Cleaning grout can be a daunting task, but it’s essential for maintaining the overall appearance of your tiled surfaces. Over time, grout can become stained and discolored, making your floors, walls, or countertops look dirty even if the tiles are clean. This guide focuses solely on how to clean grout effectively, so you can restore it to its original bright and clean state.

Why Is Grout So Hard to Clean?

Grout is a porous material, meaning it can absorb dirt, grime, and spills easily. This absorption leads to stubborn stains that can’t be removed by simply wiping the surface. Because of its porous nature, grout requires a more targeted cleaning approach to remove embedded dirt and restore its color.

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• A small brush (like an old toothbrush)
• Spray bottle
• Grout cleaner (optional for tough stains)
• Warm water
• Sponge or cloth
• Gloves (optional but recommended)

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• A small brush (like an old toothbrush)
• Spray bottle
• Grout cleaner (optional for tough stains)
• Warm water
• Sponge or cloth
• Gloves (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Prepare a Baking Soda Paste

Mix the Paste:

Start by combining equal parts of baking soda and water in a small bowl. The goal is to create a thick, spreadable paste that will adhere to the grout lines without running. Baking soda is an excellent choice for grout cleaning because of its mildly abrasive nature, which effectively scrubs away dirt and grime without causing damage to the grout itself.

Tip: If your grout is especially dirty, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture. This will help break down greasy residues that may have built up on the grout.

Apply the Paste:

Once your paste is ready, use a small brush, such as an old toothbrush, to apply it directly onto the grout lines. Be thorough in your application, ensuring that every inch of grout is covered with the paste. The small size of the brush allows you to work the paste deep into the grout lines, where dirt and stains tend to accumulate.

Tip: Work in small sections to avoid the paste drying out before you can scrub it. This is especially useful if you’re dealing with a large area.

Let It Sit:

After applying the paste, allow it to sit on the grout for about 10-15 minutes. This is a crucial step, as it gives the baking soda time to work its way into the grout and loosen the embedded dirt. The longer you let it sit, the easier it will be to scrub away the grime.

Tip: If you have particularly stubborn stains, you can let the paste sit for up to 30 minutes. Just be careful not to let it dry out completely, as this could make it more difficult to remove.

Step 2: Activate with Vinegar

Spray the Vinegar:

Next, fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray this solution directly onto the grout lines where you’ve applied the baking soda paste. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will cause a fizzing reaction, which helps to lift dirt and grime from the grout.

Tip: Use a fine mist setting on your spray bottle for even coverage without over-saturating the grout.

Scrub the Grout:

After the fizzing stops, it’s time to scrub the grout lines. Use your brush to scrub in small, circular motions, focusing on areas where the dirt is most stubborn. The combination of the baking soda’s abrasiveness and the vinegar’s acidity works together to make the scrubbing process more effective.

Tip: If the grout is heavily stained, consider using a grout brush instead of a toothbrush. A grout brush has stiffer bristles that can handle tougher jobs.

Rinse with Warm Water:

Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the grout, it’s important to rinse away all the residue. Use a sponge or cloth soaked in warm water to wipe down the grout lines. Make sure to remove all traces of the baking soda and vinegar mixture, as any leftover residue can attract more dirt over time.

Tip: If the area is large, rinse your sponge or cloth frequently to avoid spreading the dirt around.

Step 3: Tackle Tough Stains with Hydrogen Peroxide

Apply Hydrogen Peroxide:

For grout lines with particularly tough stains that weren’t fully removed by the baking soda and vinegar treatment, hydrogen peroxide can be a game-changer. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly onto the grout. You can either use it straight from the bottle or mix it with a bit of baking soda to create another paste for added scrubbing power.

Tip: If you’re dealing with mold or mildew, hydrogen peroxide is particularly effective as it also acts as a mild bleaching agent and kills mold spores.

Scrub Again:

Focus on the stained areas and scrub the grout lines once more with your brush. The hydrogen peroxide will help bleach out the stains and disinfect the grout, leaving it cleaner and brighter.

Tip: For deep stains, allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit on the grout for a few minutes before scrubbing. This gives it more time to penetrate and break down the stains.

Rinse Thoroughly:

After scrubbing, it’s essential to rinse the grout lines thoroughly with warm water. This final rinse removes any remaining hydrogen peroxide and dirt, ensuring that your grout is left clean and residue-free.

Tip: After rinsing, dry the area with a clean towel or cloth to prevent any water spots or residue from forming on the grout.

Step 4: Consider Using a Commercial Grout Cleaner Zep 946 mL Grout Cleaner | The Home Depot Canada

Choose the Right Cleaner:

If the stains on your grout are particularly stubborn and haven’t responded well to DIY methods, it might be time to consider a commercial grout cleaner. These products are specifically formulated to tackle tough stains and can be highly effective. When selecting a grout cleaner, it’s essential to choose one that is appropriate for your specific type of grout and the surrounding tiles. Some cleaners are acidic and may damage natural stone tiles or certain grout types, so always read the label carefully.

Tip: If you’re unsure which product to choose, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner, as it’s generally safe for most grout types and tile surfaces.

Apply and Scrub:

Once you’ve selected a commercial grout cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Typically, you’ll apply the cleaner directly to the grout lines, allowing it to sit for the recommended amount of time to break down stains. After the waiting period, use a brush to scrub the grout thoroughly. The cleaner should help lift even the most stubborn dirt, mold, or mildew from the grout lines.

Tip: When applying the cleaner, work in small sections to ensure the product doesn’t dry out before you have a chance to scrub it. This approach also allows you to focus on one area at a time for a more thorough cleaning.

Rinse Well:

After scrubbing, it’s crucial to rinse the area thoroughly with warm water to remove any chemical residues left by the cleaner. Residual chemicals can weaken grout over time or cause discoloration, so be sure to rinse until the water runs clear. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe down the grout lines, and if necessary, repeat the rinsing process.

Tip: After rinsing, dry the grout lines with a clean towel to prevent water spots or residue from forming, especially if you’re preparing to seal the grout in the next step.

Step 5: Protect Your Clean Grout

Seal the Grout:

Once your grout is completely clean and dry, it’s a good idea to apply a grout sealer. A sealer acts as a protective barrier that helps prevent future stains by blocking dirt, moisture, and spills from penetrating the grout. There are different types of sealers available, including penetrating sealers that soak into the grout and create a long-lasting barrier, and surface sealers that form a protective layer on top of the grout.

Tip: For best results, apply the sealer in small sections, using a small brush or applicator bottle to ensure even coverage. Allow the sealer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and apply a second coat if recommended.

Regular Maintenance:

To keep your grout looking its best after cleaning and sealing, regular maintenance is key. Clean your grout periodically with a mild cleaner and water, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas where dirt and grime can build up quickly. Address spills immediately to prevent staining, and use a small brush to scrub the grout lines as needed.

Tip: Incorporate grout cleaning into your regular cleaning routine. For example, while mopping your floors, take an extra few minutes to give the grout a quick scrub to prevent buildup and maintain its cleanliness.

Additional Tips for Long-Term Grout Care:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Over time, harsh chemicals can degrade grout, so stick to mild, pH-neutral cleaners whenever possible.
• Use a Doormat: Placing doormats at entryways can reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked onto tiled floors, helping to keep grout cleaner for longer.
• Ventilate Moist Areas: In areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms, ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold and mildew from developing on the grout.

Tips for Maintaining Clean Grout:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use neutral pH cleaners to avoid damaging the grout over time.
• Ventilate Bathrooms: Proper ventilation helps reduce moisture, preventing mold and mildew in grout.
• Regular Scrubbing: Incorporate regular grout scrubbing into your cleaning routine to prevent buildup.

Cleaning grout may take some effort, but the results are well worth it. By following these steps, you can restore your grout to its original clean state and keep it looking fresh for longer. Regular maintenance and proper sealing will ensure your grout remains pristine, making future cleaning tasks easier and less frequent. The satisfaction of seeing bright, clean grout lines can transform the look of your entire space, making it feel cleaner and more inviting.

However, if you find that cleaning grout is too time-consuming or challenging, especially for larger areas, consider reaching out to a professional cleaning service Ottawa. Professional cleaners have the tools, expertise, and products to tackle even the toughest grout stains, ensuring your grout is not only clean but also protected for the long term. Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, or any other tiled area, a professional cleaning service in Ottawa can provide a deep clean that saves you time and delivers outstanding results.

In addition to grout cleaning, a reputable cleaning service in Ottawa can help with a variety of other cleaning tasks, from regular maintenance to specialized services like tile sealing, deep cleaning, and more. Regular professional cleanings can extend the life of your grout and tiles, prevent mold and mildew growth, and keep your home looking its best.