Clean with Vinegar

Spray undiluted white vinegar onto cement-based grout lines, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with clean water. Vinegar is a mild acid effective against soap scum, light mildew, and mineral deposits on standard grout.

Why It Works

The acetic acid in white vinegar (typically 5% concentration) dissolves alkaline residues like soap scum and light hard-water deposits. It also has mild antimicrobial properties that help with surface mildew. As a pantry staple, it is an inexpensive and readily available cleaner.

Tips

• Never use vinegar on natural stone tiles (marble, travertine, limestone) -- the acid etches and dulls the stone surface permanently
• Never mix vinegar with bleach -- this produces toxic chlorine gas
• For stubborn spots, lay vinegar-soaked paper towels on the grout for 15 minutes before scrubbing
• Vinegar works best on light staining; for deep discoloration, a commercial cleaner or bleach will be more effective