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Try these homemade and commercial cleaners to refresh your grout
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Have you noticed dirt or grime building up between the tiles on your floor? Unsightly stains on your tile grout can make your whole floor look a little messy, but there are so many common household products that can make them look clean again. No matter what kind of tile or grout you have, we’ve found the perfect cleaning solutions for you to use. Just keep reading, and we’ll walk you through how to make your grout look spotless again.
This article is based on an interview with our home renovation and repair specialist, Art Fricke, owner of Art Tile & Renovation. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- Scrub a paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap into the grout with a grout brush . Let the paste sit for 10–15 minutes before wiping it with a damp cloth.
- Try applying a baking soda paste to the grout and spraying it with distilled white vinegar. Wait until the mixture stops bubbling to rinse it off the tiles.
- Let a mixture of oxygenated bleach and warm water soak into the grout for 15 minutes. Scrub away dirt with a grout brush before rinsing off the cleaner.
Steps
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Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap into a thick paste. Combine ½ cup (136 g) of baking soda, 1 ⁄ 4 c (59 ml) of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tsp (4.9 ml) of dish soap in a small bowl. Keep stirring the mixture until it forms a thick paste that’s easy to apply to the grout between your floor tiles. [1] X Research source
- Hydrogen peroxide paste works on any type of grout whether it’s sealed or unsealed.
- Baking soda acts as a natural abrasive to scrub away stains and build-up while the hydrogen peroxide helps cut through discoloration. The added dish soap helps loosen dirt and remove grease. [2] X Research source
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Apply the paste with a nylon-bristled brush. Either use a toothbrush or a specialized grout scrub brush . Dip the brush bristles into the hydrogen peroxide paste, and apply it to the grout lines between all of your tiles. Clean the grout with the paste by gently scrubbing the surface to lift up some of the dirt and grime on the surface. [3] X Research source
- Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda may cause discoloration on colored grout. Test the solution in an inconspicuous spot before using it to clean your entire floor.
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Let the hydrogen peroxide mixture sit on the grout for 10–15 minutes. Leave the paste on the grout so it has time to soak in. As the peroxide sits, it will form a bubbling reaction with the baking soda to break apart stains that are trapped deeper in the grout. [4] X Research source
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Rinse the grout with warm or hot water to remove all of the solution. Pour a small amount of water directly onto the tile floor to rinse the entire floor thoroughly. Alternatively, wet a clean towel or sponge with water and wipe it over the surface to lift up the residual cleaner. [5] X Research source
- Be careful when you’re walking across your floor because wet tiles can be very slippery.
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Use a rag to wipe along the grout lines and remove leftover residue or dirt. Take a clean, dry cloth and gently scrub between the tiles to clean out the remaining paste. Either stand on the towel and slide your feet along the grout lines, or work on your hands and knees to scrub the floor by hand. As a section of the towel gets dirty, fold it over and use a clean section so you don’t spread the dirt back onto your floor. [6] X Research source
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Mop the floor with clean water. Wet a mop with fresh water without any added soap or cleaners. Wring out the mop before using it to wipe your tile floor and lift up any residue you may have missed. Rinse your mop frequently and wet it again with clean water so you don’t spread the dirt back over the grout. When you’re finished, just let your floor dry completely. [7] X Research source
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Apply a paste of baking soda and water between your tiles. Mix 2 parts of baking soda to 1 part water in a small bowl to make a thick paste. Scoop the paste onto a small spoon or an old toothbrush and apply it directly onto the grout lines on your floor. [8] X Research source
- Baking soda works for all types and colors of grout, regardless of whether or not it’s sealed or unsealed.
- Baking soda is a mild abrasive that could irritate your skin while you’re cleaning. Wear rubber gloves while you’re working with it.
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Spray the baking soda paste with a vinegar solution. Combine equal parts of distilled white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, and shake it up until it’s thoroughly mixed. Then, spray the vinegar solution directly onto the baking soda paste so it’s thoroughly coated. The paste will immediately start bubbling once you apply the vinegar spray, which lets you know that the cleaner has started working. [9] X Research source
- Avoid using vinegar on natural stone tiles or unsealed grout since it could leave marks or damage on the surface. Just use the baking soda by itself instead.
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Wait for the vinegar solution to stop bubbling. Cleaning with baking soda and vinegar causes a bubbling chemical reaction that helps loosen up dirt and stains deep within the grout. Keep your eyes on the cleaning solution until it stops bubbling completely, which should only last for a few minutes. [10] X Research source
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Scrub the grout lines with a stiff-bristled brush. Run the bristles of a scrub brush made for cleaning grout or a toothbrush along each grout line. Work the paste deeper into the grout to help lift up any stains or dirt that remain. [11] X Research source
- Pay close attention to grout in the corners and along the edges of your room since these areas are commonly forgotten about.
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Mop the floor with clean water. Dip a mop into a bucket of plain water, and wipe it across your floor tiles to remove any residue that’s still left over. Rinse your mop and change the water often during the rinsing process so you don’t spread dirt back over your floor. Be sure to rinse off all the areas where you applied baking soda and vinegar so it doesn’t continue soaking into the grout. [12] X Research source
- Leaving vinegar and baking soda on your grout or tiles could eventually cause it to eat through the material and cause damage.
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Dissolve 2 tbsp (35 g) of oxygenated bleach in 2 c (470 ml) of warm water. Use the warmest water from your tap to activate the oxygenated bleach. Use a spoon to mix the solution thoroughly to ensure that the oxygen bleach is fully dissolved. [13] X Expert Source Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.- Oxygen bleach may cause fading or marks on colored grout, but it’s gentle enough for all types of grout or tile.
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Test a small, hidden section of the grout before cleaning the entire floor. Some tiles or grouts may be bleached or discolored by oxygenated bleach. Apply a small amount of the oxygenated bleach solution to an unnoticeable section of the grout to test for colorfastness. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes before wiping it up and checking the coloration. [14] X Research source
- If the oxygenated bleach does cause discoloration, then try one of the other cleaning solutions.
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Apply the oxygenated bleach to the grout and leave it for 15 minutes. Clean your floor in small sections so you avoid completely covering your floor. Scoop the oxygenated bleach solution out with a spoon and spread it evenly over the grout lines between your floor tiles. Make sure to pour enough to fully cover the grout lines. Let the solution sit on the grout for about 15 minutes so it has a chance to lift up deep-set stains. [15] X Research source
- Alternatively, sprinkle the oxygen bleach powder along the grout lines on your floor and use a spray bottle to apply the water. [16] X Research source
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Scrub the oxygenated bleach into the grout with a nylon bristle brush. After the oxygenated bleach has time to sit on the grout, scrub back and forth along the grout lines with the brush. Be sure to pay extra attention in the corners and around the edges of the floor because dirt and grime tend to be worse there. [17] X Expert Source Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 6 July 2020. -
Brush on unmixed oxygenated bleach powder for added cleaning power. If you find a stubborn stain that won’t come up on its own, dip the brush into clean water. Then, dab the bristles into the oxygenated bleach powder. Scrub the oxygenated bleach directly onto the grout to help clean them even more.
- Pour a small amount of the powder into a separate container to avoid mixing water into your main container of oxygen bleach powder.
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Rinse and dry the floor. Pour clean water directly on the tile or wet it with a clean mop to rinse away the residual oxygenated bleach mixture. After that, wipe your floor dry with a towel so dirt and grime don’t leave behind any marks. [18] X Expert Source Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 6 July 2020.
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Apply your commercial grout cleaner directly to the grout lines. Some good grout cleaners include Grout-eez , Zep , or Goo Gone . [19] X Expert Source Dario Ragnolo
House Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 13 August 2019. Follow the product’s instructions listed on the package when you apply it. Typically, you’ll spray or pour the grout cleaner directly onto the grout lines until they’re thoroughly coated. [20] X Research source- In a pinch, try using toilet bowl cleaner on your grout since it’s easy to apply and has stain-fighting chemicals.
- If you have really stubborn stains on white grout, then try chlorine bleach. Just be sure to keep your room well-ventilated and don’t mix bleach with any other cleaners since it could create toxic fumes.
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Let the cleaner sit on your grout for 5–10 minutes. Leave the cleaner on your grout for the amount of time listed on the packaging, which is usually about 5–10 minutes. That way, the cleaner has time to soak in between the tiles and loosen the residue that’s trapped in the grout lines. [21] X Research source
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Scrub the grout lines with a stiff-bristled brush. Use a stiff-bristled toothbrush or a grout brush to work the cleaner even deeper into the grout. Apply gentle pressure to remove all of the surface dirt and grime. Keep scrubbing until you don’t see any more residue come up. [22] X Research source
- Avoid using steel wool or an abrasive cleaner since you could remove some of the grout by accident.
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Rinse your grout with a damp cloth or sponge. Wet a cloth or soft sponge with clean water and run it over the grout you just cleaned. Be sure to pick up any residual cleaner or dirt so it doesn’t soak back into the grout lines between your tiles. Once you wipe up your floors, your grout will look spic and span. [23] X Research source
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Sweep your tiles to remove surface dirt. Use a broom to clean your entire floor, and collect all of the debris into a dustpan. That way, it’s easier for the cleaner to reach the grout without spreading any dirt back over your tiles. [24] X Research source
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Fill the steam cleaner ’s reservoir with distilled water. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on your steam cleaner to find where the clean water reservoir is located. Pour in distilled water up to the max fill line. Avoid adding any additional chemicals or soaps to the steam cleaner water reservoir since they may make the machine work less effectively. [25] X Research source
- Steam-cleaning removes all grout sealant, so it works best if your grout is already unsealed.
- Avoid using tap water since it can cause hard water buildup inside of your steamer.
- Visit your local home improvement store to see if they offer steam cleaner rentals. That way, you can save a little money instead of buying a steam cleaner.
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Turn the steam cleaner on and allow it to heat up. Flip on the power switch on your steam cleaner and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it heats up. Many steam cleaners have an indicator light that turns on when it’s ready to use, but check the instruction manual for your model to determine how long to wait before cleaning your floor. [26] X Research source
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Steam-clean the grout lines using a narrow attachment brush. Secure a narrow brush attachment to the end of your steam cleaner so the bristles fit in between the tiles. Pull the cleaner’s trigger and gently scrub the brush back and forth over the grout lines. The steam will penetrate the grout and bring all the dirt and grime to the surface. [27] X Research source
- Start at one side of the room and work your way to the other end in small sections so cleaning is easier to manage.
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Use a towel or mop to wipe up the excess moisture after cleaning. Be careful as the floor may be slippery after the steam condenses into water. Run a dry mop or towel over the section of floor you just steam-cleaned to lift up the dirty water and residue. Continue drying off your floor so the dirt doesn’t soak back into the grout again. [28] X Research source
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What Is the Most Efficient Way to Clean Bathroom Grout?
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I get my grout white again?Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile.Oxygenated bleach works best. Just mix some of the powder with water and scrub it into the grout with a cleaning brush.
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QuestionHow do professionals clean tile and grout?Dario Ragnolo is the Owner and Founder of Tidy Town Cleaning, a home cleaning service in Los Angeles, California. His business specializes in residential & commercial cleaning. He is a second generation home cleaning expert, who grew up around his parents cleaning business in Italy.Most professionals will use cleaner and a nylon-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris. However, if you don't have a nylon-bristled brush you can use an aluminum brush as well.
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QuestionWhat is the best thing to clean floor grout?Dario Ragnolo is the Owner and Founder of Tidy Town Cleaning, a home cleaning service in Los Angeles, California. His business specializes in residential & commercial cleaning. He is a second generation home cleaning expert, who grew up around his parents cleaning business in Italy.I recommend baking soda and vinegar. When baking soda and vinegar mix, they produce a chemical reaction that can break down grime and kill bacteria. You can use this to get rid of tough stains and to sanitize surfaces.
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Tips
- Test new cleaners on an inconspicuous spot of your flooring to make sure it doesn’t damage your grout or tile. [29] X Research sourceThanks
- After you’re finished cleaning, seal the grout by applying sealant between the tiles. Leave the sealant on for the time listed on the packaging before wiping up the excess with a clean cloth. [30] X Research sourceThanks
- Remove old grout if it’s peeling or breaking away, and regrout your tiles to keep them protected. [31] X Expert Source Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.Thanks
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Warnings
- Do not use a steel or wire brush because this may break and damage the grout.Thanks
- Avoid using vinegar on any real marble, granite, travertine, or other natural stone because it might etch the surface and cause permanent damage. [32] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to sourceThanks
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Things You'll Need
Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda, and Dish Soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Liquid dish soap
- Grout scrub brush
- Cleaning cloth
- Mop
- Bucket
Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Grout scrub brush
- Cleaning cloth
- Mop
- Bucket
Oxygenated Bleach
- Oxygenated bleach
- Grout scrub brush
- Cleaning cloth or towel
- Mop
- Bucket
Commercial Grout Cleaners
- Grout cleaner
- Grout scrub brush
- Cleaning cloth or towel
- Sponge
Steam Cleaner
- Broom
- Steam cleaner with narrow brush attachment
- Towel or sponge
References
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/clean-grout-floor-tiles.html
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-grout-cleaner/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/rn0VfNHpWMc?t=99
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/clean-grout-floor-tiles.html
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-grout-cleaner/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/rn0VfNHpWMc?t=213
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/clean-grout-floor-tiles.html
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a674117/how-to-clean-grout/
- ↑ https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-clean-grout-on-floor-times-to-get-rid-of-stains
- ↑ https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-clean-grout-on-floor-times-to-get-rid-of-stains
- ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/21223839/clean-grout-homemade-cleaner
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/flooring/video/tips-on-cleaning-grout-lines-on-tile-floors/
- ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-tile-grout.html
- ↑ https://youtu.be/PnmWAVRzfGc?t=365
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/flooring/video/tips-on-cleaning-grout-lines-on-tile-floors/
- ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 July 2020.
- ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 July 2020.
- ↑ Dario Ragnolo. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 13 August 2019.
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vTJQ87mBpc4?t=23
- ↑ https://thecleaninginstitute.org/properly-clean-grout-and-tile/
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-grout-and-tiles.html
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/clean-grout-floor-tiles.html
- ↑ https://youtu.be/r5cwyyn8rnA?t=76
- ↑ https://practicalperfectionut.com/clean-grout-with-a-steam-cleaner/
- ↑ https://practicalperfectionut.com/clean-grout-with-a-steam-cleaner/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/SLOPzd0x5O4?t=248
- ↑ https://youtu.be/SLOPzd0x5O4?t=252
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-tile-grout.html
- ↑ https://youtu.be/rteRtF2k8cc?t=16
- ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/cleaning/things-you-should-never-clean-with-vinegar-distilled-white-vinegar-a3336471803/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If you don't have natural stone tile, the easiest way to clean grout is with a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray the grout in between your floor tiles. Wait for the vinegar solution to stop bubbling and then scrub the grout with a scrub brush or toothbrush. Once the grout is clean, mop the tiles with water to get rid of any leftover vinegar solution. To learn how to tackle tough grout stains with oxygenated bleach or hydrogen peroxide, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I was looking for the least toxic/smelly mixture, as my special needs daughter is highly affected by strong smells, etc. I understood about the scrubbing, rinsing, drying process, but wanted to understand the available mixtures and judge for us." ..." more
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"I was looking for the least toxic/smelly mixture, as my special needs daughter is highly affected by strong smells, etc. I understood about the scrubbing, rinsing, drying process, but wanted to understand the available mixtures and judge for us."
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"The baking soda and vinegar worked a charm! It worked better when I used the vinegar at 100%. I also have to be careful what I use, because we have a sensitive septic system and this solution is perfect for us!"
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"I used Method 2 when cleaning my bathroom tile grout. Was easy, no fumes. Had to scrub more in some places than others, but fantastic results. Very pleased. Rinsing was problematic as water travels."
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"I didn't forget about the different solutions, but now that I have the in front of my face, thanks for your information. This is great and it does work, thanks so much."
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"I've been looking for an effective way to clean the grout of my kitchen tile floor and this article provided me with several different ways to accomplish this."
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