How to Clean Grout3 min read

Do you find yourself mumbling profanities at your grout? Or sometimes think, “Of all the colors in the world, I just HAD to pick white.” Well, fret not, grime-fearing friends, because there are ways to tackle the mildew, dirt, and buildup that cling to those once sparkling crevices.

First, don’t waste money on those potentially toxic chemical cleaners that promise to work wonders on tile grout. You can learn how to clean grout using a less expensive and healthier homemade grout cleaner that works just as well. No matter which DIY grout cleaner you use, a lot of elbow grease will be involved – so be prepared to scrub!

How to Clean Grout with DIY Grout Cleaners

The most common types of kitchen and bathroom grout are sanded and unsanded. Both are porous, so moisture can penetrate the surface and lead to unsightly and unhealthy mold. The first order of business is to get that grout clean and mold-free using homemade grout cleaners.

Cleaning Grout with Vinegar

White vinegar puts those notorious “cleaning miracle” infomercials to shame. Distilled white vinegar is a safe, natural cleaner and disinfectant you can use all around the house. Pour or spray undiluted vinegar onto your grout and let it sit for 10 minutes before using a toothbrush, scrubbing in a circular motion. Next, rinse away the dirt and mildew. You can also use white vinegar to clean soap residue, mildew, and grime on non-porous tile surfaces.

Cleaning Grout with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a safe deodorizer, whitener, and household cleaner—and it’s an effective natural grout cleaner. Because baking soda is also a mild abrasive, using it for cleaning grout lines gives you extra firepower without the risk of scratching your tile. Mix baking soda, a few drops of dish soap, and enough water to make a cleaning paste. Apply the paste liberally, let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub the grout with a toothbrush and rinse.

Cleaning Grout with Lemons

When life gives you lemons, clean that dirty grout! The high acidity in lemon juice eats away at stubborn stains and discoloration in grout. Soak your grout with lemon juice, leave it on for ten minutes, and wipe down your grout and tile with a damp cloth. As a bonus, you’re left with the aroma of fresh lemons instead of a chemical cleaning solution.

How to Clean Grout Stains

If you haven’t cleaned your grout lines in years, it may be time to bring in the big guns. With a few extra drops of this and a few scrubs of that, you can get rid of grout stains and bring back that brilliant white.

Whiten and Brighten Grout Lines with Hydrogen Peroxide

Using hydrogen peroxide to clean grout is a safe, natural way to get rid of mold, grime, and stubborn stains. To give the hydrogen peroxide more sticking power, mix it with enough washing soda to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to your grout and let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub the grout using a toothbrush and rinse everything thoroughly.

Deep Clean Grout Lines with the Muscle of Mr. Clean®

If you’ve ever used Magic Erasers around your home, you already know how effective they can be for cleaning so many things. Now you can add grout cleaning to the long list because Magic Erasers are perfect for getting rid of buildup and stains on dingy, dull grout. Just wet your eraser, wring out the excess water, and start scrubbing. When you’re done, rinse the grout and admire your freshly cleaned grout lines.

Now that you know how to clean grout, check out our other guides for cleaning, disinfecting, and more. Whether you use our DIY articles to keep your home clean or one of our popular cleaning services, The Maids has you covered. Need help with special cleaning projects or regular house cleaning? Get your free estimate online to learn how we can make your home a cleaner and healthier place to live.