Is dirty, grimy tile and grout ruining the look of your otherwise spotless kitchen or bathroom? You’re not alone. Tile and grout are the hardest areas of a home to clean. Even for people who have switched entirely to all-natural cleaners, the chemical-laden tile and grout cleaner is usually the last product to be replaced. Here’s a natural, homemade solution that actually works. Say goodbye to those harsh commercial cleaners and hello to sparkling tile floors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Homemade Grout and Tile Cleaner

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup water
• 3 Tbs. baking soda
• 2 Tbs. ammonia
• 2 Tbs. vinegar
• Spray bottle 
• Rags and scrub brushes
• A bucket of warm water

Here’s How to Conquer the Grime

Mix the water, baking soda, ammonia, and vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. The ingredients will froth a bit, so don’t fill your bottle to the very top. Working with small sections at a time, spray your mix generously on the tile and grout to be cleaned. Wait 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the severity of your problem. The cleaner will begin loosening the dirt, making it easier to remove. Scrub vigorously with a grout brush. After you have removed the dirt with your vigorous scrubbing, use a damp rag to pick up the grime. Clean your rag periodically in the bucket of warm water. Baking soda will leave a white residue on your clean tile, so it’s a good idea to give it a once-over with a damp rag or a mop when the tile cleaning is finished.

Tips for Success

• If you’re cleaning a tub or shower surround, it’s a good idea to do so after a shower. The steam will loosen the dirt, making your job much easier.
• A brush specifically designed for grout cleaning works much better than an old toothbrush.
• Seal your grout when it is clean, or have it professionally sealed. Grout is very porous and is very hard to keep clean unless it is sealed.
• This cleaner is much safer to use than many commercial tile cleaners, but it’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves to prevent irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully tackled the biggest problem area in your home without the use of commercial cleaning products. After the initial cleaning, a weekly dose of spray and a quick scrubbing will keep your tile sparkling without much effort.