How to clean tile grout

Often light colored and always porous, grout eventually stains if it’s not cleaned on a regular basis. In the bathroom, mold, mildew, soap and shampoo scum finds its way into the crevices between tiles. Dirt and grime works its way into the grout of tiled mudrooms and entryways. And, in the kitchen, you’ll likely find evidence of past spills discoloring once pristine grout lines.

When I bought my apartment, I don’t think the grout in the bathroom had been cleaned in decades. None of it was white any longer and there were portions that were black from soap scum and mildew buildup. Some of it was peeling off in long strands. It was way past the point of being cleaned in an attempt to save it. Any scouring I would have attempted, likely would have just removed it completely. 

The good news is that you can (and should) clean grout yourself, though it does require some exuberant scrubbing.

Different types of grout

These days, grout comes in varying colors and is made of either cement or epoxy. Before deciding how to tackle your cleaning project, try to determine what kind of grout you have as well as taking into consideration its original color (if you can remember what it is.)

Having recently remodeled my bathroom (partially because of the unsightly grout mentioned above), I can attest to the vast range of grout colors available. I chose a latex modified sanded grout in a parchment color. “Latex modified” means that a latex polymer has been added to the mix so that the grout has increased water resistance as well as exceptional bonding capacity.

Sanded

Used most often in areas that see a lot of foot traffic where tile joints tend to be between 1/8 of an inch wide, sanded grout has a rough, rather gritty texture. Sanded grout is made with cement mixed with silica sand. Sanded grout is usually more difficult to clean because of its coarser texture (because of the added sand).

Un-sanded

Also made with cement but without the grit, un-sanded grout is most often found in tile joints less than 1/16 inch wide. Usually used with smooth, polished tiles and on shower walls, this kind of grout will feel slightly sticky and definitely smoother than the sanded variety.

Epoxy

This type of grout absorbs 50 times less water than its cement counterpart. It’s a great choice for kitchen backsplashes and showers. Epoxy grout doesn’t crack as easily as other grouts, though it is more expensive.

How to clean tile grout 

First things first: When cleaning grout, don’t forget to use rubber gloves, especially when using any kind of cleaning chemical. I like to start with the least toxic and abrasive cleaner. If it doesn’t work, I move on to something stronger.

Lightly dirty grout may take less effort to clean, while filthy grout could require using all of the below suggestions. Follow these steps until your grout is sparkling again. 

Step 1: Loosen dirt with warm water and grout scrubber

Use medium bristle nylon brushes to scrub grout, not steel ones as they could potentially damage the grout. Spray water on the grout lines and scour in a circular motion. Don’t let the water sit for too long so as to mitigate the grout absorbing too much of it.

You can purchase a battery operated scrubber brush to aid in the task but you still need to add pressure when scrubbing for best results.

Step 2: Soak grout in a vinegar solution 

For mildew and excessive dirt stains, create a spray that is half vinegar and half water. Douse the grout with it and allow it to soak for five minutes, then get to scrubbing. Do not use vinegar if you know your grout hasn’t been sealed.

Step 3: Apply a baking soda paste 

To add more gusto to the vinegar, coat grout lines with a paste made from two parts baking soda and one part water, then spray with the vinegar solution. This will create foaming. Once the foam has settled down, scrub with your trusty grout brush, then rinse with water and wipe dry.

Step 4: Remove stubborn stains with hydrogen peroxide

Stubborn stains may call for the use of hydrogen peroxide. You can either manufacture a paste with baking soda or apply it straight from the bottle. Safe for both sealed and unsealed grout.

Step 5: Lift discoloration with oxygenated bleach 

Mix two tablespoons of oxygenated bleach with two cups of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes, then scrub. Rinse and dry afterwards. Do not use any oxygen bleach product if your grout is a color other than white as discoloration will very likely occur.

When using any cleaning product with bleach, don’t forget proper ventilation.

Step 6: Eradicate soap scum and buildup with grout stain remover

Made from methyl ether, kerosene, citrus extract and fruit water, Goo-Gone tile and grout cleaner removes soap scum, dirt buildup, and hard water stains. While it does have an EPA Safer Choice designation, make sure to use with proper ventilation and protective gloves.

Spray the cleaner on the grout, let it sit for five to 15 minutes, then scrub with gusto. After, rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

Step 7: Finish the job with a steam mop or cleaner

This steam mop from Bissel has a flip down scrubber and three levels of steam to choose from. Use only water in the cleaner. After the cleaner has heated up, flip on the steam and sweep the cleaning brush firmly over grout lines. Use a rag or mop to clean up any residual water after cleaning.

Professional strength grout cleaners are available to rent from Home Depot or Lowes if you want something more powerful. A steam mop or cleaner will remove grout sealant as well as dirt and grime. After the tile is dry add a grout sealer.

Grout maintenance

Try to wipe down your grout once a week with vinegar, rubbing alcohol (which will help to prevent mold and mildew), or a mild grout cleaner. Many experts recommend resealing grout annually while others suggest doing it every three to five years. Whatever resealing schedule you implement I think it’s safe to say that any is better than never - lest you end up with a sad-looking bathroom like mine that leads to a ridiculously expensive remodel.