How to Clean Grout: 8 Easy At-Home Methods

You stepped out of the shower and noticed your grout is looking a bit dingy. Towel off and head to the pantry. Learn how to clean grout with a few homemade recipes. Get tips on how to keep your grout looking new.

How to Clean Grout With Homemade Cleaners

Many house cleaners are looking for the best or easiest grout cleaner, because who wants to get down on their knees and scrub all those lines? You'll be surprised to learn that you typically don't have to go any farther than your pantry or bathroom cabinet. You have a lot of cleaners in your arsenal ready to make grout shine! Just a few cleaners you need for these methods include:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Oxygenated bleach
• Lemon
• Borax
• Dish soap (Dawn recommended)
• Soft bristle scrub brush (old electric toothbrush works great)
• Protective gloves
• Microfiber mop
• Steam cleaner
• Magic eraser
• Spray bottle

Easiest Way to Clean Grout Without Scrubbing

Nobody has time to scrub grout. So don't! Instead, you can use this recipe to clean grout without spending hours scrubbing.

1. Mix ½ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon of Dawn.
2. Apply the mixture to your grout with a spoon or cloth.
3. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
4. Wipe the mixture off with a damp sponge or cloth.
5. Allow it to dry.

How to Clean Floor Tile Grout With White Vinegar

Ever wonder how professionals clean grout? You might be surprised to learn that many use a white vinegar solution.

1. Pour white vinegar onto the grout lines.
2. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
3. Mix up ½ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of Dawn.
4. Pour this mixture over the white vinegar.
5. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
6. Scrub the grout lines with a toothbrush.
7. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
8. Scrub a final time.
9. Wipe everything down with a damp cloth.

Cleaning Grout Lines With Baking Soda

Baking soda gives you a little bit of scrubbing power without using any harsh chemicals. Try it with a bit of lemon to create a lemony fresh clean.

1. Create a paste of baking soda and water.
2. Apply the paste to the grout lines.
3. Scrub the lines with the toothbrush.
4. Add lemon juice to the mixture.
5. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.
6. Scrub a final time.
7. Wipe away with a damp cloth.

Clean Mold From Grout With Hydrogen Peroxide

Are you looking for a quick spray to whiten up moldy grout in your shower or on your bathroom floor? Try a bit of hydrogen peroxide. This method should only be used on white grout since it can lighten colored grout. If you have colored grout, you can use white vinegar instead of peroxide.

1. Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide.
2. Spray down the grout.
3. Allow it to sit for 1 hour.
4. Wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Easiest Way to Clean Grout With Bleach

When using bleach on your tile floors, it's best to use oxygenated bleach like OxiClean. This method is pretty simple.

1. Mix 3 tablespoons of OxiClean with a couple of gallons of warm water.
2. Sponge the mixture into all the grout lines.
3. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
4. For stains, make a thick paste of oxygenated bleach and water.
5. Use a brush to scrub with the paste.
6. Rinse off with water and a microfiber mop.

Best Way to Clean Shower Grout With Magic Eraser

No cleaners are necessary to clean grout when you have a Magic Eraser. All you do is add a little bit of elbow grease. Just remember, you will need a few Magic Erasers for a large job.

1. Wet the Magic Eraser.
2. Scrub the grout lines.
3. Rinse and enjoy!

How to Clean Grout With Borax

Borax isn't just great for cleaning laundry. It works well on your grout, too.

1. Use a damp sponge to rub Borax into the grout.
2. Let it sit for 5-15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a brush.
4. Rinse away.
5. Enjoy those clean lines.

How to Steam Clean Grout

Get rid of brown grout with a bit of steam. Grab your steam cleaner and get ready to clean your grout.

1. Follow the instructions to fill and use the steam cleaner.
2. Dust and wipe the floor.
3. Point the steam cleaner at the grout with the brush or grout attachment.
4. Go slow to allow the steam to clean it.
5. Wipe out the dirt.
6. Allow it to dry.

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Build-up on Grout

When it comes to cleaning grout, maintenance is key to preventing that nasty build-up in your beautiful lines. Explore a few quick tips and tricks for preventing build-up.

• Sweep and wipe down tiles every few days to avoid the build-up of dirt.
• Deep clean your grout weekly or biweekly to remove any stuck-on stains.
• Replace grout with areas of permanent stains.
• Use rugs in areas with high traffic.
• Clean up stains immediately.
• Wipe down your tile shower with a towel to avoid dried-on dirt and soap scum.
• Reseal your grout once a year.
• Change grout when it starts to flake and peel.

How to Clean Grout With Ease

When your grout starts to get dirty, you don't need to reach for a commercial cleaner to get the job done; you have cleaners readily available in your home. These cleaners will work to remove stains and get your grout on your floors and in your shower sparkling.