Before you start mopping, make sure you’ve cleared the floor of all removable furniture, appliances and other objects that might get in the way or be damaged by water. If the bucket is too big to fit under the sink, try filling it your bathtub.
Diluting the vinegar will prevent it from bleaching the color or wearing down the finish of your floor tiles. Other high-potency types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, will also get the job done. [2] X Research source
As you mop, you should be able to see the results of the vinegar right away. [4] X Research source Be careful not to saturate bordering wood or carpet flooring with the vinegar solution.
If you skip the rinsing step, the dingy water will dry on the floor, leaving behind streaks and splotches. [5] X Research source Making sure that the grout has a chance to dry out is essential for preventing the growth of mold and mildew, which thrive in warm, moist spaces. [6] X Research source
A spray bottle of vinegar is a convenient natural cleaning solution to have around in a pinch.
For particularly bad stains, you can also mix up a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the grout and leave it to take effect overnight. [9] X Research source
This foaming action will make it much easier for the vinegar and baking soda combination to penetrate down into the tiny pores of the grout. To get the most out of the mixture’s stain-lifting power, wait until the foaming has died down before you begin scrubbing. [11] X Research source
Special brushes designed for cleaning grout can be bought cheap at all home improvement stores. Alternatively, you might also use a long-handled kitchen dish scrubber. Repurpose an old toothbrush and use it to clean grout. The narrow head of the brush coupled with the long handle makes it the perfect tool for getting down into the spaces between tiles. Scrubbing grout by hand can be time-consuming, but it’s without a doubt the most effective means of restoring it to its original color.
Aim to sweep or vacuum your tile floors every couple of days, and to mop or give them a more extensive wipedown about once a week. [14] X Research source Neglected tile will quickly begin to advertise itself. If you allow it to get bad enough, it may even negatively affect the value of your home.
Gradually apply more vinegar as need until the stain begins to come out. Responding to messes quickly is especially important if you have light-colored tile or grout that make discoloration more noticeable. [16] X Research source
Even commercial tile cleaners can take their toll when used frequently, and are usually no more effective than garden variety vinegar, anyway. Never use anything more abrasive than a stiff-bristled brush or kitchen sponge to scrub your tile floors. Doing so may leave behind small scratches in which dirt and mildew can set up for good.
