How to Clean Tile Grout and Make Your Floors Look Like New
Dirty grout can make even clean floors look old and stained. Over time, grout absorbs dirt, grease, soap residue, mold, and bacteria because it is porous. With the right cleaning methods and regular maintenance, you can restore grout lines and make your tile floors look almost new again.
Why Tile Grout Gets Dirty
Grout is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. Unlike tile, grout has tiny pores that trap:
- Dust and dirt
- Mud from shoes
- Kitchen grease
- Soap scum
- Mold and mildew
- Hard water minerals
- Food spills
- Pet stains
Light-colored grout tends to show dirt much faster than darker grout.
Supplies You’ll Need
Basic Cleaning Supplies
- Warm water
- Bucket
- Spray bottle
- Baking soda
- White vinegar (only for unsealed grout)
- Dish soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Soft scrub brush
- Old toothbrush
- Microfiber mop
- Microfiber cloth
- Rubber gloves
For Tough Stains
- Oxygen bleach
- Commercial grout cleaner
- Steam cleaner
- Grout brush with stiff nylon bristles
- Magic Eraser (for tiles, not grout)
Avoid using steel wool or metal brushes, as they can damage grout.
Step 1: Sweep or Vacuum First
Always remove loose dirt before scrubbing.
- Sweep thoroughly.
- Vacuum corners and edges.
- Remove sand and grit.
This prevents scratching the tile during cleaning.
Step 2: Make a Homemade Grout Cleaner
Option 1: Baking Soda Paste
Mix:
- ½ cup baking soda
- 2–3 tablespoons water
Create a thick paste.
Best for:
- General dirt
- Light stains
Option 2: Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon dish soap
Best for:
- White grout
- Heavy stains
- Kitchen floors
Option 3: Vinegar Spray (Only for Unsealed Grout)
Mix:
- Equal parts vinegar and water
Spray onto grout.
Do not use vinegar on:
- Natural stone (marble, limestone, travertine)
- Granite
- Slate
- Sealed grout
Acid can damage these surfaces.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaner
Spread the cleaning paste over grout lines.
Allow it to sit for:
- 10–15 minutes
- Up to 30 minutes for heavy stains
This softens embedded dirt.
Step 4: Scrub the Grout
Use:
- Toothbrush
- Nylon grout brush
Scrub using circular motions.
Pay extra attention to:
- Corners
- Entryways
- Kitchen areas
- Bathroom grout
Avoid pressing too hard, as aggressive scrubbing can wear away grout.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Use:
- Warm water
- Damp microfiber cloth
Remove all cleaner residue.
Repeat if necessary.
Step 6: Dry the Floor
Dry using:
- Clean towels
- Dry microfiber mop
Drying helps prevent mold and water spots.
Cleaning Moldy Bathroom Grout
For mold:
- Spray hydrogen peroxide directly on grout.
- Wait 15 minutes.
- Scrub thoroughly.
- Rinse well.
For severe mold:
- Use an oxygen bleach solution.
- Repeat until the stains disappear.
Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia because this creates dangerous toxic gases.
Cleaning Kitchen Grout
Kitchen grout collects:
- Cooking oils
- Grease
- Food residue
Use:
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Warm water
Scrub thoroughly around:
- Stove
- Sink
- Refrigerator
Deep Cleaning with Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is gentler than chlorine bleach and helps remove stubborn stains.
Steps:
- Dissolve oxygen bleach in warm water according to the product instructions.
- Apply it to grout.
- Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Scrub gently.
- Rinse with clean water.
Using a Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaners can:
- Remove dirt
- Kill many germs
- Loosen mold
- Reduce the need for harsh chemicals
Use a grout brush attachment and move slowly over the grout lines.
Check that your tile and grout are suitable for steam cleaning before use.
Should You Use Bleach?
Bleach can whiten grout but has drawbacks.
Pros:
- Whitens stains
- Kills mold
Cons:
- Can weaken grout with repeated use
- May discolor colored grout
- Strong fumes
Use bleach sparingly and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Removing Extremely Stubborn Stains
If stains remain:
- Repeat the cleaning process.
- Try an oxygen bleach cleaner.
- Use a commercial grout cleaner.
- As a last resort, consider removing and replacing the stained grout.
After Cleaning: Seal the Grout
Sealing grout helps prevent future staining.
Benefits:
- Repels water
- Blocks dirt
- Reduces mold growth
- Makes future cleaning easier
- Extends grout life
Many experts recommend resealing cement-based grout every 1–3 years, depending on wear and the type of sealer.
Daily Maintenance Tips
To keep grout clean:
- Sweep or vacuum several times a week.
- Mop regularly with a pH-neutral floor cleaner.
- Wipe up spills promptly.
- Place mats at entrances.
- Use felt pads under furniture.
- Keep bathrooms well ventilated.
- Avoid leaving standing water on tile floors.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using metal brushes that scratch grout
- Mixing bleach with vinegar or ammonia
- Using vinegar on natural stone surfaces
- Skipping the rinse step
- Scrubbing so hard that grout erodes
- Letting stains sit for long periods
- Using overly concentrated cleaning chemicals
How Often Should You Clean Grout?
- Light cleaning: Weekly
- Deep cleaning: Every 3–6 months
- Reseal grout: Every 1–3 years (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can baking soda damage grout?
No. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and is generally safe for grout when used with a soft brush.
Can vinegar clean grout?
Yes, but only on unsealed cement-based grout. Avoid vinegar on natural stone or sealed grout because the acid can cause damage.
Is steam cleaning safe?
Steam cleaning is often safe for well-installed ceramic or porcelain tile with sound grout, but avoid it if grout is cracked or loose, and always follow the flooring manufacturer’s guidance.
Why does grout get dirty so quickly?
Because grout is porous, it absorbs dirt, moisture, grease, and other contaminants more readily than the tile itself.
Final Tips
Restoring dirty grout doesn’t usually require expensive products. Start with gentle methods like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, rinse thoroughly, and seal the grout once it’s clean. Consistent maintenance—regular sweeping, prompt spill cleanup, and periodic deep cleaning—will help keep your tile floors looking bright and well-maintained for years.