8 Easy Hacks for Cleaning Grout

Are you tired of looking at dingy, dirty grout in your kitchen, bathroom, or other tiled areas of your home?

Don’t worry – you’re not alone!

Grout can be tough to clean, but it’s definitely not impossible.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 8 easy hacks for cleaning grout that will have your tiles looking brand new in no time.

From simply some detergent and elbow grease to homemade solutions, these tips and tricks are sure to help you get the job done quickly and effectively.

Cleaning grout may not be the most enjoyable task, but once it’s done, you’ll be thrilled with how fresh and clean your tiles look.

In fact, it’s almost like giving your backsplash, bathroom shower, or floors a total transformation.

You might even be motivated to tidy up the rest of your bathroom after seeing the results.

So, if you’re ready to tackle those tough grout stains and give your tiles a fresh, clean look, keep reading!

What Sort of Brush Should You Use to Clean Grout?

You can just use a hard-bristled brush or a toothbrush, both of which do a good job.

But if you want to save your future self a lot of time, it may be worth investing in a proper grout cleaner brush. They have stiff bristles made of nylon, making them perfect for cleaning grout.

Head on down to your local hardware store where they will almost certainly have one.

Before You Continue, Try Just Warm Water and a Brush

Before you try any of the following hacks, start by cleaning the grout with just warm water and a brush.

Sometimes, this is all it needs. The warm water will loosen the dirt and it will simply wash off. This will save you a lot of time, so it is definitely worth trying.

1. Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda

If you want to clean your grout effectively using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, here’s what you’ll need to do:

Wipe down the grout with a wet cloth to remove any loose dirt.
Mix equal parts of bicarbonate of soda and water in a bowl to create a paste.
Then, apply the paste to the grout lines and let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to work its magic.
Next, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Take a clean, damp cloth to scrub the grout lines, using the spray to apply the vinegar mixture as you go.
The vinegar will help to lift any remaining dirt or stains, and the bicarbonate of soda will help to scrub away any tough grime.
Keep scrubbing until the grout lines are nice and clean, then rinse the area with water to remove any leftover paste or vinegar mixture. And that’s it! Your grout should now be sparkling clean.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Is your grout badly stained? Hydrogen peroxide may just be exactly what you need.

However, make sure you follow the safety instructions. We recommend wearing rubber gloves when working with hydrogen peroxide.

In order to create a paste that will easily clean your grout, add bicarbonate of soda and washing up liquid to your hydrogen peroxide solution.

Apply the paste liberally to the grout using an old toothbrush or a hard-bristled brush. Allow the paste to settle for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth. If it still looks dirty, just add more paste and repeat.

3. DIY Grout Cleaning Spray

Don’t fancy buying an expensive branded grout cleaner? Try this cheaper, yet just as effective, homemade grout cleaner.

For this hack, you’ll need bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar, ammonia and warm water, as well as a spray bottle to put it all in.

This hack requires a bit more care, as you’ll be using ammonia which is a strong chemical. Always follow the safety instructions on the bottle.

Here’s what to do:

Mix together 1.5 litres of warm water with 70 millilitres of ammonia solution. We recommend wearing rubber gloves for this.
Add 50 millilitres of white vinegar and 100 grams of bicarbonate of soda to the warm ammonia mix.
Stir it all together. Once you’re happy it has been thoroughly mixed, pour it into a spray bottle.
Squirt the mixture generously onto the grout, allowing it to settle for about 5 minutes.
With a toothbrush, work in the mixture into the grout. To finish off, use a cloth to wipe off the excess.

4. Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Brush

This hack doesn’t require any careful measuring. All you need is your toilet bowl cleaner, a toothbrush and a can-do attitude!

Start by squirting a generous amount of toilet bowl cleaner directly onto the grout lines.
Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and loosen any dirt or stains.
Next, use a toothbrush to scrub the grout lines, applying firm pressure to ensure that the cleaner is able to lift away any grime.
Scrub for a few minutes, making sure to get all of the grout lines clean. When you’re finished, rinse the area with water to remove any leftover cleaner.
Your grout should now look unblemished and ready for guests to be amazed at the look of your bathroom.

5. Lemon, Salt, Bicarbonate of Soda and Essential Oils

This hack uses the natural antibacterial properties of lemon, salt, bicarbonate of soda and essential oils to clean your grout.

Follow the steps below:

Begin by combining equal parts lemon juice and salt in a small bowl. The acid in the lemon juice will help to lift any dirt or stains, while the salt will act as a natural abrasive to scrub away grime.
Next, add a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda to the mixture and stir to combine. The bicarbonate of soda will help to further scrub away dirt and stains, and it will also help to deodorize the area.
Finally, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the mixture. This is optional, but the essential oils will add a pleasant scent to the cleaning mixture and can also have natural antibacterial properties.
Once everything is mixed together, apply the mixture to the grout lines and use a toothbrush or scrub brush on the area until it is clean.
Rinse the area with water when you’re finished to remove any leftover cleaning mixture.

6. Bleach

This hack takes slightly longer, but it does give you time to complete other household tasks while you wait.

To clean grout with bleach, make a solution of one part water and one part bleach, pouring it into a spray bottle.

Be sure to use caution and follow proper safety precautions when handling bleach, as it can be harmful if ingested.

Then follow these steps:

Squirt some on a small, discreet area to check how the grout reacts with the bleach. Bleach is a harsh chemical, so very occasionally it will discolour the grout.
If you’re happy to continue, spray the mixture onto the grout lines, making sure to cover the entire area.
Let the mixture sit for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow it to penetrate and loosen any dirt or stains. This waiting time is longer than the other hacks, so feel free to tackle any other household tasks you have.
Use a toothbrush or scrub brush to scrub the grout lines, applying firm pressure to lift away any grime.
Rinse the area with water to remove any leftover cleaning solution. With these few simple steps, your grout will look brand-new.

7. Chlorine Bleach for White Grout

When it comes to white grout, the best choice of detergent will be chlorine bleach.

Open a window to ventilate the area, put on your rubber gloves and some old clothes, and get scrubbing.

Simply dip your brush, whether it’s a specific grout brush or just a toothbrush, and work in the chlorine bleach into the grout. Wash the area with water and enjoy your rejuvenated white grout.

8. Steam Mop

A steam mop is a great hack for cleaning grout. The heat and moisture will help loosen any bits of dirt or mildew.

Spray the grout with white vinegar. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes.

Then, use your steam cleaner and slowly move it over the grout. If there are any tough stains, simply spray them with vinegar and scrub them with a hard-bristled brush.

This hack will see the best results if you incorporate it into your cleaning routine regularly.