub and scrub. But, it remains a dingy grey color. I've tried bleach, ammonia, all of the expensive floor cleaners and even various combinations of them all. NOTHING!!!! It was time for taking some drastic measures.

I know ==> Try that "paint your grout" stuff I've seen on TV. WRONG!!! I doubt it works as well as I would like and I don't know anyone that has tried it.

Hmmm ==> Scrape it all up and re-grout. WRONG!!! That is too time-consuming and I don't know how to properly grout. It seems like it wouldn't be that difficult, but if it turns out looking like my 3rd Grader did it, I'm not gonna be a happy camper.

Ahhhh ===> I could just hire somebody to come and re-grout the tile floor for me. WRONG!!! That sounds like it will cost quite a bit to get a professional to come in and re-grout my aging tile floor. Even if I could come up with the money, will I get any return on my investment?

OOohhh ==> Instead of paying somebody to re-grout my aging tile floor, I might as well spend the same money on updating the tile and install new flooring. WRONG!!! Now I know I must be losing it. Who has that kind of money these days to invest in a new tile floor just because you can't stand the dingy grout???

EUREKA ==> Call Grandma!!! That's right. Grandma used to keep her tile floors spotless. So, I called her and asked her to share her old school magic with me.

"Vinegar!" she says. "Use good old-fashioned vinegar."

She tells me to mix up a vinegar solution that is one half white vinegar and one half water. If I want it stronger, just use more vinegar than water. I couldn't believe that her vinegar solution would do much better than the expensive cleaners that I had been trying. But... I gave it a try.

I mixed up my solution by adding a 16oz bottle of distilled white vinegar with 8oz of water. I grabbed a scrub brush and went to work. I was AMAZED at the results. Clean as a whistle. WOW!!! I had to adjust to the smell, but my floor was getting so clean I didn't even care about it.

When I was done, I surveyed my sparkling tile and rejuvenated grout. As I smiled at this amazing feat, I could only wonder what other harsh chemicals should I retire. I think it's time to call Grandma again!!!