We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Yikes, it looks like your tile grout is looking pretty rough. But no need to worry, this handy guide has got your back! We’ve rounded up some easy tricks that’ll have those grout lines looking fresh and clean in no time. From using whitening toothpaste to busting out the power tools, we’ve got the scoop on how to get your grout looking good as new. And don’t forget to reseal it when you’re done – that’ll help keep it looking its best for even longer.
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Scrubbing attachments on a cordless drill will make light work of super stubborn grime
Dikushin Dmitry/Shutterstock Did you know your trusty cordless drill can be the secret weapon for sparkling grout? Just grab a scrubbing brush attachment and let that high-speed rotation blast away even the toughest, most stubborn grime. It’s a total game-changer for getting those dirty grout lines looking good as new.
Just be careful if you have sealed grout – you’ll want to use a soft brush so you don’t damage the sealant. And remember to reseal it once you’re done cleaning. But other than that, this trick is a lifesaver for getting your grout looking its absolute best.
Sealing your grout after cleaning will help to keep it fresh for longer
Below the Sky/Shutterstock Quick question – do you know how often you should reseal your tile grout? Turns out, it depends on the traffic in the area. Bathrooms and busy kitchens should be resealed at least once a year. The sealant helps block moisture and bacteria, keeping your grout looking fresh for way longer.
As for which type of sealant to use, that’s up to you. Penetrating sealants work by blocking the pores, while non-penetrating ones create more of a surface coating. Just keep in mind that the non-penetrating ones may need reapplying more often, especially if you use harsher cleaners like baking soda.
Specially-formulated grout cleaner is a sure way to renew your grout
Alisa Chikov/Shutterstock If your home remedies just aren’t cutting it, then a professional grout cleaner is probably your best bet. These cleaners are specially formulated to tackle tough grout stains and grime. They penetrate the grout and break down the dirt, making it a cinch to scrub clean.
You may need to use the cleaner a few times to really restore your grout, but it’ll be way more effective than relying on toothpaste or other DIY hacks. Just spray it on, let it soak in, give it a light scrub, and rinse – your grout will look brand new!
An old electric toothbrush will help to loosen and scrub away grime
Kabachki.photo/Shutterstock Did you know your electric toothbrush can double as a grout cleaner? The rapid, oscillating motion is perfect for loosening up and scrubbing away all that gross grime in your grout lines. It’s like a power tool for your tiles!
Just make sure you use an old toothbrush attachment, not your daily-use one. And be sure to clean the whole brush unit between tile and teeth cleaning to avoid any cross-contamination. Start with just warm water, then level up with baking soda or another solution if needed.
Oxygen bleach is gentler and more efficient on grout than its chlorinated cousin
Snide12/Shutterstock When cleaning grout, chlorine bleach is a big no-no. Over time, it can actually damage the grout and cause discoloration. Instead, try using oxygen bleach – it’s much gentler on grout, but still super effective at breaking down that grime.
Oxygen bleaches like sodium percarbonate work their magic when dissolved in water. Just apply, let it sit for a few hours (even overnight if you can), then scrub and rinse. This gentle yet powerful solution can restore even the dirtiest white grout without the risk of damage from harsher chemicals.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide combine to fight grime with no nonsense
Izzetugutmen/Getty Images For a heavy-duty grout cleaning solution, you can’t go wrong with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide helps to bleach and lift stains, while the abrasive baking soda scrubs away the grime. It’s a real powerhouse combo!
Just mix the two together into a paste, spread it along your grout lines, and let it sit. The chemical reaction helps to break down and remove built-up dirt and stains. Scrub it with a soft brush, then rinse – your grout will look good as new!
A steam cleaner will lift grime without the use of harsh chemicals
Sidorov_Ruslan/Shutterstock Using a steam cleaner is one of the most effective ways to clean grout without harsh chemicals. The hot steam works its way into the grout, sanitizing it and killing off any microbes. Plus, when you use a steam cleaner with a grout-specific brush attachment, the steam helps to loosen up that embedded dirt.
Look for a steam cleaner with a narrow nozzle and hand attachment so you can really target the grout lines. And be sure to use a nylon-bristle brush to avoid damaging the grout. Or you can use the steamer with an old toothbrush for extra scrubbing power.
A mildly abrasive baking soda paste is worth trying for general grout cleaning
New Africa/Shutterstock One easy grout cleaning hack is to make a paste with baking soda and water. The mild abrasiveness of the baking soda helps to lift surface-level stains without damaging the grout. Just apply the paste, spray it with vinegar, let it fizz for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
This method works well on both porcelain and ceramic tiles. But if your grout is really dirty, you may need a more heavy-duty solution. The baking soda and vinegar are good for surface grime, but can’t always tackle deeply embedded dirt and stains.
