How to Deep Clean Tile Grout
Nothing ages a bathroom faster than dingy, stained grout. The good news? Deep cleaning grout can make your bathroom look years newerand it's one of the cheapest refreshes you can do.
Quick Summary
Baking soda + peroxide
1-2 hours
$5-20
Why Grout Gets So Dirty
Grout is porousit absorbs everything. In a bathroom, that means:
- Soap scum: Builds up layer by layer, turning white grout gray
- Mold and mildew: Thrives in damp, warm environments
- Hard water minerals: Leave brownish or rust-colored stains
- Body oils and dirt: Ground in by foot traffic
The older and more porous your grout, the deeper these stains penetrate. But even decades-old grout can often be revived.
Grout Cleaning Methods (Best to Worst)
1. Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide (Best)
Mix into a paste (3:1 ratio), apply to grout, wait 5-10 minutes, scrub, rinse.
- Pros: Safe, cheap, effective on most stains
- Cons: Requires elbow grease
2. Commercial Grout Cleaner
Products like Zep Grout Cleaner or Soft Scrub with Bleach. Spray on, wait, scrub.
- Pros: Stronger, less scrubbing
- Cons: Chemical fumes, may damage colored grout
3. Bleach Pen (For Spot Treatment)
Clorox Bleach Pen or similar. Draw directly on stained grout lines.
- Pros: Precise application, great for mold spots
- Cons: Only for white grout, tedious for large areas
4. Steam Cleaner
Handheld steam cleaners with a brush attachment blast away grime with heat.
- Pros: No chemicals, sanitizes
- Cons: Equipment cost ($30-100), may not remove deep stains
Warning: Never mix bleach with other cleaners, especially ammonia or vinegar. The chemical reaction creates toxic gases. Use one product at a time and rinse between.
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning
Step 1: Prep the Area
- Remove all items from shower/floor area
- Sweep or vacuum loose debris
- Open windows or turn on exhaust fan
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands
Step 2: Apply Cleaner
- Work in small sections (2-3 sq ft at a time)
- Apply cleaner directly to grout lines
- Let sit 5-10 minutes (don't let it dry)
Step 3: Scrub
- Use a stiff grout brush or old toothbrush
- Scrub in circular motions along grout lines
- Apply more pressure on stubborn spots
- Pro tip: A drill brush attachment saves time and effort
Step 4: Rinse
- Rinse with clean water immediately after scrubbing
- Wipe with clean cloths or mop up standing water
- Repeat scrub + rinse on stubborn areas
Step 5: Seal (Don't Skip This!)
- Wait 24-48 hours for grout to fully dry
- Apply penetrating grout sealer with brush or spray
- Wipe off excess from tile surface
- Reapply sealer annually
Pro Tip: Sealing grout is the most important step people skip. Unsealed grout will get dirty again within weeks. Sealed grout can stay clean for months. A $10 bottle of sealer saves hours of future cleaning.
When Cleaning Won't Help
Sometimes grout is beyond cleaning. Consider regrouting or grout colorant if:
- Grout is crumbling, cracked, or missing in spots
- Stains won't budge after multiple cleaning attempts
- Mold keeps returning (may indicate moisture problem)
- You want to change the grout color
Grout colorant/paint is a middle-ground solutionit covers stains and changes color without removing old grout. Products like Polyblend Grout Renew work well for grout that's structurally sound but cosmetically damaged.
FAQ
Does vinegar clean grout?
Yes, but be careful. Vinegar is acidic and can damage unsealed grout over time, especially cement-based grout. It's fine for occasional use but not as a regular cleaner. Never use on marble, travertine, or natural stone.
How often should I clean grout?
Light cleaning weekly (wipe down after showers). Deep cleaning every 3-6 months for showers, annually for floors. If you seal your grout, it needs much less frequent deep cleaning.
Can I use a pressure washer on grout?
Noindoor bathroom grout should never be pressure washed. The force can damage grout and drive water into walls. Stick to hand scrubbing or steam cleaning.