With everyday household products, a little effort, and these proven tips, you can effectively clean the grout between your tiles, no matter how dirty.
Tile is generally easy to clean, but cleaning grout itself can be challenging due to its light color and porous composition, making it prone to staining.
In entryways and mudrooms, dirt and grime are common culprits, while kitchen spills and bathroom mold and mildew are more prevalent.
The good news is that you can clean and restore grout using affordable household products and some effort.
Start with the mildest cleaning grout option and gradually move to more intense methods if needed.
Test any new grout or cleaner in a hidden spot or whole room to ensure it suits your surface.
Before starting the cleaning process, it’s crucial to understand the various types of grout clearly.
Before you start cleaning grout, it’s essential to understand the various types of grout.
There are multiple types, each available in different colors.
Consider the type and color when gathering grout and cleaning, supplies, and planning your grout cleaning approach.
The two most common grout cleaning types are traditional cement and epoxy grout. These can be further categorized as follows:
Sanded grout: Made with cement, it contains visible grit and is suitable for larger joints (over ⅛ inch wide, up to ⅝ or 1 inch, depending on the product). It’s durable for high-traffic floors but not recommended for smooth, polished stone surfaces as the grit may cause scratching during application.
Unsanded grout: Also made with cement but without grit. Unsanded grout is suitable for narrower joints, which can be as small as 1/16 inch wide. Unsanded grout is easier to work with and clean up than sanded grout. It works well for polished stones and vertical surfaces like shower walls, appearing smoother and feeling stickier.
Epoxy grout: Resistant to water stains, shrinking, and sagging compared to cement grouts. Epoxy grout absorbs significantly less water and is more robust. It’s suitable for harsh environments like kitchen backsplashes and shower surrounds. It’s easier to clean, maintains its original color better, and is less prone to cracking. However, it’s more expensive and requires more time for application.
Some grout types come pre-colored for improved stain and fade resistance.
Specific grime formulations include polymers to enhance features like moisture and mildew resistance.
Additionally, it’s essential to know if the grout has been sealed or requires resealing, as this can affect its durability and the cleaning solutions you can use. Check out Best Tile and Grout Cleaning Solutions for more helpful information.
Step 1: Prepare warm water and a medium-bristle brush for scrubbing grout lines.
If you don’t have a grout scrubber, you can find suitable cleaning products at most home centers and hardware stores.
Look for products specifically designed for cleaning your tile or kitchen floor grout.
Choosing a medium-bristle nylon brush is essential instead of a minor or stiff brush or small brush to prevent any damage to the tile floor grout.
Next, spray warm water or sealer solution onto the grout to seal the lines.
Ensure that you use the sealer solution with a manageable amount of water or sealer or let it sit on the grout briefly.
Remember that porous cement and sealer grouts can absorb water, which may lead to mildew issues.
Use a small or medium-bristle brush with minimal grout scrubbing in a tiny circular motion.
This method of minimal scrubbing will help remove dirt, grime, and stains effectively.
After cleaning the grout, it’s essential to let it dry completely.
Step 2: Spray the grout with equal parts vinegar and warm water.
Suppose your grout is sealed but has accumulated heavy dirt or mild stains.
In that case, a vinegar solution can be a reliable cleaning solution.
Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half mixture of vinegar and warm water.
Apply the cleaning solution to the dirty grout and the spray bottle and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Then, use a stiff brush to scrub the dirty grout surface.
Avoid using the vinegar solution on unsealed or dirty grout only.
Step 3: Baking soda and water paste method, followed by a vinegar spray.
To enhance the cleaning power, use baking soda.
First, cover the grout lines with a paste made from two parts baking soda and water.
As previously instructed, preparing the vinegar cleaning solution is essential to clean the grout lines.
Before using vinegar:
Verify if the sealant is on the grout.
Spray the cleaning solution on the grout using a spray bottle.
Once the foam settles, scrub the grout with a toothbrush and rinse it with plain water.
Mix two parts of baking soda and wipe the grout dry. If the grout is not sealed or requires resealing, use only the two parts baking soda and cleaning solution and scrub carefully.
Step 4: Use hydrogen peroxide to tackle moderate stains.
One part, one part hydrogen peroxide, can be practical.
You can apply it to clean grout directly or create a paste by combining one part two parts baking soda, and one part hydrogen peroxide.
This baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water mixture are generally safe for sealed grime and tough stains on unsealed grout.
Step 5: Apply oxygen bleach and allow it to soak up to 15 minutes.
Using oxygen bleach for heavily soiled white grout with dark discoloration is advisable.
It’s commonly available in powdered form, with popular brands including OxiClean and Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus.
Ensure good ventilation in the room and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Let the oxygen bleach solution soak dirty white grout for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with clean water and wiping or wiping dry the area.
Pat or wipe dry once again with a damp cloth to dry.
Step 6: Consider using a commercial grout stain cleaner.
Commercial grout cleaners can be highly effective in removing mold and mildew and restoring the brightness of grout stains and lines.
These products work by spraying and wiping or scouring with a toothbrush.
Spray-on cleaners save time but may contain more potent acids, solvents, or chlorine bleach.
When using a toothbrush and cleaner, put in some effort, particularly for heavily soiled or grout lines.
Carefully read the active ingredients and follow the instructions, especially the safety precautions.
Step 7: Steam-clean the grout stains.
Steam cleaners and mops are environmentally friendly tools that effectively clean grout shower tile, tiles, tile floors, and other hard surfaces in your house or home.
Brands like Bissell, Oreck, and Hoover offer steam cleaners designed for residential use.
Step 8: Use chlorine bleach sparingly.
When grout cleaning requires a robust solution, chlorine bleach or commercial cleansers containing chlorine bleach can be used in moderation.
Using acidic cleaners for an extended period can cause damage to the grout, making it unsuitable for regular cleaning.
If you resort to bleach, ensure you have rinsed the grime surface thoroughly before using any bleach products.
Avoid mixing vinegar and bleach, as the combination can release highly toxic chlorine gas.
Grout Maintenance Method:
After cleaning your tiled surfaces with tile grout, it’s essential to maintain it to prevent discoloration.
Spray household vinegar or a mild grout cleaner on the tile grout and wipe it down once a week.
Wiping tile grout with rubbing alcohol can also help prevent mold and mildew.
Regular spritzes and wipes will save you time and effort while preserving the attractive appearance of tile grout on your tiled surfaces.
Final Thoughts:
To clean grout effectively, focus on prevention, such as resealing grout as needed, promptly cleaning kitchen spills, and regularly cleaning the grout using a mild homemade or commercial grout cleaner. Check out Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist and Expert Tips to Take Charge of Your Home for more helpful information.
If new grout becomes stained or dingy, follow the earlier grout maintenance steps.
Start with the gentlest approach to cleaning any new grout with stains to avoid damaging or discoloring the new grout further.
If stains persist, gradually move to more intense grout cleaning and maintenance methods.
Ensure proper ventilation when cleaning grout.
Prioritize proper protection to your hands with rubber or nylon gloves when cleaning grout for safety and comfort.
Remember to follow the recommendations of your tiling professional or tile manufacturer regarding your tile floor, floor and grout cleaning, sealing, and maintenance.
Avoid harsh cleaners or scrubbers that may damage the tile floor and grout seal.
By keeping your tile floors and floor grout clean and sealed, you can avoid the need for repainting, repairs or regrouting.
Regularly cleaning your grout using a mild homemade or commercial grout cleaner helps prevent discoloration and maintain cleanliness.
When dealing with newly dingy grout, also refer back to the earlier grout maintenance steps for effective cleaning.
Always start with the gentlest approach to avoid any damage or discoloration to new grout.
If stubborn discolorations persist, gradually escalate to more intense grout cleaning methods for effective results.
Great Tips for Cleaning Grout:
Q: Does Magic Eraser work on grout?
A: Yes, a Magic Eraser and warm water can effectively remove residue and dirt from tile surfaces and be a part of your house and regular house and bathroom grout-cleaning routine.
It can be beneficial for surface stains on white grout tiles. Start with a damp cloth to wipe down, then wipe dry a dampened Magic Eraser sponge before using more aggressive options.
Q: Can I use OxiClean to clean the grout?
A: Yes, powdered OxiClean mixed with water to form a liquid solution or paste can safely clean grout.
Apply it to clean grout with a cloth, sponge, small brush, old toothbrush, or grout scrubber; let it sit for 5 to 30 minutes, scrub, and then rinse.
OxiClean is less toxic and color-safe compared to bleach.
Q: Can you use steel wool on grout?
A: Avoid using steel wool on grout tiles, as it can damage the grout tiles and the surrounding tile.
Instead, use a soft sponge, nylon bristle brush, old toothbrush, or cleaner, or even fill a power scrubber with soft materials, starting with the least abrasive scrub or option first.
Q: How do you clean stained grout?
A: To clean stained tile or grout lines from the kitchen or bathroom floor, minimal scrubbing it using a mixture of warm water, mild detergent, or a grout cleaner solution.
Use an old toothbrush or sponge to clean the dirt and grout from the lines, then rinse with clean water.
Q: How do I get my grout white again?
A: To restore the white of the grout lines of the shower, on the shower walls with tile, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the grout lines of the shower tile, and let it sit for a few minutes.
Scrub the grout lines with an old toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly.
Alternatively, use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to whiten the grout lines of shower tile on walls with tile on top.
Q: How do you whiten badly stained grout?
A: For badly or deeply stained grout or tiles, try using a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Apply the paste to the most intensely or deeply stained grout or tile, let it sit for a while, scrub with a small brush, and rinse well.
You can also consider using a commercial grout scrub or tile scrub, or cleaner designed for tough stains.
Q: How do professionals clean dirty grout?
A: To clean white grout effectively, it is recommended to use a combination of high-pressure steam cleaning, specialized cleaning solutions, and professional-grade equipment to clean grout and minimize the need for scrubbing.
This approach ensures clean grout and a professional level of cleanliness.
They may also use rotary brushes or scrubbers to agitate dirt and deep-clean the white grout.
The exact method used for cleaning grout can vary depending on the severity of the dirt and stains.
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