The best secret to cleaning grout involves using a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (or vinegar), letting it sit, and then scrubbing with a stiff brush for tough stains, while for lighter cleaning, an equal mix of vinegar and warm water is effective. The key is the chemical reaction (fizzing) of the baking soda with the acidic liquid and the abrasive action of the brush to lift embedded grime, followed by rinsing and possibly sealing for long-term results.
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.
Compared to bleach or vinegar, hydrogen peroxide is less likely to damage grout or nearby tile, mainly when diluted or used in a paste.
Baking Soda and Peroxide Mixture
Some professionals swear by a simple mixture of baking soda and peroxide to clean grout.
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.
If you're a die-hard DIYer, using Dawn dish soap alone can be a safer option for mild cleaning. Dilute a small amount of Dawn in warm water, scrub the grout with a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly.
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.
Getting in between the tiles is hard but OxiClean™ can make keeping your grout sparkling white easy. Always refer to packaging for directions. MIX Fill to line 4 per gallon of water. For some surfaces, like grout, a more concentrated solution/paste may be needed.
Generally, most households should deep-clean their grout tiles once per year. You can do this yourself or hire a professional grout and tile cleaning service to handle the job.
Alternatives to Scrubbing
Often, the use of grout cleaner is as simple as 1, 2, 3: spray on the dirtied area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then use a bristle brush to wipe away the cleaner in the direction of the grout lines.
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.
Make a spreadable paste with 3/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap. Add more baking soda or peroxide if the mixture is too runny or thick. Put about two teaspoons of cream of tartar in a bowl. Add enough lemon juice to make a thick paste.
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.
Easy to make bath/kitchen cleaner Mix 1/4 bottle of Dawn liquid soap and 3/4 bottle of 9% vinegar. (I use Dawn as it also is used for grease). Pour a little bit on sink & bath fixtures. Wait about five minutes and just rinse off.
To protect your tiles and ensure their longevity, it's essential to understand which chemicals to avoid and adopt safer, more effective cleaning methods.
Colored Chemicals
Since grout is a porous material, it'll absorb just about any liquid you apply to it, which means colored chemicals will cause discoloration and long-term damage. Also, you should never use pure bleach on dark-colored grout because it can oxidize the grout over time.
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.
Yes, toothpaste can be effective for cleaning grout. The abrasiveness of toothpaste makes it great for scrubbing and particularly for cleaning white grout.
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.
One of the most frequent grouting mistakes is improper mixing and application. Grout is a precise material, and getting this step right is crucial for its strength and adhesion. Incorrect Water-to-Grout Ratio: Adding too much or too little water can significantly weaken the grout.
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.