Grout is an essential element of any tiling project, and while it adds an attractive finish to a project, it can be a challenge to keep clean. Over time, dirt, grime and other stains build up on grout lines, making them unsightly. Fortunately, there’s a simple, effective and affordable solution to grout cleaning that you may not have known about: borax.
Borax is a natural mineral that has been used as a cleaner and detergent for decades. It’s a white powder that dissolves in water and is easy to use, making it a popular choice for cleaning everything from laundry to carpets, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and even grout. In this article, we’ll look at the effectiveness of cleaning grout with borax and how to use it.
Why use borax to clean grout?
There are many reasons why borax is an effective solution for cleaning grout. First and foremost, it’s incredibly affordable, so it won’t break the bank to keep your tiles looking new. Secondly, it’s a natural product, making it an excellent alternative to harsh chemicals that can cause environmental and health problems. Finally, it’s easy to use and doesn’t require any special equipment.
Borax works by breaking down and removing stains, dirt and other deposits that build up on grout lines. It does this by creating a basic environment that neutralises acidic substances. Because grout is usually made from a cement-based mixture that’s porous, it tends to absorb dirt and other grime quickly. Regular cleaning with a borax solution will not only clean the grout, but also help to prevent future staining.
How do I use borax to clean grout?
Before using borax to clean grout, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Borax powder
- Some water
- A spray bottle
- Scrubbing brush
- A bucket
- Grout sealer (optional)
Step 1: Mix your borax solution
In a bucket, mix 2 tablespoons of borax with 1 cup of warm water. Stir the mixture until the borax is completely dissolved.
Step 2: Apply your borax solution
Pour the borax solution into a spray bottle and apply it generously to the grout lines. Make sure the grout is well covered to allow the borax to penetrate the dirt and stains.
Step 3: Leave for a few minutes
Leave the borax solution to sit on the grout for about 5-10 minutes, or until you notice it starting to dry. This time will allow the borax to loosen the dirt and grime, making it easier to scrub away.
Step 4: Scrub the grout
Use a scrubbing brush to vigorously scrub the grout lines to loosen the dirt and stains. You may need to reapply the borax solution and scrub several times for heavy stains. Make sure you use a stiff-bristled brush to get all the dirt out of the grout lines.
Step 5: Rinse with clean water
After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water to remove any remaining borax solution and dirt. You can use a bucket of clean water, a spray bottle or a damp cloth.
Step 6: Seal the grout (optional)
If you want to make sure your grout stays clean and protected, you can use a grout sealer to protect it from future stains. Simply apply the sealer to the grout lines according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Advantages of cleaning grout with borax
Cleaning grout can be a dreaded task, especially if you haven’t found a product that works effectively. However, using borax to clean your grout has many benefits that make it an excellent choice for maintaining the beauty of your home. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits of cleaning grout with borax.
Cost effective solution
One of the biggest benefits of using borax to clean grout is its affordability. Borax is a natural mineral that’s readily available in shops and is inexpensive compared to commercial grout cleaners. This means you can keep your home looking great without overspending on expensive cleaners.
Natural product
Borax is a natural mineral that is mined from the ground and processed into a fine powder. It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances or dyes, making it a safer and healthier option for households with children, pets and people with respiratory problems. Using Borax to clean your grout is an excellent way to avoid exposure to chemicals that can be harmful to your health or the environment.
Easy to use
Cleaning grout with Borax is a simple and straightforward process that doesn’t require any special equipment or skills. All you need is warm water, a spray bottle, a scrubbing brush and borax powder. Simply make a borax solution by mixing it with warm water, spray it onto the grout, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub the area, rinse with clean water and voila! Your grout will look sparkling clean.
Effective stain removal
Borax is an effective cleaner that can remove stubborn stains and dirt from grout lines. It works by breaking down and dissolving the chemical bonds that hold dirt and stains to the grout surface. When scrubbed, the loosened dirt particles are lifted and rinsed away, leaving your grout lines looking clean and renewed.
Prevents future stains
Regularly cleaning grout with borax can help prevent future stains and discolouration. Borax creates a protective layer that repels stains and dirt, making it harder for them to adhere to the grout surface. This means your grout lines will look cleaner for longer, reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning.
Versatile cleaner
As well as cleaning grout, borax can be used to clean other areas of your home, including sinks, toilets, shower curtains and appliances. It’s also a fantastic laundry booster that can brighten up your clothes. clothes, remove stains and neutralise odours. This makes Borax a versatile cleaner that can simplify your cleaning routine and reduce the need for multiple cleaning products.
Prolongs the life of grout
Grout is prone to wear and tear from constant use, moisture and abrasion. Regular cleaning with Borax can help extend the life of your grout by removing dirt and stains that weaken the structure of the grout. By keeping your grout clean and well maintained, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future.
Environmentally friendly option
Using Borax to clean your grout is an environmentally friendly option that reduces your carbon footprint. Unlike commercial cleaners that come in plastic bottles and contribute to landfill waste, borax is a natural substance that can be recycled or composted. In addition, the mining and processing of borax has a lower environmental impact than petrochemical-based cleaners.
The bottom line
Cleaning grout can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be with the help of borax. By using this natural and affordable solution, you can keep your grout looking clean and new for years to come. If you haven’t tried borax yet, we highly recommend it as an inexpensive and safe way to clean your grout.
FAQs
Can you use borax to clean grout?
Borax: Borax is a naturally-occurring mineral found in soil, plants and even our own bodies. It works similar to baking soda in the sense that it cleans, disinfects and deodorizes. To use it to clean your grout, rub the borax into the grout with a damp microfibre cloth, then wipe clean.
Is borax safe for tile and grout?
Borax is an excellent and inexpensive way to clean your tile grout. I just make a paste with some baking soda, Borax, and warm water, then scrub.
How do you use borax on grout?
Clean Tile Grout
Simply mix together equal parts Borax, baking soda, and water into a container. From there, apply the solution to the grout with a toothbrush, or other small brush and let sit for fifteen to twenty minutes.
What is the best homemade tile grout cleaner?
What’s the best homemade grout and tile cleaner? Mix together 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tsp dish soap. Apply cleaning mixture onto the grout, wait 5-10 minutes, scrub, sweep up the excess baking soda, and rinse.
What do professionals use for grout cleaning?
A: whether you believe it or not, most professionals use a solution of white vinegar and water with a 1:1 ratio. This solution is often more effective than dedicated Ph-neutral grout cleaners.
Can I use borax to clean tile?
Dissolve 1 cup of borax in 1 gallon of warm water. To clean mildew stains, pour the mixture into a spray bottle, spray onto bathroom tile, then let sit for ½ hour. Wipe away with a damp rag. To prevent mildew buildup, spray the formula on tile and let dry.
Is borax safe for ceramic tile?
It mixes nicely with lemon, vinegar, and water for cleaning purposes, and is safe for use on any surface, including tile, ceramic, porcelain, slate, marble, granite, and stainless steel. Borax is a great DIY cleaner and here are 10 easy ways you can use it.
How do I clean my shower with borax?
Quote from video: So often times you’ll find mold and mildew building up but there’s a quick fix involving borax just make a paste with. Two parts baking soda to 1 part borax.
Why does grout turn black?
Mold can be responsible for black grout. In areas where there is moisture or high humidity, mold can develop. Though it can appear on kitchen backsplashes, it is most commonly found on bathroom floors and shower tiles. To avoid health risks, as quickly as possible, mold should be removed.