How to clean household grout 

The ultimate guide:

Despite cleaning your tile floors, shower walls, and countertops often, the grout between the tiles will inevitably get dirty. Dirt and stains that accumulate between tiles can quickly ruin the impact of an otherwise clean bathroom or kitchen. And If you’ve ever tried to clean grout then you know it can be a royal pain to clean and keep clean. Dirt, grime, and mildew get trapped in those little nooks, grooves, and ridges leaving your grout looking grungy. Not only do grout stains look unsightly, but those little black spots that keep appearing on your grout are in fact mildew – something you definitely don’t want lurking in your home.  

In bathrooms especially, water runs frequently, creating a moist and humid environment where mildew can thrive. If not removed, mildew develops into mold colonies. Molds that commonly grow in bathrooms include Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys, also known as “black mold.” For the most part, mold just looks gross, but if you have allergies or another pre-existing respiratory condition such as COPD,  the spores can actually irritate the lining of your lungs and can increase your risk of asthma attacks or COPD exacerbation.

People who are affected by bathroom mold will most likely experience runny noses, coughing, and scratchy throats. Stagnant water in showers spurs mildew and mold growth, which is why so many people struggle to keep shower grout free of it.

Knowing how to clean grout is a key skill to add to your house cleaning arsenal, whether you are tackling your bathroom tiles, floor tiles, or kitchen wall tiles. There are several effective methods for getting the job done, either with common household products like bleach or by using natural cleaning agents such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide or vinegar (never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together).

All you need to get the ball rolling is an old toothbrush, about a half an hour of your time, and of course, a bit of elbow grease. Below are a few tips to help you keep the grouting in your bathroom and kitchen (and anywhere else you might have tile) clean, hygienic, and looking like new.

Cleaning grout with bleach

If you are planning on cleaning grouting with bleach, make sure you put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin.  Try to avoid breathing in the scent of the bleach and be especially careful not to touch your forehead, nose, or eyes while cleaning.  The easiest and most efficient method of cleaning grout with bleach is to pour it into a cup (undiluted), then take an old toothbrush and dip it in the bleach and apply it to the grout and scrub, scrub, scrub. 

To get rid of really tough grout grime and stains, mix bleach (neat) with some baking soda or bicarbonate of soda. Make a paste with the consistency toothpaste then apply it to the grout. Allow the paste mixture to remain on the grout for about 15 minutes, then take the toothbrush and scrub the grout until it is clean. With both methods, make sure you follow up by rinsing down the area with the showerhead or a wet cloth.

Allow the grout to dry fully before deciding whether or not you need to take another go at it.  When using a chemical cleaner like bleach, make sure the space you are cleaning in is well-ventilated so that you are not breathing in toxic fumes. Open a window if you have one, or at the very least, turn on the air vent to get air circulating in the space.

Cleaning Shower grout with bleach and baking soda  

Start off by running a hot shower with the door and windows closed for a few minutes before you start cleaning grout from wall tiles. Mix bleach with baking soda or bicarbonate of soda to make a paste (toothpaste consistency). Use a small, soft material like cotton wool or cotton buds to get the mixture into the tile grout in the corners of the shower and leave it for 15 minutes. Wiping down the walls after your shower with a clean, dry cloth can help to eliminate the grime and mold that water encourages.  

Cleaning household grout with homemade cleaners (no bleach)

If you prefer not to use chemicals like bleach to clean the grout in your home, there are natural grout cleaners you can make that are safe and just as effective:  

• Homemade grout cleaner using hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda 
  When working with this tile and grout cleaner, it’s a good idea to wear protective gloves. While hydrogen peroxide isn’t dangerous, it can sting if it comes in contact with any open cuts. Start by mixing one cup of peroxide with one cup of baking soda. Pour the baking soda into a small, squeeze-top container. Add the hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda. Add teaspoon liquid dish soap to the bottle. Replace the lid and shake thoroughly. Then, apply the mixture to the grout line and let it sit for at least five minutes. Using a sponge or paper towel, wipe the mixture off and rinse with water to remove any residue. This natural cleaner will also kill any mold or mildew buildup on the grout.

• Homemade grout cleaner using vinegar and baking soda 
  Another effective homemade grout cleaner can be made by simply mixing white vinegar and baking soda in a cup, forming a thick paste. Baking soda is mildly abrasive so it helps to remove the dirt that is stuck in the porous grout surfaces without causing any damage. Work the paste between the tiles into the grouting with an old toothbrush. Allow the paste to remain on the grout and work its magic for about 30 minutes, then rinse it off with water and wipe away any residue. If your grouting is still not as clean as you would like the first time around, repeat the process as necessary. 

Using a grout pen

If, when you are finished cleaning your grout, it still looks unsatisfyingly brownish-yellow or dingy, try using a grout pen on it – the next best thing to hacking out the old grout and regrouting. When using a grout pen, take your time and use slow, even motions over the grout lines. Allow each coat to fully dry so you can make a dramatic impact with a second coat. While grout pens are not a permanent solution to some grout issues, they’re still an affordable and easy way to help brighten it up for some time.  

Grout maintenance 

For a little preventative maintenance, inspect your grouting regularly, clean as needed, and apply a commercial grout sealer to discourage mold and mildew. Also try to keep grouting dry when you can and take care of small stains as soon as you notice them.

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