It’s not uncommon for grout to be the last thing on your mind when cleaning your bathroom, but it shouldn’t be. They don’t have a big impact on the overall aesthetics of your home, but they do play an important role in filling gaps in bathroom wall tiles and other surfaces. However, it is a porous material and one of the first places dirt, mold, mildew and other bacteria accumulate.
For this reason, bathroom grout should be properly cleaned to avoid unsightly discoloration and stains. It may not be a favorite task on your to-do list, but cleaning grout doesn’t have to take a long time. Follow us as good as new grout.
Restore the appearance of grout
Want to make your main bathroom as shiny and new as a five-star hotel? Here are some recommended steps to improve the look of your grout.
determine the cleaning solution
I know it’s hard to get started, but I recommend using the cleaning solution on a small area first before cleaning the entire bathroom. If you jump right in, your cleaning solution of choice can damage or discolor the grout (which you don’t want). Take the time to test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area, and when you’re happy with the results, you can begin your project.
Soak and rub the grout
Once you have your grout cleaner selected, apply it to your bathroom grout and use a scrub brush to remove buildup along the grout lines. If you’re cleaning a bathroom that hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it’s a good idea to let the mixture sit on the grout for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. It makes your job a little easier.
Rinse and dry the affected area
After scrubbing the grout line, rinse off the cleaning solution with clean water. Bathrooms are used to water and it’s okay to get wet, but keep the area you just cleaned dry to seal the grout.
Seal the grout if necessary
Although an optional step in the process, sealing the grout can help reduce the chance of long-term damage to the grout line. Using these steps will keep your grout looking as good as new during spring cleaning.
6 Effective Grout Cleaning Methods
Now comes the trickier part of determining what kind of cleaning solution is best for your bathroom grout.
grout cleaner
One of the easiest ways to clean grout is with a commercial grout cleaner that you can buy at the grocery store during your weekly visit. Commercial grout cleaners tend to be stronger than homemade cleaning solutions, making them perfect fighters against grout line build-up. Depending on your preference, you can decide between a spray, gel, or foam cleaner. Or, through trial and error, you may find that one type works better with a particular type of grout than another. They often contain strong chemicals to remove, so it’s a good idea to open your bathroom window for good ventilation.
lemon juice & baking soda
We don’t know about you, but we love the smell of lemon-scented cleaning products, especially homemade ones! You’re looking for a gentle cleaning solution. Another cleaning solution that you can make at home is a combination of lemon juice and baking soda. Mixed with baking soda, this natural acid penetrates deep into grout stains and restores their natural beauty. It is recommended to stay on the grout and let it soak into the dirt for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
baking soda and vinegar
I love cleaning solutions that are as easy as combining household items you might already have under your sink. Open your pantry and grab some baking soda and vinegar to create the perfect natural abrasive and disinfectant cleaning solution. When you combine these two household products in equal proportions to create a thick paste, you get a proven cleaning mixture that eats away grout dirt and grime. For best results, we recommend letting the paste sit on the grout for a few minutes before scraping it off.
hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
No vinegar in your kitchen? We have an alternative for you. Head over to your first aid kit and get some hydrogen peroxide. You can make a similar paste by mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, just like you would any homemade detergent. Using a brush, combine the two ingredients to create a thick paste and paint over the grout lines. Let the mixture sit on the grout for a bit before scrubbing the grout clean. Rest easy knowing that this homemade cleaning solution will do a great job of breaking up deposits that have formed in your grout lines between cleanings.
steam cleaner
Do you have a steam cleaner lying around somewhere in your closet? Luckily, Steam his cleaner doesn’t just get rid of wrinkles in his shirt dress. Alternatively, you can use the steam cleaner to remove stains and dirt from the grout by holding the steam cleaner directly over the grout. is one of the most effective cleaning solutions for heavily soiled grout lines that may not have been cleaned in quite some time.
FAQ
Best grout for bathroom tiles.
When shopping for grout for your upcoming bathroom remodel or renovation, we recommend using epoxy grout. This is one of our favorite grout types because of its durability and water resistance. It’s one. Great for grouting in damp areas like bathrooms. Plus, with a variety of grout colors to choose from, it’s an easy way to extend cleaning intervals (if you’re not using plain white grout).
Will vinegar damage tile grout?
The last thing you want when cleaning bathroom grout is causing irreversible damage. It’s always a good idea to try the cleaning solution on a small area before diving headfirst into a project. Vinegar is a naturally acidic liquid and can corrode certain types of tiles and grout if misused. If vinegar works best for cleaning grout, try diluting it with water to avoid damage while still getting an effective cleaning.
How can I make the grout white again?
How old is your bathroom grout? When was the last time you did a thorough cleaning? Each of the above cleaning solutions will effectively clean the grout, but many factors affect how (and when) the grout turns white again. Try repeating this process with a few different cleaning solutions to see which one works best for your home’s grout.
Can new grout be layered over old grout?
If after cleaning the grout you notice there is real damage and not just dirt, you may need to replace the grout in your bathroom. You may be wondering (affected areas only). However, applying grout over an existing layer of grout is not recommended as it will be difficult to adhere to cracked or crumbled areas. For best results, you should start over.
Andrew Saladino
Andrew Saladino is the co-founder of Kitchen Cabinet Kings and has helped over 10,000 customers with their remodeling projects. He is a nationally recognized kitchen and bathroom expert from his NKBA, and his advice has appeared in major publications such as his Forbes, Huffington Post, Mashable, and Yahoo!. small business, etc.
