Does Toothpaste Clean Grout? Tile and Grout Cleaning With Toothpaste

Are you tired of looking at the discolored and dingy grout lines between your bathroom tiles? Wondering how you can restore them to their original sparkle? Well, if you are one of those concerned individuals, you have landed at the right place. This article is all about cleaning the Grout using your Toothpaste.

Grout, the cement-like material between tiles, is prone to trap stains, mildew, and dirt easily. These marks grow and start looking unappealing. While there is a range of cleaning products that claim to help, not each of them shows effective results. However, as per several self-proclaimed claims, Toothpaste can help in cleaning Grout effectively. But after reading about such claims on the internet, people often get confused about whether the toothpaste cleaning hack is real or just a myth.

Well, wonder no more as we have got you all covered. Join us in this article, and we will find out whether Toothpaste can clean Grout or not.

Can Toothpaste Clean Grout?

You may have heard about the rumor that Toothpaste can clean Grout effectively. But does it really works?

Well, the answer can’t be precise, and it’s both Yes and No.

Toothpaste is formulated using cleaning agents like Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda. These ingredients are known for their abrasive properties and thus can be effective in cleaning the buildup on Grout. Ingredients like Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda in Toothpaste can break down dirt, grime, and stains, later removing them effectively. Toothpaste may not be an efficient Grout cleaner for heavily soiled grout lines, but it can resolve the lighter issues.

However, not all types of Toothpaste can clean grouts and other similar buildups. Gel toothpaste or other Toothpaste that is less abrasive can be ineffective in cleaning any kind of dirt and grime buildup. Also, certain types of Grout, including porous grout and the ones on natural stone can’t be treated with Toothpaste. Some toothpaste can be damaging to certain materials and may lead to discoloration or leave a residue.

While Toothpaste can be effective in cleaning Grout, it may not be a regular cleaning option. It can help for small surfaces, or while you are just testing for major buildup, it may prove of no help. Also, it is important to test Toothpaste on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a large surface.

Using Toothpaste to Clean Grout| Step-By-Step Process

Though the claims of Toothpaste being effective in cleaning Grout are controversial, you can still choose to give it a try. And if you have decided the same, here are the step-by-step instructions to get the best results:

Before you begin, gather a tube of Toothpaste, a scrub brush or an old toothbrush, a clean cloth, and warm water. When choosing Toothpaste, go with one that consists of Baking Soda or/and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Here’s how you can start:

1. Squeeze a small amount of Toothpaste and spread it evenly onto the Grout lines. You can spread it using your fingers, scrub brush, or toothbrush. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
2. Using the same toothbrush, scrub the grout buildup in a circular motion. You will need to apply some pressure in order to loosen the dirt and stains.
3. After scrubbing, allow the Toothpaste to sit on the Grout for a few minutes. Doing so is important to let the Toothpaste and its actives work efficiently. Allowing the cleaning agents to work their magic will impact the cleaning outcome.
4. Now sprinkle some warm water in the Grout, give it a quick 1 to 2-minute scrub using the brush, and then rinse it. You can use a clean cloth dipped in warm water to remove all the residue from the Grout.
5. Repeat the process if necessary, or rinse it nicely with clean water.

How long do you leave Toothpaste on Grout?

It is important to leave Toothpaste on for a few minutes on the Grout. This will allow the cleaning agents to release and break down the dirt buildup effectively.

Once you have applied the Toothpaste to Grout, allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before you begin the scrubbing process.

Again once you are done with scrubbing, allow the Toothpaste to sit for another 5 to 10 minutes before you rinse it off.

The time-lapse where Toothpaste sits on Grout gives baking soda and/or hydrogen peroxide to break down all the dirt and stains on Grout. However, make sure that you do not let Toothpaste dry on Grout, or it may leave residues.

What kind of Toothpaste do you use to clean Grout?

Regular white Toothpaste is the best for any DIY cleaning purposes. Pick Toothpaste that contains either Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, or both. These ingredients are typically recommended for removing stains. Baking Soda is known for scrubbing away dirt and stains. At the same time, Hydrogen Peroxide is known as a powerful whitener and disinfectant.

However, besides focusing on the about ingredients, avoid whitening Toothpaste or the ones that are meant for tartar control. Such Toothpaste can damage the toles or discolor certain types of grouts.

Can Toothpaste damage your tiles?

Toothpaste is generally safe to be used on tiles (however, not meant for the same), though moderation is important. Toothpaste, if left for long or not in moderation, can probably damage certain types of tiles. Especially delicate or porous tiles can be damaged by the wrong use of Toothpaste, be it its amount, time, or type.

Also, tiles that are very delicate or known for their shine can be damaged due to the abrasiveness present in Toothpaste. Ingredients like Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide where help in cleaning Grout, but if used vigorously can damage the tile’s surface as well.

Also, if Toothpaste dries out on tiles, removing it with pressure or harsh scrubbing can lead to physical damage. Besides, Toothpaste should never be used on unglazed tiles. Such tiles are porous and can absorb Toothpaste. This can further lead to staining and discoloration on tiles.

Downsides of Cleaning Grout with Toothpaste

Toothpaste can be a quick, affordable, and effective solution for cleaning Grout, but it comes with its fair share of disadvantages. Here are a few downsides to count.

• The effectiveness of Toothpaste in cleaning heavily solid grouts can be limited. Also, since Toothpaste doesn’t have the same strength as other cleaning materials, it may not be very effective for larger areas.
• It is important to use only basic white toothpaste since others can lead to damage and discoloration in grouts. Therefore, it is crucial to perform a patch test before.
• If not rinsed properly or timely, toothpaste residue can be tricky to be removed from Grout. And since it will require excessive scrubbing, there can be some damage as well.
• Toothpaste for cleaning Grout can be a time-consuming process, and results are still doubtful.

Alternatives for Cleaning Grout (Besides Toothpaste)

If Toothpaste didn’t leave effective results for you or in case you are skeptical about using it, here are some alternatives for cleaning Grout.

• Take 1:10 Bleach and Water and mix it well. Pour this solution over the Grout and allow it to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. After that, brush the Grout using a scrub/ old toothbrush and rinse with warm water.
• Take equal parts of Baking Soda and Vinegar and form a paste. Apply the paste immediately to the Grout and allow it to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Later sprinkle some water on the top and start scrubbing using an old toothbrush. Lastly, rinse with warm water.
• Use a steam cleaner, and with its small attachment, try to clean the Grout. It is said that head and pressure can break down dirt and stains leaving the Grout clean and shiny.
• Mix oxygenated bleach in water and apply the solution to the Grout. Allow it to sit for 10 to 20 minutes before you scrub and rinse it.
• Or lastly, use a Grout cleaning solution and use it as instructed on the product.

Conclusion

This was all about the effectiveness of Toothpaste for Cleaning Grout. While Toothpaste isn’t a product meant for regular house cleaning, it can sometimes deliver effective results.

However, before you use Toothpaste to clean Grout, make sure you do a patch test. Also, if the Grout is heavily stained, use a commercial product that is meant for cleaning.