Light Cleaning
For light, weekly cleaning, you do not have to use expensive or caustic chemical solutions. Make your own tile and grout cleaner by mixing 7 cups water, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/3 cup ammonia in a spray bottle, according to Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean. Shake well to mix before spraying on tile and grout. Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe the cleaner away. Do not ever use bleach and ammonia together because they create toxic fumes when they combine.
Tools
Sponges and soft cloths let you scrub your tile and grout without scratching the finish. If you need slightly more scrubbing power, especially for grout, an old toothbrush is just right. Make sure it is a soft-bristled brush so it is not too rough on the tile or grout. You should never use steel wool or other abrasive materials because they can permanently scratch the finish and pull pieces of grout away from between the tiles.
Handling Stains
For smaller mildew stains, use a pencil eraser on dry tile and grout. Gently rub and the mildew brushes away. Keep an eraser or old pencil in your cleaning caddy so it is always handy. If the stains are large or old, make a paste of equal parts baking soda and bleach. Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it dry. When you rinse the paste away, the stain should be removed. If you have recently cleaned your tile with ammonia, do not use bleach. Instead, make a paste with plain water and baking soda.
