Grout Cleaning Hacks

Last updated on June 7th, 2024 at 12:00 am

Welcome to my article about the best grout cleaning hacks to keep your tiles looking spick and span! Let’s dive right into the best methods for cleaning grout.

Grout Cleaning Hacks and Tips

Here are a few different methods and hacks for grout cleaning that will keep your grout as clean as the tiles around it!

Tip: Always spot test any new recipe or cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous section of grout first.

Steam Cleaning – Our #1 Method

Steam cleaning is one of the most effective techniques for grout cleaning as it doesn’t require any harsh chemicals that can damage your tiles or the environment.

All you have to do is hold the steamer over the grout for a few moments. The steam will penetrate every little nook and cranny on the grout’s surface and loosen up any dirt or grime that might be hiding there.

Then it’s as simple as wiping off the dirt with a wash cloth and warm water.

The trick is to steam and wipe as you go, as the dirt is most likely to come off just after it’s been freshly steamed, before it’s had a chance to dry again.

Not only is a steamer great for cleaning grout, but you can also use it to clean a variety of other hard surfaces around your home, making it a versatile and handy tool to have in your laundry.

You can view the best steamers on Amazon here!

Water and Brush

Using simple warm water is another safe and easy way to remove the dirt that’s collected on the grout between the tiles.

You’ll also need a stiff-bristled brush, which you should be able to find at any home center or hardware store in your area.

There are even a few brushes on the market that are made for this specific purpose.

For this method, pour some warm water into a spray bottle and spray it onto the grout lines. Give it a minute to soak into the grime.

Then take the stiff-bristled brush and scrub the grout lines using a circular motion.

Once it is clean, you can wipe it dry. You can repeat this process as often as needed to get your grout clean and back to its original color.

Vinegar and Water

If the stains in your grout are too tough for simple water to handle, you can try adding some vinegar for a stronger cleaning solution.

Vinegar is great for all types of household chores, plus it is cheap to buy, so it’s easy to keep a large supply on hand.

For this mixture, fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. Spray this solution onto the grout.

Leave it for about five minutes to loosen the dirt, then scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. Then wipe it clean, and repeat this process if needed.

If the smell of vinegar is too strong for you, you can add your favorite essential oils to give it a more pleasant odor. You can also use fruit peels for this if you don’t have any essential oils on hand.

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is another great option for cleaning grout. It is quite powerful but won’t cause damage to the grout, so you can use it as often as needed.

For this method, mix some baking soda with water to make a paste. Spread this paste over the grout until you’ve covered all the dirty areas.

Then take the vinegar and water mixture I described above and spray it over the paste.

This combination will start to foam, so leave it for a few minutes to allow the reaction to penetrate into the grime and loosen it up.

Then simply scrub the grout with a brush and use plain water to rinse the area clean.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is great for those stains that need something a bit stronger than the above methods.

It is fairly cheap and available at any drug store. You can pour it directly onto the grout or combine it with baking soda to make a paste for even stronger cleaning power.

Give it a few minutes to loosen up the grime, then wipe it away.

Using Oxygen Bleach for Deep Cleaning

Oxygen bleach is a powerful, non-toxic cleaner that can effectively remove deep-seated stains from grout. Unlike chlorine bleach, it is environmentally friendly and safe to use around pets and children.

Materials Needed:

• Oxygen bleach powder
• Warm water
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix oxygen bleach with warm water according to the instructions on the package.
2. Pour the solution into a spray bottle for easy application.
3. Spray the mixture generously onto the grout lines.
4. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the oxygen bleach to penetrate and break down the stains.
5. Scrub the grout with a stiff-bristled brush.
6. Rinse the area with warm water and wipe clean with a cloth.

The Power of Enzymatic Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners are particularly effective for organic stains, such as those caused by food spills or mildew. These cleaners use enzymes to break down the organic matter, making it easier to clean.

Materials Needed:

• Enzymatic cleaner (available at pet stores or online)
• Soft brush or sponge
• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Apply the enzymatic cleaner directly to the grout lines.
2. Allow it to sit for the recommended time on the product label.
3. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the grout gently.
4. Rinse the area with warm water and wipe clean.

Professional-Grade Grout Cleaning Products

For those tough stains that household items can’t handle, consider using professional-grade grout cleaning products. These products are formulated to tackle the most stubborn grime and restore the original color of your grout.

Recommended Products:

• Grout-Eez Super Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner
• Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner
• Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener

Instructions:

1. Follow the instructions on the product label for application.
2. Apply the product to the grout lines and allow it to sit for the recommended time.
3. Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a cloth.

Homemade Grout Cleaner Recipes

Making grout cleaner at home is a great way to reduce toxins in your household and care for the environment at the same time!

Here are a few of my favorite recipes made from simple household items that will help keep your grout squeaky clean.

Lemon and Vinegar

For this cleaner, you’ll need to combine 3 cups of water, ½ cup of baking soda, 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice, and ¼ cup of white vinegar.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then spray it on the grout. Allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes, then scrub the grout clean.

Epsom Salt and Dish Soap

This is another effective cleaning solution that only requires a few ingredients, including a cup of Epsom salts, ½ a cup of baking soda, and ¼ cup of your favorite liquid dish soap.

Mix these ingredients, then scoop them onto the grout. Rub it using a brush or cloth until the grout is clean, then rinse it with plain water.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

This is a rather simple recipe that only includes two ingredients that you likely already have in your home. You don’t even need to combine them first.

Instead, measure out a cup each of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Then sprinkle the baking soda onto the discolored areas of grout to cover it completely.

Then spray the peroxide over the baking soda until it is wet. Leave the mixture for about ten minutes, then wipe it away using a damp cloth.

Lemon, Salt, Baking Soda, and Essential Oils

This mixture isn’t just effective, it leaves your bathroom smelling fresh and clean as well.

It includes a few more ingredients than some of the other options but they are likely items you already have on hand.

These include ½ of a cup of vinegar, ¾ of a cup of baking soda, ¼ of a cup of fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of liquid dish soap, 3 tablespoons of salt, and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil.

To make this recipe, combine all of the ingredients in a large bucket or bowl. It will likely foam quite a bit, so mix them slowly and carefully.

Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it wherever you need it. Give it a few minutes to soak in, then scrub the grout.

Once it’s clean, wipe the area to remove any remaining residue.

Washing Soda and Vinegar

To make this cleaning solution, you need a gallon of water, ¼ of a cup of washing soda, ¼ of a cup of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap.

In a large bucket, mix the washing soda, vinegar, and dish soap. Then slowly add the water to the mixture.

Once all the ingredients are combined, pour them into a spray bottle and spray it wherever it is needed. Leave it for a few minutes, then scrub the area.

Grout Whitening with Peroxide and Baking Soda

For whitening grout that has become discolored over time, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be highly effective.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Soft brush

Instructions:

1. Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the grout lines and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Scrub with a soft brush.
4. Rinse with water and wipe dry.

DIY Grout Cleaning Tools

Sometimes, having the right tools can make all the difference in your grout cleaning efforts. Here are some DIY tools you can make at home to help you tackle those stubborn grout stains.

Old Toothbrush: A simple and effective tool for scrubbing grout is an old toothbrush. Its small head and firm bristles are perfect for getting into tight spaces.

Electric Toothbrush: For a little extra power, repurpose an old electric toothbrush. The vibrating bristles can help dislodge dirt and grime more effectively than manual brushing.

Homemade Scrub Brush: Create a DIY scrub brush by attaching a stiff-bristled brush head to a handle or stick. This can give you better leverage and reach when cleaning larger areas of grout.

Eco-Friendly Grout Cleaning Solutions

If you’re looking for environmentally friendly grout cleaning options, these green methods will help you maintain clean grout without harming the planet.

Citrus-Based Cleaners: Citrus-based cleaners, such as those made from lemon or orange peels, are effective at cutting through grease and grime. They also leave a pleasant scent.

Castile Soap: Mix a few drops of castile soap with warm water for a gentle yet effective grout cleaner. Castile soap is biodegradable and safe for the environment.

Borax: Borax is a natural mineral that can be used to clean grout. Mix it with water to create a paste, apply it to the grout, and scrub after letting it sit for a few minutes.

Addressing Stubborn Stains

Stubborn stains can be particularly challenging to remove from grout. Here are some targeted approaches for tackling the toughest grime.

Oil-Based Stains: For oil-based stains, such as those from cooking oils or lotions, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, let it sit, then scrub and rinse.

Rust Stains: Lemon juice and salt can be effective against rust stains. Sprinkle salt on the stain, then apply lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

Mildew and Mold: For mildew and mold, mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil for added antifungal properties.

Using Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent

Essential oils not only help mask unpleasant odors but also have antibacterial properties that can enhance your grout cleaning efforts.

Lavender Oil: Add a few drops of lavender oil to your vinegar and water solution for a pleasant scent and antibacterial boost.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Add a few drops to your cleaning solution to help prevent mold and mildew.

Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil has a refreshing scent and antibacterial qualities. Mix a few drops with water and use it as a final rinse for your grout.

Prolonging the Life of Your Grout

Keeping your grout clean is just one part of the maintenance equation. Here are some tips to prolong the life of your grout and keep it looking new.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals can degrade grout over time. Stick to gentle, natural cleaners whenever possible.

Use Mats and Rugs: Place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear on your grout.

Regular Sealing: Re-seal your grout every 6-12 months to protect it from stains and moisture. This is especially important in areas prone to water exposure, like bathrooms and kitchens.

How to Choose the Right Grout Color

If you’re considering re-grouting, choosing the right grout color can significantly impact the overall look of your tiles.

Neutral Tones: Neutral grout colors, such as gray or beige, are versatile and complement a wide range of tile colors and styles.

Matching Colors: Matching the grout color to your tiles creates a seamless look, making the tiles appear larger and more cohesive.

Contrasting Colors: For a bold look, choose a contrasting grout color. This can make your tiles stand out and add a dynamic element to your space.

FAQs About Grout Cleaning

How often should I clean my grout?

For high-traffic areas, clean the grout every few months. For less-used areas, a thorough cleaning twice a year is sufficient.

Can I use bleach to clean grout?

While chlorine bleach can be used, it should be done sparingly as it can weaken the grout over time. Oxygen bleach is a safer alternative.

Is there a way to prevent mold and mildew in grout?

Keeping the area dry and well-ventilated can prevent mold and mildew growth. Use a squeegee after showers and ensure adequate ventilation in bathrooms.

Grout Cleaning Hacks: Conclusion

Maintaining clean grout not only enhances the appearance of your tiles but also extends their lifespan. By using these advanced methods and tips, you can achieve professional results at home. Remember, consistency is key to keeping your grout looking its best.

I hope you’ve found this article about grout cleaning hacks and homemade grout cleaner recipes helpful, and that you’re able to enjoy clean, beautiful grout from now on!

Here are some related articles you may also enjoy:

How To Clean White Quartz Countertop
How To Clean Mold From Brita Water Bottles

Jessica Humes

About The Author: Hi, I’m Jessica. I’m a Mom of 2 and I love DIY hacks, home decor ideas and non-toxic cleaning tips. I created this website to share my knowledge with a community of like-minded people who love simple, easy and safe ways to keep their home clean and inspiring. I hope you enjoy!