Learn how to clean grout in tile flooring with effective methods, natural solutions, and top store-bought products. Restore the beauty of your floors and easily tackle stains, mold, and dirt.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Cleaning Grout in Your Floor Tiles?
Cleaning floor tile grout is essential because grout serves a functional purpose in your tiled floors. However, as a porous material, it can easily absorb dirt, moisture, and stains. Stained grout can make your entire floor look dirty and neglected. Regularly cleaning and maintaining tile grout ensures your floors stay clean, fresh, and free of discoloration.
Using a cleaning mixture designed for grout can help remove dirt and prevent long-term damage, while sealing the grout offers additional protection, keeping it looking great for years to come.
Why Grout Gets Dirty
Grout is porous and absorbs dirt, water, oils, and moisture. Over time, this causes grout to stain, discolor, and even develop mold. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent buildup and keep floors looking fresh.
Why Is Grout Hard to Clean?
Grout is hard to clean because it traps dirt and moisture. It is often not sealed, allowing stains and mold to become deeply embedded. This makes it harder to clean than smooth tile surfaces, and deep-cleaning methods are needed.
Step-by-Step Method for Cleaning Grout
- Prepare the Area
- Vacuum or Sweep: Clear away loose dirt and debris.
- Mop: Use a damp mop to loosen grime and make cleaning easier.
- Create a Cleaning Solution
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste. Add dish soap for grease, or hydrogen peroxide/vinegar for tough stains.
- Natural Option: Mix water and vinegar (test first on a small area), or use a store-bought cleaner.
- Apply and Scrub
- Apply the cleaning solution to the grout lines.
- Scrub with a stiff brush (a grout brush works best), using circular motions for better results. Apply more pressure for stubborn stains.
- Let the solution sit for 10–20 minutes.
- Rinse and Dry
- Wipe away the cleaner with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Dry the area with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots or mildew.
- Optional: Seal the Grout
- After cleaning, you can apply a grout sealer to prevent future stains and make future cleaning easier.
What You Need to Clean Tile
To get started, gather these tools:
- Vacuum or broom
- Mop and bucket
- Grout brush (or old toothbrush)
- Natural cleaning solutions (baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide) or store-bought grout cleaner
- Grout sealer (optional)
Natural Cleaning Solutions for Grout
If you prefer eco-friendly cleaning methods, there are plenty of natural solutions that can tackle grout stains:
- Baking Soda Paste
Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply it to the grout lines and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and helps lift stains without damaging the grout. - Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that can break down grime and disinfect grout. Combine one part vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle, then apply it to the grout and scrub away. - Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can work wonders for tougher stains or mold. Apply it directly to the grout and allow it to bubble and foam for a few minutes before scrubbing. - Lemon Juice
Lemon juice’s acidity is great for breaking down grease and stains in grout. Mix it with baking soda to create a paste, or use it directly on the grout for a natural clean.
Top Shelf Brands for Grout Cleaning
- Krud Kutter Grout Cleaner
This cleaner removes tough grout stains, including mold and mildew, and is safe for most tile types. - OxiClean MaxForce Grout Cleaner
OxiClean is well-known for its stain-fighting power, and its grout cleaner is no exception. It uses oxygen-based cleaners to lift stains and brighten grout lines. - Zep Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner
Zep’s formula is designed for professional-grade cleaning, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. It’s effective against grease, oil, and stubborn stains. - Soft Scrub with Bleach
Soft Scrub is an all-purpose cleaner with bleach that works well on grout. It helps remove mold and mildew while brightening grout and tiles.
How to Prevent Grout from Getting Dirty
Once your grout is clean, you’ll want to prevent future buildup. Here are some tips for keeping your grout looking great:
- Seal the Grout
After cleaning, consider applying a grout sealer. This will help prevent dirt and moisture from penetrating the grout, making it easier to clean in the future. - Clean Regularly
Routine cleaning, even with water and a mop, can help prevent grime from building up on your grout. Clean your grout lines at least once a month. - Use a Grout Shield
Consider using a grout shield, which creates a barrier over the grout, protecting it from stains and dirt.
What If My Grout Is Still Dirty?
If you have cleaned your grout and it still is not coming out as clean as you like, here are some possibilities:
- Try a different cleaning solution, such as hydrogen peroxide or a commercial grout cleaner.
- Repeating the cleaning process or using a more abrasive cleaner might be necessary for stubborn stains.
- If mold is involved, use a stronger bleach cleaner or steam cleaning.
Extra Tips for Tough Grout Stains
For stubborn grout stains, consider these additional tips:
- Use a Grout Brush: Helps scrub away stubborn grime.
- Scrub Harder: For tough stains, apply extra pressure.
- Steam Clean: A steam cleaner can loosen grime and kill mold.
- Commercial Cleaners: For severe stains, these can provide better results.
- Ventilate: Ensure proper ventilation when using stronger cleaners.
How Do Professionals Clean Grout?
Professionals often use specialized equipment such as steam cleaners and commercial-grade cleaning solutions to clean tile grout. They may also apply professional-grade sealants to protect the grout from future dirt buildup. Hiring a professional ensures a deeper clean and helps maintain the appearance of your grout for longer, saving you time and effort.
How Often Should You Clean Tile and Grout?
It’s recommended that you clean your tile and grout at least once a month to maintain their appearance and prevent buildup. However, high-traffic areas may require more frequent cleaning.
Why Hire a Professional to Clean Grout?
While DIY grout cleaning can work, hiring a professional ensures a thorough, safe job, especially for stained or moldy grout. Professionals have specialized tools and cleaners to restore grout to near-new condition.
Proper methods and regular cleaning allow you to keep your grout fresh and your floors sparkling. Don’t forget to seal your grout and stick to a cleaning routine to maintain pristine tile floors for years.
Visit our Tile Flooring page in Roanoke, VA, to get started and discover how we can assist with all your flooring needs. For more information, visit our Home page and learn more about our services!
