Cleaning Grout (Step by Step)

Step 1

Start by spraying or pouring hot water over your dirty grout, then give it a good scrub with your scrub brush. If your grout isn’t terribly dirty, this method may be all you need to clean it up!

Step 2

Spray or pour the diluted vinegar solution to your grout, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes to give it time to break down mineral deposits, soap scum, and ground-in dirt (you could even try adding dish soap to the mix…these two ingredients make a powerful soap scum cleaner!) After waiting, scrub the grout with your scrub brush and rinse with clean water.

Step 3

Start by combining 3 1/2 cups of hot water with 1/3 cup of ammonia and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then spray your grout and let it sit for a few minutes, or up to an hour or so.After waiting, sprinkle baking soda over the grout and give it a good scrub with your scrub brush. (You may notice some fizzing due to the baking soda and vinegar reaction, but that’s normal!) Then rinse away the loosened grime, baking soda, and cleaning solution with clean water.

Step 4

Start by mixing up a cleaning paste of one part baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide. Spread the paste onto tile grout and let it sit for about an hour.After the wait, use your scrub brush to scour the grout and remove any last traces of grime or discoloration. Use a damp cloth or mop to clean up the paste, rinsing as needed to remove any remaining residue.

Step 5

Once your grout is nice and clean, allow it to air dry for 24 hours, or at least overnight. After the drying period, apply a water-resistant grout sealer to your clean grout lines, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Sealing it will help keep your grout clean for much longer than it would otherwise, and it can help repel mold and mildew too!