How to Clean Tile Grout
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The Spruce / Ruthie Darling
Whether it's floor tile or wall tile that's dirty with grease, soap scum, mold, or just plain dirt, cleaning grout requires two things: a grout brush and a suitable cleaner. A grout brush is a small, stiff-bristle nylon brush, available in handheld and long-handled sizes. You can substitute a toothbrush in a pinch, but its bristles are often too soft to do much good. As for the cleaner, a lot of formulas work, so try different options to find the best performer for your tile.
While there are commercial grout cleaners available, it's just as easy to mix up a solution with ingredients you already have on hand. Keep in mind, the time it takes to refresh your grout will substantially increase if you choose to seal the grout after cleaning.
How Often to Clean Tile Grout
Tile grout should be cleaned whenever it becomes dirty or discolored with mold and mildew—the frequency will depend on where your tile is located and how often the surface is used. Tiled walls may require cleaning just periodically, while frequently-used tiled shower walls that are subject to lots of moisture and constantly humid conditions might require weekly cleaning. The best rule of thumb: Scrub the tile grout whenever it is showing discoloration, mold, or dirt.
It's best to try grout cleaners in the order of harshness, beginning with an alkaline cleaner, then proceeding to oxygen bleach, then chlorine bleach, as necessary. It's always a good idea to reseal the grout after a deep cleaning.
Click Play to Learn How to Clean Tile Grout
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Grout brush
- Sponge
- Safety glasses
- Rubber gloves
- Towel
- Bucket or other large container
- Safety glasses (optional for use with chlorine bleach)
Materials
- Alkaline cleaner
- Oxygen bleach, powdered
- Chlorine bleach
- Grout sealer (optional)
Instructions
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How to Clean Tile Grout With an Alkaline Cleaner
The Tile Council of America (TCA) recommends alkaline cleaners for removing stains from grout. Alkaline cleaners include Spic and Span, Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, and Mr. Clean's liquid cleaners, among others. These cleaners are particularly good for cleaning dirty, greasy grout joints in the kitchen.
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Mix the Cleaner
Combine the cleaner with water in a bucket or large container, as directed on the package label. Do not exceed the recommended amount of cleaner, as it will not improve the cleaning power of the solution.
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Apply the Cleaner
Coat the cleaning solution liberally onto the grout lines using a sponge, almost as if it were a paste. Allow the solution to sit and soak onto the grout for several minutes.
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Scrub the Grout Lines
Using the grout brush, scrub vigorously at the grout lines until all stains are gone. You will notice the original color of the grout return as you scrub.
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Clean Away the Solution
Sponge up any excess cleaning solution, then apply fresh water to the grout lines and tile to rinse off any excess. Sponge up the water to finish cleaning.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
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Dry the Surface
Use a clean towel to dry the tile and grout completely. Let the surface air-dry overnight before moving on to resealing the grout.
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Reseal the Grout
Your grout is now clean as new, and you should make sure to seal it in order to keep it that way. This is best done before using the surface again so you don't risk introducing any moisture to the tiles or grout lines.
How to Clean Tile Grout With Oxygen Bleach
Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is non-toxic, safe for the environment, and doesn’t have a harsh chemical odor. It also won't stain colored grout lines. Hydrogen peroxide is a form of oxygen bleach; however, it is typically sold in diluted solutions, making it a relatively ineffective cleanser for grout. A more appropriate choice is Ajax Oxygen Bleach Cleaner or a similar powdered product.
Warning
Be sure to exercise caution when using chlorine bleach on grout near carpet. The carpet fibers can be damaged if they come into contact with the bleach.
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Mix Powdered Oxygen Bleach With Water
Combine the powdered oxygen bleach with water to form a paste similar to the consistency of toothpaste. Normally this requires a ratio of about two parts powdered oxygen bleach to one part water.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
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Apply the Paste
Use a sponge to apply a coat of the oxygen bleach paste to the grout lines. Let the paste sit on the grout for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure to use rubber gloves when handling the mixture.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
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Scrub the Grout Lines
Scrub the grout lines using a stiff grout brush. You should quickly see the grout brighten to its original color, and any bits of mold or mildew melt off.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
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Rinse the Paste
Rinse away the paste with clear water, then wipe the tile down with a clean cloth. Let the tile air-dry overnight before resealing the grout.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
How to Clean Grout With Chlorine Bleach
One traditional way to clean grout lines is using full-strength household chlorine bleach. Ordinary household chlorine bleach is an effective way to clean grout, but because you are using it at full strength, caution is required when using it.
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Wear Safety Gear
It's important to protect yourself when using full-strength chlorine blech, including wearing safety glasses, rubber gloves, and old clothes that you don't mind damaging with bleach stains. Bleach is caustic to the skin and can bleed the color out of clothing.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
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Ventilate Your Space
Open up any nearby windows to ventilate the area you're cleaning in—bleach is toxic and releases noxious fumes which can make you very sick in a contained area. In a bathroom, running the vent fan at the same time you open the windows provides excellent ventilation.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
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Scrub the Grout Lines
Dip the grout brush into the pure bleach, apply it to the grout lines, and scrub vigorously to remove stains.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
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Rinse the Tile
Rinse the tile thoroughly with clear water and sponge it up to remove any remaining bleach. Repeat this step. It's critical that all bleach be removed before you move on to resealing.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
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Dry the Surfaces
Wipe the tile and grout surface with a clean, dry towel, then let the tile air-dry overnight before resealing the grout lines.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Tips for Keeping Tile Grout Clean Longer
Grout lines are typically never fully flush and always a bit lower than the edges of the tile. That means whatever tile cleaner or method you use to wash your floors or walls may not effectively clean the grout lines, and some dirty water can pool in the grout lines. Since that is inevitable, you can employ a few smart tactics to help keep your grout clean. Place floor mats over tile floors where you can in order to collect dirt particles, take off your shoes before entering the house, use the correct cleaners, and reseal the grout after a thorough cleaning.
Avoid Vinegar and Baking Soda
Do not use vinegar or baking soda to clean tile grout. Alkaline cleaners are a better choice than vinegar or baking soda because grout contains cementitious mortar that can be dissolved by acidic cleaners, including vinegar. Vinegar and other acids are also a bad idea for stone tile because the acid can etch the stone. Another widely praised household cleaner, baking soda, is alkaline (not acid), but it is not very effective as a grout cleaner.
Reseal the Grout Lines
Cleaning grout lines can be a difficult process. Once you have the grout looking clean and stain-free, sealing the grout will help create a protective surface that can prevent future staining and make it much easier to keep the grout clean. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying grout sealer. The tile must be clean and completely dry, and you must let the sealer cure fully before using the tiled area. Use a penetrating grout sealer for most tile grout, including bath and shower areas.