Deal Saver - brought to you by the Charlotte Observer

Do Your Part

0 comments
  • Print
  • Order Reprints
  • Share Share

‘Green’ cleaners for grout

By Terri Bennett
Terri Bennett
Terri Bennett has been providing weather forecasts in the Charlotte area for more than 16 years. In September 2007, she launched Terribennett.com to serve as the single source of Terri's knowledge and expertise. She is also promoting green technology in her 'Do Your Part' campaign.

More Information

  • Cleaning tips

    • Don’t use white vinegar on marble because it can damage it.

    • Terri recommends Carolina-based Proxi cleaning products powered with hydrogen peroxide.


Fumes from many of the popular chemical-based grout cleaners can actually pollute the air inside your home. Many people think they’re the only options for stubborn grout and grime. So, I’ve done the dirty work for you and tested three different grout cleaning methods.

I focused on three areas of my kitchen’s tile floor. First, I created a paste of safe, non-toxic oxygenated bleach along with water and put it along one line of grout.

On the second, I put a paste of baking soda and bleach. I don’t normally recommend bleach for jobs like these because there are safer and less toxic options, but I wanted to see a side-by-side comparison.

On the third, I used a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

I scrubbed them all with an industrial brush and let them sit for an hour.

When I returned the oxygenated bleach and chlorine bleach options were sparkling white – without much effort. The grout line treated with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide was cleaner, but not sparkling white.

My recommendation: Go with the oxygenated bleach method because it’s safer and the difference was remarkable.

I recommend every home have a green cleaning kit. It can included the oxygenated bleach, hydrogen peroxide, as well as white vinegar which disinfects, baking soda, and borax to treat mold and mildew. These all are healthier for your home and big money savers.

Find all my favorite green cleaning recipes at DoYourPart.com/Columns.

The Charlotte Observer welcomes your comments on news of the day. The more voices engaged in conversation, the better for us all, but do keep it civil. Please refrain from profanity, obscenity, spam, name-calling or attacking others for their views.   Read more

Quick Job Search
Salary Databases