How to Clean Grout — Stains and All
If your grout is grossing you out, this deep-cleaning method will help it look new again
Meg Padgett
May 15, 2013
Houzz Contributor. Meg is a budget-minded DIY lifestyle blogger at Revamp Homegoods (http://www.revamphomegoods.com). Her design philosophy is based on the concept that combining thrifty finds with a little blood, sweat and (sometimes) tears a stylish home can be achieved without breaking the bank
Houzz Contributor. Meg is a budget-minded DIY lifestyle blogger at Revamp Homegoods... More
Tile — whether it’s used as flooring, in the kitchen or in the bathroom and shower — has one great downfall: grout. Since grout is porous in nature, unsealed tile grout absorbs all kinds of stains, from mildew to coffee and everything in between. To say it’s a headache to keep grout clean is an understatement.
Note: Be wary of using too much lemon juice with marble, since it can etch or damage the stone if left on too long. Hydrogen peroxide can be a safe alternative.
Note: Be wary of using too much lemon juice with marble, since it can etch or damage the stone if left on too long. Hydrogen peroxide can be a safe alternative.
We inherited marble tile counters when we purchased our home. It’s pretty clear that the grout around the tiles was never properly sealed, so it soaks up stains like crazy. It makes our kitchen feel gross and grimy, even if it was just cleaned. While I’d love to replace the counters with a solid surface like quartz, it’s just not in our budget — plus, we just can’t justify getting rid of something that’s perfectly fine otherwise.
See more tile materials
See more tile materials
Luckily, I have a foolproof grout cleaning method that will lift most household stains.
How to Clean Grout
What you’ll need:
How to Clean Grout
What you’ll need:
- Oxygenated bleach (I use OxiClean to clean tile grout)
- Warm water
- Coarse scrub brush (like an old toothbrush)
- Towel
- Lemon
- Grout sealer
1. Clean the surface thoroughly, removing any surface residue or debris. Let the grout dry fully.
2. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach in 2 cups of warm water. Wet the grout brush in the mixture and apply it to the grout. Let it soak in, then scrub the grout in a circular motion, which will loosen the stain more effectively than a front-and-back motion. If needed, dip the wet brush into the oxygenated bleach to make a paste. Wipe clean, then let dry.
Tip: To clean extra-dark grout stains, squeeze lemon juice onto the stain, let it soak in, then scrub, wipe clean and let the grout dry. Use lemon juice sparingly, since it can damage some tile finishes.
2. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach in 2 cups of warm water. Wet the grout brush in the mixture and apply it to the grout. Let it soak in, then scrub the grout in a circular motion, which will loosen the stain more effectively than a front-and-back motion. If needed, dip the wet brush into the oxygenated bleach to make a paste. Wipe clean, then let dry.
Tip: To clean extra-dark grout stains, squeeze lemon juice onto the stain, let it soak in, then scrub, wipe clean and let the grout dry. Use lemon juice sparingly, since it can damage some tile finishes.
3. Spray the grout lines between tiles with an eco-friendly cleaning solution and wipe clean. Let the grout dry fully before making a final decision on whether your hard work paid off — damp grout looks darker than dry grout.
4. Apply grout sealer after the grout has fully dried to avoid any future stained grout. Be sure to reapply it each year.
The stain on this grout, which is visible two photos above, came out pretty easily with the steps described here.
4. Apply grout sealer after the grout has fully dried to avoid any future stained grout. Be sure to reapply it each year.
The stain on this grout, which is visible two photos above, came out pretty easily with the steps described here.
This coffee stain, on the other hand, took a bit more elbow grease, a longer soaking time and a few repeated attempts before it was sparkling clean again.
Still having trouble getting that grout clean? For those impossible-to-clean grout stains, you might want to consider:
Tip: An electric multitool, like the Dremel Mult-Max, helps to make quick and safe work of removing the old grout.
Tell us: How do you clean grout in the bathroom or on tile floors? Share your best tips in the Comments!
More on Houzz
Find tile, stone and countertop professionals in your area
Browse wall and floor tile
- A commercial tile and grout cleaner
- A coarser brush (avoid using metal bristles, though, as they can erode the grout)
- Grout Renew
Tip: An electric multitool, like the Dremel Mult-Max, helps to make quick and safe work of removing the old grout.
Tell us: How do you clean grout in the bathroom or on tile floors? Share your best tips in the Comments!
More on Houzz
Find tile, stone and countertop professionals in your area
Browse wall and floor tile
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Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work best for me!
I use laundry stain remover
One