How to Clean Tile Grout

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Scrub the Grout Lines

   Dip the grout brush into the pure bleach, apply it to the grout lines, and scrub vigorously to remove stains.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.