Get rid of grout stains and mold
Grout is used as a filler between tiles to prevent debris or dirt from making its way beneath the tiles. It also helps keep tiles in place, which prevents hairline cracks and breaking and gives tile a clean, finished look.
Because it’s made of porous material — usually a powdered mix of water, lime, cement and sometimes sand — grout is susceptible to many problems. This includes the buildup of grime, mold and mildew, as well as staining. While some of these problems are surface level at most, others can become health hazards if left unchecked. This is why it’s important to keep grout clean.
In this article: , and
How to clean grout
Lift light stains
To make grout white and shiny again, fill a with vinegar or lemon juice and spray it on the stained area. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, scrub the area with an abrasive sponge until the stain starts to lift. Finally, wipe away any residue with a clean cloth and warm water. Repeat as necessary. Don’t use vinegar or other harsh products if the grout isn’t completely sealed. The acetic acid in vinegar could corrode the grout.
Remove medium stains and dirt
For tougher stains, dirt or grime, a 1:1 water-to-vinegar solution works well. Combine white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and soak the area you intend to clean. Alternatively, fill a bowl with the solution, soak a cloth in it, and apply it to the dirty grout. Again, let the solution sit for at least 5 minutes before attempting to scrub it clean. If you don’t have a sponge, consider using a hard-bristled toothbrush meant only for cleaning. Rinse the area with warm water and let it dry.
Clean heavy grime
Make a paste with baking soda and water. Start with 1 cup water and 1/4 cup baking soda but add more baking soda if a paste isn’t forming. Then, coat a with the paste and scrub the area thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to apply a bit of pressure. If the grime is coming up but there’s still staining, spray some of the water and vinegar solution onto the area. It may start to bubble as it gets into the grooves. Let it work for 10 minutes and wipe it away.
Remove tough stains and dirt
Without turning to commercial cleaners, the best at-home solution for dirty grout is a combination of and baking soda. Together, these common household items can get rid of mold, mildew and the toughest stains. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can get into porous material (like grout) to remove dirt without damaging it. Hydrogen peroxide is a non-toxic alternative to bleach. Plus, it kills germs.
For larger sections of tile, mix 1 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Apply a generous amount of the paste to the affected area and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Return and scrub it with a grout scrub brush or old toothbrush. Wipe away any excess with paper towels and repeat the process until the grout is clean. For particularly greasy or oily sections, add a teaspoon or two of to cut through it.
Clean mold and mildew
When non-toxic solutions don’t work, it may be time to consider a commercial product like . Most commercial products use chemicals that can cut through the worst problems like mold and dirt.
If cleaning the floor, add 3-4 tablespoons of OxiClean or another to 2 gallons of warm water. Mop the area and let it sit. Repeat as needed. For backsplash or shower tile, scrub the area with a cloth.
For the toughest stains and mold, use a 1:4 solution of bleach and warm water. Spray the problem area, wait for 30 minutes or so, and scrub until there’s little solution left. Rinse and repeat. Keep in mind that bleach is more toxic than other cleaners, so take extra care not to make direct contact with it or let it get into your eyes.
Always wear gloves when handling cleaning products that contain chemicals. A mask that covers your mouth and nose is also recommended to avoid breathing in the harmful fumes.
Ways to keep grout clean
Grout sealer
A is one of the best things you can use to make grout water-resistant, eliminate germs and protect the general appearance of the tiles. Although sealing all the grout in your kitchen or bathroom can be an all-day event, the good news is it only needs to be done once or twice a year.
Before you seal the grout, make sure to thoroughly clean it. Use any of the above methods to remove stains, dirt, mold and debris. Make sure the tiles are completely dry before applying the sealer. Not all sealers work for all materials. Some are designed for ceramic, some for stone and so on. Double-check the type you’re using and what it’s meant for before getting started.
Now that you have the right sealer, use painter’s tape to cover any tile you don’t want the sealer to reach. Sealer can stain certain tiles, especially non-glazed tiles. For smaller sections like the backsplash, carefully apply the sealer with an application brush, making sure to only get into the grout lines. For larger areas, use a mop or large sponge to cover all surface areas. Let the sealer completely dry before adding a second coat and repeating the process.
Regular cleaning
Keep grout clean with a mild commercial cleaner or a homemade 1:1 white vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle. Spray the floor, backsplash and shower walls two to four times a month to prevent stains and bacteria growth.
Pro tips on cleaning grout
The longer you wait, the harder grout is to clean. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Use a stiff, small brush to really get into the tiny holes in grout, lift stains and remove dirt or mold.
- Never combine products when cleaning. Instead, use regular water to rinse any leftover products away before trying the next one.
- Mop floors with a simple solution of warm water and liquid soap after cleaning grout to get rid of excess cleaner and to sanitize the area.
- Always test out a new cleaning product on a small, hidden section of the tile in case it leaves an unwanted mark.
Keeping grout clean is key to preventing sanitation and hygiene problems in the future. Luckily, with a little dedication and some common household products, you’ll have your tiles looking good as new in no time.
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