How To Clean Grout With Homemade Cleaner

Dirty grout lines can make even the cleanest tile floors look dingy and unkempt. You don’t need expensive commercial cleaners to fix them; you can effectively clean grout with simple ingredients from your pantry. In the video above, This Old House’s Tom Silva shows an easy and affordable method to tackle grimy grout and keep your tile floors looking fresh.

Preparing Your Homemade Grout Cleaner

Creating an effective grout cleaner with household items is simple and affordable. Silva’s recipe uses common ingredients safe for most tile and grout types.

Ingredients for the Homemade Cleaner

To make the cleaning solution, you’ll need these ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• White vinegar

Get the following tools to clean your grout:

Mixing the Cleaning Solution

Follow these steps to prepare your homemade grout cleaner:

1. Fill a cup with warm water.
2. Add baking soda to the cup to provide grit for scrubbing.
3. Add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture.
4. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.

The Grout Cleaning Process

This method cleans your grout without damaging it or the surrounding tiles:

1. Pour white vinegar along the grout lines. Be careful not to oversaturate the area.
2. Apply the cleaning solution on top of the vinegar.
3. Use a stiff scrub brush to work the solution into the grout. Silva recommends using a brush with stronger bristles than a toothbrush for more effective cleaning.
4. Allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes.
5. Scrub the grout lines again with the brush.
6. Wipe away the excess cleaning solution with a sponge.
7. Let the grout dry completely, which may take about 45 minutes.

Tips for Effective Cleaning

Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your cleaning: 

• For stubborn stains, repeat the process or let the solution sit longer.
• Work in small sections to prevent the cleaning solution from drying out.
• Rinse your scrub brush frequently to avoid re-depositing dirt

Dealing with Stubborn Stains

Sometimes, even a thorough cleaning may not remove deep-set stains. In these cases, Silva suggests using a grout removal tool with carbide tips from a home center. Here’s how to clean with this tool:

1. Gently scrape the top layer of the stained grout with the tool.
2. Be cautious not to damage the surrounding tiles or remove too much grout.
3. Clean the area again using the homemade cleaning solution.

Additional Techniques for Grout Cleaning

When basic methods don’t work, try one of these alternative cleaning techniques:

Steam Cleaning

A steam cleaner can loosen and remove dirt and stains from grout lines. The high temperature of the steam penetrates the grout and lifts out grime. This method is chemical-free and is especially useful for those with chemical sensitivities.

Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach is a safe and effective cleaner for grout. Unlike chlorine bleach, it won’t release harsh fumes. Follow these steps to use it:

1. Mix oxygen bleach with water according to its package instructions.
2. Apply the solution to the grout and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a brush and rinse with clean water.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

For a stronger solution, use hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda. This method is effective for tougher stains and also helps to whiten the grout. Here’s how to clean with this mixture:

1. Mix hydrogen peroxide with a bit of baking soda until it forms a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the grout lines and let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Scrub with a brush and rinse with water.

Sealing the Grout

After cleaning, seal the grout to prevent future staining and make maintenance easier. Apply the grout sealer as follows:

1. Make sure the grout is completely dry before sealing.
2. Use a grout sealer with an applicator tip for easy application.
3. Apply the sealer along all grout lines, being careful not to get it on the tile surfaces.
4. Allow the sealer to dry for 3–4 hours.
5. Apply a second coat for maximum protection.
6. Repeat the sealing process annually, especially for light-colored grout.

Maintaining Clean Grout

Regular maintenance keeps your grout looking fresh between deep cleanings.

Daily and Weekly Maintenance Tips

Here are some weekly cleaning tips to work into your routine: 

• Sweep or vacuum tile floors regularly to remove loose dirt.
• Use a damp mop with plain water or a mild cleaner for routine cleaning.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.

Long-Term Grout Care

Below are some more long-term considerations to take care of your grout: 

• Address any damaged or cracked grout promptly to prevent moisture penetration.
• Consider using a grout colorant for severely stained grout that doesn’t respond to cleaning.
• Reseal grout annually or more frequently in high-traffic areas.

Preventive Measures for Grout

To keep your grout clean longer, take these preventive measures:

• Using rugs and mats: Rugs and mats are useful in high-traffic areas, especially entryways and hallways. They can reduce the amount of dirt and moisture that reaches your tiled surfaces, keeping your grout cleaner for longer.
• Avoiding excess moisture: Moisture is one of the leading causes of grout discoloration and mildew growth. Use bath mats and rugs in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Also, check for proper ventilation to reduce humidity levels in these areas.
• Implementing regular inspections: Regularly inspecting your grout can help you identify issues before they become major problems. Look for cracks, chips, and areas that may need resealing. You can prevent more extensive and costly repairs by catching these issues early.