Grout, the material that fills the spaces between tiles, is essential for creating a seamless look in kitchens and bathrooms. However, its porous nature makes it susceptible to absorbing water, dirt, and grime, leading to discolouration. This not only affects the aesthetics but can also harbour germs, bacteria, and mould. Living in a hard water area, my bathroom is prone to limescale, which further accentuates the discolored grout on my white bathroom tiles.
To tackle this issue, I decided to try a product I had in my cleaning cupboard: citric acid. This mild acid is effective for descaling and removing hard water stains and mineral deposits. It’s often derived from citrus fruits like lemons and is available in dry crystal or powder form. I used Elbow Grease’s Citric Acid, made from 100 percent natural ingredients, and it cost me only £1.49 for a large tub. Just one scoop was enough for this cleaning hack, making it a very affordable solution.
To create my homemade cleaning solution, I mixed one scoop of citric acid with water until it formed a paste. Using an old toothbrush head, I applied the paste to the grout, gently scrubbing it in. Some of the discolouration disappeared instantly, while others required the solution to be left for about 10 minutes. To manage the time, I tackled the bathroom grout in sections, working in small areas at a time.
After 10 minutes, I gave the grout another light scrub before rinsing it off and drying the tiles thoroughly. Drying the tiles after a shower and opening the window are crucial for keeping the grout fresh. In the past, I have used Viakal and an £8 grout pen to touch up discoloured areas, but I have to say that the citric acid solution has been the most effective and efficient method I’ve tried. It’s quick, uses natural ingredients, and leaves my grout looking sparkling clean.
