DIY Tile & Grout Cleaning Paste
A thick paste to deep-clean bathroom and kitchen tiles and grout
Grout is porous and holds onto staining in a way that no spray can fully reach. This paste is designed to sit in grout lines and work over time: the citric acid dissolves mineral deposits, the bicarb fizzes to drive the paste into the pores, and the soap lifts what’s been loosened. Make it fresh and use it quickly for the best result.
Yield 250 g · Difficulty Beginner · Time 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 180 g Bicarbonate of Soda (Food Grade)
- 30 g Citric Acid (Anhydrous)
- 40 mL Liquid Castile Soap
- 15 drops Lift Essential Oil Blend (optional)
Method
- Weigh the Bicarbonate of Soda and Citric Acid (Anhydrous) separately.
- Combine in a clean mixing bowl; they will fizz slightly. Mix quickly.
- Add the Liquid Castile Soap immediately and mix to form a thick paste.
- Add Essential Oil if using and stir through.
- Use immediately, or transfer to an airtight jar and label.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Stirring spatula
- Digital scales
- Airtight jar
- Grout brush or old toothbrush
How to use
Apply paste to tiles or grout using a brush or toothbrush. Leave for 5–10 minutes. Scrub thoroughly. Rinse with clean water. Do not use on natural stone tiles.
Storage
Store in an airtight jar. Use within 2 weeks; Citric Acid loses potency once combined. If paste dries, add a few drops of water and stir.
Safety
Do not use on natural stone (marble, granite, travertine, slate); Citric Acid will etch the surface. Bicarb and Citric Acid fizz on contact; mix quickly. Short shelf life; make in small batches. Keep out of reach of children.
What else is in this recipe
-
Bicarbonate of Soda (Food Grade) reacts with citric acid to create the fizzing action, and provides gentle abrasion during scrubbing
-
Liquid Castile Soap binds the paste, provides surfactant cleaning action and helps the formula cling to vertical tile surfaces
-
Essential Oil optional. Tea Tree or Lemon add antimicrobial action and a clean scent to the finished result
I recommend trying it with Lift
Grout cleaning is one of the less pleasant household jobs, and Lift makes it feel more purposeful: the sharp, clean scent profile is suited to hard-working pastes. The Tea Tree and Eucalyptus carry genuine antifungal properties that are a bonus on a surface that’s regularly damp.
Make it yourself: every ingredient is available at homemadehaven.com.au.
Small Batch • Handcrafted in Australia
