Grout Cleaner

By Linda Cobb, queenofclean.com

Make a paste of 2 parts baking soda, 1 part borax and 1 part hot water. Add the water as necessary to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the grout, and scrub with a scrub brush. To make the job easier, use a scrub brush on a handle. Then rinse well.

For cleaning the tile, you should remember that ceramic tile is to porous. You can clean it effectively with warm water. Many commercial cleaners leave a residue on the tile surface that looks like a smeary coating. A good, neutral cleaner for tile is a solution of 1 gallon of warm water, 2 tablespoons of ammonia, and 1 tablespoon of borax. Never use vinegar. It is an acid and will eventually etch the grout. You should never use a sponge mop on ceramic title, either. It works like a squeegee, depositing the dirty water into the grout tracks. Sweep or vacuum the floor prior to washing. A micro fiber mop works wonders on tile. Check out the Act Natural Mop at www.euronetusa.com. I have been using one for four years and love it. And you don’t need anything except water. When both your tile and grout are clean, you can seal the grout.

I got this out of the paper a few years back. Scott cleaned my entryway today with this grout cleaner and it looks great!