Grout Cleaner Paste with Bicarbonate of Soda
A thick bicarb paste and an old toothbrush lift everyday grime from tile grout.
Takes 20 minutes
What you’ll need
- 3 tbsp Bicarbonate of Soda
- Container/Bowl for mixing
- Old toothbrush or Pot Brush
- 1 tbsp Tap water
- Microfibre Cloth or Mop
Method
- Start by preparing a thick spreadable paste by mixing three parts of Bicarbonate of Soda with one part of water.
- Gently rub the paste into the grout using an old toothbrush or a Pot Brush for optimal results.
- Keep it on the grout for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to penetrate any dirt and makes removal easier.
- Scrub with your brush until you are content, rinse or mop with cold water to remove any residue and dry with a clean Microfibre Cloth.
Effectively clean grout.
The paste clings to grout lines and its fine grit scrubs without scratching tiles.
The science: Sodium bicarbonate (PubChem, NIH) →
Glass:
Despite being a mild abrasive cleaner, Bicarbonate of Soda has the potential to scratch glass and mirrors, so it‘s best to avoid using it on these surfaces.
Aluminium:
When using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean aluminium surfaces like pans, it can cause oxidisation over time, which turns the surface brown. If you must use Bicarbonate of Soda on aluminium pots and pans, make sure to rinse them immediately after.
Natural Stone:
Avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on natural stone surfaces like quartz, marble, and granite. Repeated use can damage the sealant and leave scratches on the stone.
Sealed Wood::
Bicarbonate of Soda can damage or wear away the finish or sealant on wood furniture, leaving a dull appearance, so it‘s best to avoid using it on wooden surfaces.
Antique Silver:
While Bicarbonate of Soda can quickly remove tarnish from silverware, it‘s too abrasive and can cause it to lose its patina and tarnish more quickly over time.
Gold-Plated Items::
Gold is a soft metal, so using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean gold-plated utensils or dishes can scratch and ruin the finish. Prolonged use can cause the plating to wear off, so it‘s best to avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on these items.
Store Bicarbonate of Soda sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
While Bicarbonate of Soda is generally considered a very safe cleaning agent, it is always a good idea to wear rubber gloves if you have highly sensitive skin to prevent dryness. Alternatively, rinse your hands thoroughly after use and avoid contact with your eyes as it can cause redness.
B&M Pro-Tip:
Tea Tree Essential Oil helps with mildew and musty smells in grout. Which oil for which job →
Quick questions
It’s still dark.
That’s staining or mould; use our Oxygen Bleach grout cleaner.
Natural stone tiles?
Best avoided. Repeated scrubbing can wear the sealant.
Try this next: Grout Cleaner: Oxygen Bleach →
