How to Clean Grout With Simple Household Products

Clean tiles can still look dirty when the grout lines are dark. Grout is porous, so it soaks up dirt, soap and spills over time. Learning how to clean grout makes floors and showers look almost new again, and you only need a few simple products.

This guide shows you how to clean grout in six easy steps, plus tips to keep it bright.

What You Need

• Baking soda
• Water
• White vinegar in a spray bottle (not for natural stone)
• A grout brush or an old toothbrush
• A bucket and a microfiber cloth

How to Clean Grout in 6 Steps

1. Sweep or Rinse First

Remove loose dirt and dust from the floor, or rinse the shower walls. Cleaning on top of dust turns it into mud.

2. Apply a Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with a little water until it forms a thick paste. Spread it along the grout lines with your finger or the brush.

3. Spray and Wait

Lightly spray vinegar over the paste. It will fizz. Wait five to ten minutes. If your tiles are marble or natural stone, skip the vinegar and use only water and a mild dish soap, because acid can damage stone.

4. Scrub the Lines

Scrub each grout line with small circles. Work in small sections so the paste does not dry out.

5. Rinse and Dry

Wipe away the paste with clean water and a cloth. Dry the floor so new dirt does not stick to wet grout.

6. Seal It (Optional)

Once grout is completely dry and clean, a grout sealer can help it resist stains. Check the product instructions; many sealers last about a year.

How Often Should You Clean Grout?

Shower grout benefits from a quick scrub every one to two weeks, and floor grout every month. A full deep clean of grout fits well into your deep cleaning checklist twice a year.

Tips to Keep Grout Clean

• Squeegee shower walls after each use.
• Keep the bathroom ventilated to prevent mold.
• Wipe kitchen spills quickly.
• Mop with a well-wrung mop, not a dripping one.

Common Mistakes When You Clean Grout

Many people use too much water, which pushes dirt deeper into the grout. Others use bleach on colored grout, which can fade it. Another mistake is using vinegar on natural stone tiles. Now that you know how to clean grout safely, start with a small test area. If you are cleaning the whole bathroom, follow our bathroom cleaning checklist, and for move-out cleaning see our move out cleaning checklist.

Floor Grout vs Shower Grout

Knowing how to clean grout on the floor is a little different from the shower. Floor grout collects dirt and spills, so sweep first and use less water. Shower grout collects soap and moisture, so ventilation and a weekly scrub matter most. Once you know how to clean grout in both places, keep a small grout brush in the bathroom and one in the kitchen. When you clean grout a little every week, you will rarely need a long scrubbing session again. If you are still unsure how to clean grout on special tiles, ask the tile supplier or check the manufacturer’s care guide.

Cleaning grout in the kitchen? Cover the rest of the room with our kitchen cleaning checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best homemade grout cleaner?

A paste of baking soda and water, sprayed with vinegar, works well on most ceramic and porcelain tile grout.

Can I clean grout without scrubbing?

Light dirt can lift with a paste left for ten minutes, but most grout needs at least a gentle scrub.

How do I clean grout on natural stone tiles?

Use warm water and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid vinegar and other acids.

How do I keep shower grout from getting dark?

Squeegee after each shower, keep the room ventilated and seal the grout once a year.

Start With One Section

Pick one square meter of floor or one shower wall today. Once you see how to clean grout with this simple method, the rest of the room will be quick.

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