Look at your tiles, clean, right? But the lines between them… not so much. That’s grout, and it gets dirty fast. If you’ve been thinking about how to clean tile grout, here’s the brief answer: mix baking soda with water, scrub with a brush, and rinse. Done right, it can make your whole floor or wall look brand new again.

The good news? You don’t need fancy tools or strong chemicals. Just a few things from your kitchen can do the trick. And if it’s too far gone, we’ll tell you when it’s time to call in a pro. 

Here, we’ll walk you through everything step by step. Real stuff. Easy tips. No stress.

What is Tile Grout and Why Does It Get So Dirty?

Tile grout is the filler between your tiles. It’s usually cement-based and absorbs dirt, spills, and soap scum. That’s why it gets dirty over time.

Since it’s a bit porous, it holds on to moisture and stains. That’s also where mould and bacteria love to live, especially in wet places like bathrooms or kitchens.

How to Clean Tile Grout: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

If you care about the environment or have kids and pets around, eco-friendly grout cleaners are a great option. They’re safe and still work really well.

Here’s how to clean grout in tiles with a few safe options:

Eco-Friendly Cleaner	What It Does	How to Use It
Baking soda + water	Scrubs out dirt gently	Make a paste and scrub grout
Vinegar + water	Breaks down stains	Spray and leave for 5 mins
Lemon juice	Natural brightener	Rub directly on dark grout
Hydrogen peroxide	Removes mould and bacteria	Mix with baking soda

Tip: Don’t use vinegar on natural stone tiles like marble. It can damage them.

Easy Homemade Grout Cleaning Recipes

You can make powerful grout cleaners with things already in your kitchen. No need to buy anything fancy.

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste.

• Apply it to the grout.
• Spray vinegar on top and wait 5–10 minutes.
• Scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Mix both to make a fizzy paste. Great for killing germs in bathroom grout.

3. Lemon Juice + Salt

Perfect for light stains and to make your tiles smell fresh.

How Professionals Clean Tile Grout

When pros clean tile grout, they use powerful tools and cleaners that go deep into the lines and pull out all the hidden dirt. They often use hot steam to loosen tough grime and kill mould, or high-pressure machines that blast out the gunk. 

They also use strong chemical or eco-safe grout cleaners, depending on the need. After that, they might seal the grout to keep water and stains from getting in again.

If your grout is badly stained, mouldy, or hasn’t been cleaned in years, it’s better to call a professional. Also, if you’ve tried everything and the dirt still doesn’t come off, don’t waste more time. Let the experts handle it.

How to Clean Tile Grout by Yourself (Step-by-Step)

Don’t worry, this is super easy. Just follow these simple steps, and your grout will look way better in no time. But before we start, just a quick heads-up. 

If you have natural stone tiles like marble or limestone, do not use vinegar or anything too acidic. It can damage the tile surface. Stick to mild cleaners or just baking soda and water.

So, how do you clean grout on tile floors? Let’s check.

1. First, Sweep or Vacuum the Floor

You want to get rid of all the loose dust, dirt, and crumbs so they don’t get in the way when you start scrubbing.

2. Pick Your Cleaner

You can go with a store-bought grout cleaner, or make your own using baking soda and water. If you want extra cleaning power, add hydrogen peroxide or a bit of vinegar, but again, only if your tiles are not natural stone. 

Put your cleaner in a spray bottle or a small bowl.

3. Apply the Cleaner to the Grout Lines

Spray it or spread it over the dirty grout and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This gives it time to loosen up the dirt.

4. Now, Scrub the Grout

Use an old toothbrush or a grout brush and scrub back and forth along the lines. Don’t rush. Take your time on the really dirty spots.

5. Wipe Everything Clean

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away all the loosened dirt and leftover cleaner.

6. Let it Dry Completely

You can pat it dry with a towel or just let it air dry naturally. Make sure there’s no water left sitting on the tiles.

If your grout still looks a bit stained after all that, don’t stress. Some stains are just old and deep. You can try a second round or, if needed, think about calling in a pro cleaner.

Also, after it’s clean and dry, you can seal the grout (using a grout sealer you can find in stores) to help keep it clean longer. It’s totally optional, but worth it if you want less scrubbing in the future.

Dealing with Tough or Old Grout Stains

Some stains are just hard to clean. Maybe they’ve been sitting for years or turned yellow or black. Here’s what to do.

1. For Yellow or Orange Stains:

• Try hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda.
• Leave it for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.

2. For Mould and Mildew:

• Use a steam cleaner or a mould remover spray.
• Make sure to open windows while cleaning.

3. For Black or Hard Stains:

• Professional help might be the best solution here.

Prevention Tips to Keep Tile Grout Clean Longer

Cleaning grout is not fun, so let’s keep it clean for a long time. Just a few habits can help a lot.

Tip	Why It Helps
Wipe tiles after every shower	Reduces moisture and stops mould growth
Use a daily shower spray	Keeps soap scum from building up
Seal grout every 6–12 months	Blocks stains and water damage
Clean spills right away	Prevents stains from setting in
Use rugs or mats in kitchens	Avoids grease and food drops on tiles

How Often Should You Clean Tile Grout?

To keep your grout looking fresh and avoid tough stains later, try to clean grout regularly. 

In bathrooms, once a week is a good habit since there’s a lot of moisture. For kitchen floors, every two to three weeks is enough. Entryways can be cleaned about once a month, and it’s a good idea to do a deep clean of all tiled areas every three to four months to keep everything in top shape.

Wrapping Up

So, that’s all about how to clean tile grout. Cleaning tile grout isn’t a huge job if you do it regularly or use the right method. If you’re into homemade and eco-friendly methods, go for lemon, vinegar, and baking soda. They work like magic. For very old or stained grout, it’s okay to call in a professional. And once your grout is clean, a little effort can keep it that way.

Want to learn how to clean tiles after grouting? This detailed guide will give you an answer.

FAQs

1. Can dirty grout cause a smell?

Yes, if it builds up with mould, mildew, or old spills, grout can start to smell, especially in damp places like bathrooms or basements.

2. Is it okay to use a magic eraser on grout?

Yes, you can use a magic eraser on light grout cleaning, but don’t scrub too hard, or it might wear down the grout over time.

3. Can I mop over grout to clean it?

Mopping helps keep tiles clean, but it doesn’t do much for grout lines. Grout needs deeper scrubbing to really get clean.

4. Does coloured grout need special care?

Yes, coloured grout can fade or get stained more easily. Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach and stick to mild or colour-safe solutions.

5. Can I paint over old grout instead of cleaning it?

You can, but it’s not a permanent fix. Grout paint can freshen up the look, but if the grout is mouldy or cracked, cleaning or replacing it is better.

6. What type of brush is best for cleaning grout?

A small, stiff brush like an old toothbrush or a dedicated grout brush works best. Avoid metal brushes because they can damage the surface.

7. How do I clean grout on walls without making a mess?

Spray the cleaner lightly, scrub gently, and use a damp cloth to catch the drips right away. Work in small sections for better control.

8. How long does it take to clean grout?

It depends on the size of the area, but a small bathroom can take around 30 to 45 minutes. Bigger jobs might need a couple of hours.

9. Can I use dish soap on grout?

Yes, dish soap mixed with warm water can help loosen light dirt or grease, especially in kitchen grout. It’s gentle and safe to use.

10. How to clean tile grout in the kitchen?

To clean tile grout in the kitchen, mix baking soda and a little water to make a paste, then scrub it into the grout lines with a toothbrush. Let it sit for a few minutes, wipe it off with a damp cloth, and you’re done.