How to clean grout, according to experts
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If there’s one thing you can do to visibly improve the look of your bathroom, it’s a surface-level clean. Whether it’s wiping down the mirror or cleaning the soap scum on your bathtub, even the smallest tasks can make a difference. Additionally, the grout in between the tiles on your bathroom floor, walls or even your kitchen backsplash could often use a thorough cleaning. If you’ve always wanted to know how to clean grout, but doubted that it was possible, you should know that with the right supplies, there’s a possibility of getting the dirt out of your grout.
To find the best way to clean grout, I spoke with multiple cleaning experts, including the founder of a cleaning site and a manager at a home cleaning services company.
SKIP AHEAD How to clean grout | The best products for cleaning grout | How to make grout white again | How to prevent grout from getting dirty | Why trust NBC Select?
The best products for cleaning grout
All of the product recommendations below are either direct recommendations from our experts or have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon.
Shop our picks
Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener
AMAZON Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener $8.79 at Amazon
Grout Pen White Tile Paint Marker
Grout Pen White Tile Paint Marker $11.99 at Amazon
Goo Gone Grout and Tile Cleaner
Goo Gone Grout and Tile Cleaner $21.98 at Amazon
Oxo Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set
AMAZON Oxo Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set $8.99 at Amazon
Dirt Devil Handheld Steamer
WALMART Dirt Devil Handheld Steamer $37.98 at Walmart
How to clean grout, according to cleaning experts
There are a few different ways to clean grout. Our experts recommend using the following step-by-step guide to cleaning grout:
Method 1: Use a commercial cleaner
Spray or apply a cleaning solution, such as Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener, Goo Gone Grout and Tile Cleaner or The Pink Stuff Cleaning Paste, directly on the grout between the tiles on your floor or walls. Let the solution sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Use a thin stiff-bristle brush, such as Oxo Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set, to scrub in between the tiles. It’s best if the brush is thin in shape so it can more thoroughly clean the crevices.
Rinse off the cleaning solution and residue with a wet microfiber cloth or a handheld shower head (if cleaning grout in the shower). Thoroughly dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Repeat the process if necessary to begin seeing a difference.
Finally, consider using a grout sealer, such as a Grout Pen White Tile Paint Marker, to coat the clean grout.
Method 2: Use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Mix three parts baking soda to one part hydrogen peroxide in a bowl until a paste forms. The baking soda is an abrasive and will help remove dirt and grime.
Apply the paste along the grout, pressing it in as needed. Use a thin stiff-bristle brush to thoroughly scrub in between the tiles.
Rinse with a wet microfiber cloth or a handheld shower head. Dry thoroughly.
Repeat the process if necessary to begin seeing a difference.
Finally, consider using a grout sealer, such as a Grout Pen White Tile Paint Marker, to coat the clean grout.
Method 3: Use a handheld steam cleaner
In addition to cleaning solutions, you can use cleaning appliances, such as a handheld steam cleaner like the Dirt Devil Handheld Steam Cleaner. The heat from a steam cleaner can help raise stuck-on grime on the grout, making it easier to clean.
Before using the steam cleaner, read and follow the instructions on the product manual carefully. Steam cleaners are effective appliances, but are potentially dangerous if used improperly.
With the steam cleaner’s thin nozzle attached, point the steam cleaner at the grout and blast the steam all around the tiles, going over the same spots a few times.
Rinse the tiles and grout with a wet microfiber cloth or a handheld shower head and wipe dry as needed.
What makes grout dirty?
Grout is a type of mortar made of cement used to fill between tiles and bricks. This includes tile floors, walls and backsplashes. When it comes to tile floors, such as the one in a bathroom, grout often becomes dirty for several reasons, according to Jennifer Rodriguez, chief hygiene officer at ProHouskeepers. “Dirty grout is mainly caused by the buildup of dirt, grime and mildew, often exacerbated in high-traffic or damp areas,” she says. “Regular foot traffic can grind dirt into the grout, and moisture can lead to mold or mildew.” Grout is typically white, but over time, dirt and grime cause it to appear gray or brown.
How do you prevent grout from getting dirty?
Aside from manually cleaning grout, it’s also a good idea to take steps to defend against dirt and grime in the future, according to Melissa Maker, founder of cleaning site Clean My Space. “Prevention involves regularly cleaning and sealing grout with a grout sealer to reduce its porosity,” she says. “Think of sealing grout like putting a ‘top coat’ on nail polish.” You can also prevent your grout from getting dirty by regularly using a squeegee to clean up excess moisture on the walls of the shower and any glass.
How do you use a grout sealant?
A grout sealant comes in the form of a paste or thick liquid that you can apply with a squeeze bottle or other applicators. It can drastically improve the appearance of grout and make it look cleaner. “Applying a high-quality grout sealer once a year helps to prevent potential contaminants and detritus from getting into the porous surface of your grout, making it far more resistant to water and stains,” says Courtney Walsh, a cleaning expert at Homeaglow. “ Typically, you can get away with re-sealing once every two years but annually is often best, especially in homes where bathrooms have high usage, poor ventilation or hard water.”
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Melissa Maker is the founder of cleaning site Clean My Space and author of Clean My Space: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster, and Loving Your Home Every Day.
Jennifer Rodriguez is the chief hygiene officer at home cleaning services company ProHousekeepers.
Courtney Walsh is a cleaning expert at home cleaning services company Homeaglow.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, who regularly reports on cleaning related content and interviews cleaning experts. I’ve covered topics such as how to clean a mattress and window air conditioner.
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