How To Clean Bathroom Grout With Baking Soda

Grimy grout is a common bathroom problem. Porous and prone to absorbing moisture, grout provides an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Fortunately, cleaning bathroom grout with baking soda offers an effective and affordable solution. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mild alkali that works to break down dirt, grime, and mildew, leaving grout sparkling clean.

Gathering Supplies

Before beginning the cleaning process, it is essential to gather all necessary supplies. This preparation streamlines the process and ensures everything is readily at hand. The following items are recommended:

Baking soda
Water
Spray bottle
Scrub brush (stiff-bristled)
Old toothbrush
Gloves
Bucket
Optional: Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide, or Lemon Juice

Preparing the Grout

Adequate preparation ensures the baking soda solution can effectively penetrate and clean the grout. Following these steps will optimize the cleaning process:

Remove any loose debris from the grout lines using a vacuum cleaner or dry brush.
Rinse the grout with warm water to remove surface dirt.

Making the Baking Soda Paste

Creating the correct consistency of baking soda paste is crucial for effective cleaning. The paste should be thick enough to adhere to the grout lines but not so thick that it is difficult to apply.

In a small bowl, gradually add water to the baking soda until a thick paste forms.
The consistency should resemble toothpaste.

Applying the Baking Soda Paste

Proper application of the baking soda paste ensures complete coverage and maximum cleaning power.

Using gloved hands or a spatula, apply the paste generously to the grout lines, ensuring complete coverage.
Allow the paste to sit undisturbed for 15-20 minutes. This dwell time allows the baking soda to break down the grime and mildew.

Boosting Cleaning Power (Optional)

For particularly stubborn stains or mildew, incorporating vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon juice can enhance the cleaning power of the baking soda paste.

After applying the baking soda paste, spray the grout lines with white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon juice.
The acidic properties of these liquids react with the baking soda, creating a fizzing action that helps lift dirt and stains.
Allow the mixture to fizz for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Scrubbing the Grout

Scrubbing is essential for loosening and removing the dirt and grime that the baking soda paste has loosened.

Using a stiff-bristled scrub brush or an old toothbrush, vigorously scrub the grout lines.
Focus on areas with heavy staining or mildew build-up.
For tight corners or narrow grout lines, an old toothbrush is especially helpful.

Rinsing and Drying

Thorough rinsing ensures complete removal of the baking soda residue and any remaining grime.

Rinse the grout lines thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all traces of baking soda paste are removed.
Wipe the tiles and grout dry with a clean cloth.
Proper drying helps prevent the re-growth of mildew.

Repeating the Process

For heavily soiled grout, a single application may not be sufficient to achieve desired results. Repeating the process amplifies the cleaning power and ensures a deep clean.

If necessary, repeat the entire process, from applying the baking soda paste to rinsing and drying.
For particularly stubborn stains, allow the baking soda paste to sit for a longer period, up to 30 minutes.

Maintaining Clean Grout

Regular maintenance helps prevent the build-up of grime and mildew, keeping grout clean and sparkling.

After showering or bathing, rinse the shower walls and floor with water to remove soap scum and residue.
Regularly spray the grout lines with a mixture of water and vinegar to discourage mildew growth.
Ensure adequate ventilation in the bathroom to reduce moisture build-up, a key contributor to mildew growth.