Over time, the grout between your tiles can start to look dirty and dingy, making your beautiful tiles appear dull and aged. But with the right cleaning techniques, you can make your grout look bright, clean and fresh again. In this article, I’ll share an easy grout cleaning trick that really works to revitalize your tile floors and walls.
Why Grout Gets Dirty
Before we get into the cleaning, let’s first understand why grout gets dirty in the first place. Grout is porous, which means it tends to absorb liquids, grease, dirt and grime over time. Things like cooking splatters in the kitchen, dirt and mud from shoes in entryways, and mold and mildew in bathrooms can all stain and discolor grout. Grout also naturally absorbs some of the dye from the tiles, which can give it a yellowish or greyish cast.
The porous nature of grout makes it more susceptible to holding onto stains than the tiles themselves. While tiles can be wiped clean easily, the stains seep into the microscopic pores in the grout and become more stubborn. But thankfully, there are some very effective ways to clean dirty grout and make it look fresh again.
An Easy Grout Cleaning Solution
One of the most effective grout cleaning solutions can be made with common household ingredients – baking soda and vinegar. Here is the simple recipe:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
How It Works
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift dirt from the grout when scrubbed. Vinegar is an acid that helps break down residue and grime. Together, they make a simple but powerful grout cleaner.
The baking soda and vinegar undergo a chemical reaction when combined, releasing bubbles that penetrate into the grout. Warm water boosts the cleaning action.
Step-By-Step Directions
Follow these steps to easily clean your grout:
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Sweep or vacuum the tiles to remove loose dirt and debris. This allows the cleaner to work directly on the grout.
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Mix the baking soda and vinegar in a bowl. The mixture will bubble up.
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Add the warm water and stir to combine.
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Use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout cleaner into the dirty grout lines. Apply evenly over the grout and scrub vigorously back and forth across the grout lines.
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Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes so it can break up the grime.
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Scrub the grout again with the toothbrush if needed.
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Wipe up the dirty grout cleaner residue with a damp cloth or sponge.
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Rinse the tile surface with clean water and let dry completely.
Tips for Best Results
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Use an old, worn out toothbrush that can get into the grout lines. A small brush works better than a large one.
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Apply the cleaner evenly and scrub hard to see the best results.
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Start with a small area first to test it out.
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Repeat the process if needed on really dirty or moldy grout.
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Make sure to rinse well so no cleaner is left behind.
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Allow the grout to dry fully before evaluating the results. It will look lighter when dry.
Alternative Cleaning Options
While the baking soda and vinegar treatment is affordable and effective, there are some other good cleaning options as well:
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Oxygen bleach cleaners designed specifically for grout can help lift out deep-set stains. OxiClean is a popular brand. Make a paste and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.
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Commercial grout cleaners like Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover work well for removing mold and mildew growth. Apply the product and let it sit for up to 15 minutes before rinsing. Wear gloves when using strong cleaners.
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For a completely non-toxic option, try rubbing the grout with a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
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For wide grout lines, use a stiff grout brush instead of a toothbrush to clean more efficiently.
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Steam cleaners can be used to deep clean large tile areas. The high heat helps loosen stuck-on grime.
Preventing Grout From Getting Dirty Again
Once you’ve succeeded in cleaning up that grout, you’ll want to keep it looking bright as long as possible. Here are some tips to prevent grout from getting dirty again quickly:
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Seal your grout every 1-2 years with a penetrating grout sealer, which creates a protective barrier.
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Wipe up spills quickly to prevent stains.
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Sweep or vacuum tile floors frequently to prevent dirt buildup.
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Use floor mats at entrances to trap dirt and mud.
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Clean tiles and grout regularly with mild soap and water.
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Run bathroom exhaust fans during and after showering to reduce moisture.
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Keep bathrooms well-ventilated to inhibit mold growth.
Enjoy Your Revitalized Tiles
With some simple cleaning tricks, you can have your grout looking like new again. Say goodbye to grungy grout lines and restore the beautiful look of your tile floors and walls. Which grout cleaning method will you try first? With the right techniques, you can easily keep your tiles and grout looking freshly laid.
