To whiten grout, use a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply to the grout, let it sit, then scrub with a brush and rinse; for tougher stains, a bleach-based cleaner or dedicated grout whitener may be needed, always ensuring good ventilation and protective gear. DIY solutions offer effective cleaning, while commercial options provide stronger results for deep-set stains, with regular cleaning preventing future buildup.
To get white grout white again, use a baking soda and vinegar paste for a natural scrub, a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste for tougher stains, or even a bleach/oven cleaner application (with caution) for stubborn mold/grime, scrubbing with an old toothbrush and rinsing thoroughly; for a lasting fix on permanently dingy grout, use a grout pen or colorant after cleaning.
Mix a thin paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, apply it to the grout, and let the baking soda/hydrogen peroxide cleaner ``soak'' into the grout for a few 15-20 minutes. Giving the cleaner a longer ``dwell time'' allows it to brighten and whiten the grout. What's the best homemade grout and tile cleaner?
Baking Soda and Peroxide Mixture
Some professionals swear by a simple mixture of baking soda and peroxide to clean grout.
I want to actually clean my grout. Magic erasers get the job done, and they do it quickly and relatively painlessly. Technique-wise, I usually cut my standard size magic eraser in half, wet it to slightly more than damp, and scrub the grout line as I squeeze gently.
Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach is safe for use on sealed grout. However, it's important to avoid using bleach on unsealed or damaged grout, as it may cause discoloration or degradation over time. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility.
Bleach, ammonia, and cleaners with these harsh chemicals added in can cause grout to yellow, fade, or become discolored. They can also degrade the grout and cause it to erode over time.
You generally should not grout directly over old grout for longevity and adhesion, as it often leads to cracking and peeling; instead, you must first remove a significant portion (at least 2mm) of the old grout, thoroughly clean the area, and then apply the new grout to ensure proper bonding and a lasting finish. Special rejuvenation grouts or epoxy grouts might require less removal, but scraping out most of the old material is the best practice for standard grout.
Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener
I used a microfiber towel to apply it to the dingy grout on my bathroom floors, turning the bottle upside down to get the towel wet. Then I scrubbed at the mess with a small brush, as well as a mini Rubbermaid spin scrubber I've become particularly fond of.
The best homemade grout cleaner is often a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (3%), sometimes with a squirt of dish soap for extra power, creating a fizzing, whitening action that lifts grime when scrubbed with an old toothbrush and rinsed well. For a simpler option, a paste of equal parts baking soda and water works, while a spray of equal parts white vinegar and water tackles mold/mildew but should avoid natural stone.
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a mild antiseptic and oxidizing agent that breaks down organic stains, mold, and bacteria. Its oxygen-based bleaching action makes it effective for brightening grout lines—especially in high-moisture areas like Atlanta bathrooms, kitchens, and tiled entryways.
The process is exactly the same: First, mix some baking soda with water to form a paste (a ratio of three parts water to one part baking soda is usually recommended), then apply this to the grout and rinse it away after it has had time to work its magic.
How to Refresh Your Grout
The occasional use of vinegar on porcelain or ceramic tile with cement-based grout should not cause damage. However, frequent or regular use can discolor and weaken grout and should not be used for routine maintenance.
4 of the Most Common Regrouting Mistakes
While grout pens are not a permanent solution to some grout issues, they're still an affordable and easy way to help you transform your home. Just be sure that you choose a grout pen in a color that works for your style, the room itself, and the tile.
Regrouting is the best option when tiles and grout begin to show signs of discoloration or the stains are so deep that they cannot be removed. As grout ages, it naturally deviates from its original color. If the white grout turns yellow or is covered with stains, you must regrout very soon.
Then they use a special tool called the Zr™ Lifter which has counter-rotating brushes which safely and gently loosen the dirt and grime trapped in the peaks and valleys of your tile and grout in a matter of minutes.
Once you've activated the micro-scrubbers inside, your Magic Eraser is good to go. Start by swiping it firmly across the desired surface. In just a few swipes, you should start to see grout messes and buildup begin to disappear!
You generally should not grout directly over old grout for longevity and adhesion, as it often leads to cracking and peeling; instead, you must first remove a significant portion (at least 2mm) of the old grout, thoroughly clean the area, and then apply the new grout to ensure proper bonding and a lasting finish. Special rejuvenation grouts or epoxy grouts might require less removal, but scraping out most of the old material is the best practice for standard grout.
To whiten grout, use a paste of baking soda and water/hydrogen peroxide, scrub with a stiff brush, let it sit, then rinse; for tougher stains, try a vinegar/baking soda mix or a bleach/baking soda paste, always rinsing well and allowing it to dry, as grout darkens when wet, and consider a grout pen or sealant for a fresh, white finish.
Grout turning white is usually due to efflorescence, which the movement of salt or minerals to the surface of porous material (such as your grout) and forms a whitish coating.