About 58 percent of homeowners in America have tile flooring in their homes. This means you’re likely to deal with tile at some point. Even if you don’t have tile floors, tile can be found just about anywhere, including kitchens and bathrooms.

Tile is the second most popular choice for flooring a home. With proper installation and tile quality, you’ll have durable flooring that lasts. But it will need some maintenance. 

One of the most challenging aspects of tile maintenance is grout cleaning. The material is porous and requires a lot of elbow grease to keep it clean. As grout ages, it becomes more difficult to clean, so it’s important to know how to clean this tricky material.

If you have tile grout that needs a deep cleaning, this article is for you. Keep reading for our full guide on how to effectively clean tile grout.

Grout Cleaning: What Youll Need

You’ll need a few supplies to get started with grout maintenance. Just remember that grout cleaning varies from home to home. But overall, grout cleaning is tough work.

If your grout is newer, it won’t be as hard to clean. But if your grout is old and hasn’t been scrubbed in a while, expect a challenge. 

Here’s what you need to get started:

• Cleaning products (discussed below)
• A spray bottle
• A sponge
• A scrub brush
• Rubber gloves 
• A towel
• Eye protection

Grout Cleaning Tips

There are a few things to know before you clean your grout. Grout is the coarse filler found between tiles. It can be a mixture of cement, coloring, water, and sand.

Cleaning grout incorrectly can result in damage, so it’s important to use the right techniques.

Prepping Beforehand

Before scrubbing your grout, you’ll need to clean it properly. You can use a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime. You can use a regular rag if you don’t have a microfiber cloth. Or, you can sweep the area with a broom to prepare for cleaning.

Then, use your sponge and some hot water to wipe your grout clean. Once all the dirt is removed, wipe up excess water from your tile and grout with a clean rag.

Scrubbing Grout

Next, you’ll want to choose a cleaning solution to scrub your grout. It’s important to remember that grout is not as strong as it looks, and certain cleaning products can erode the material. So you’ll want to read all directions when choosing a cleaner.

Furthermore, avoid scrubbing grout with steel wool or metal brushes. These abrasive objects can scratch tiles and erode your grout, which can destroy your flooring.

Commercial Grout Cleaners

Commercial cleaners are usually harsher than DIY cleaning solutions.

You’ll need to make sure you’re wearing gloves and working in an area with good ventilation. Otherwise, we advise that you wear a mask when using harsh cleaners.

Clorox

Clorox contains bleach, which is a corrosive, caustic chemical. Bleach is safe for grout as long as it’s properly diluted. If you use too much, your grout may erode over time.

You can mix Clorox with baking soda to make a scrubbing paste for your grout. For best results, apply the mixture to your grout, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub it off.

Goo Gone Grout

Goo Gone Grout is made specifically to clean grout. This makes it an easy-to-use cleaning solution. Although, you still need to carefully read all instructions.

Goo Gone Grout is good for breaking down mold and mildew stains. Apply the cleaner to your grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub and wash clean.

OxiClean

OxiClean is a popular stain remover for laundry. But the cleaner is also useful for cleaning grout. However, you’ll need to dilute the substance in water first.

Oxiclean recommends filling to line four and diluting with a gallon of water. Apply it to your grout, leave it on for 5-30 minutes, and wash it off. If the solution is too weak, you can add more OxiClean or make a scrubbing paste with baking soda instead. 

DIY Grout Cleaners

If you prefer to skip commercial chemicals, you can choose natural solutions. You can find many of these items in your home to clean your grout.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner for grout. It’s non-toxic and abrasive, making it great for scrubbing. It also effectively removes dirt, stains, and bad smells.

You can combine baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to make a great grout cleaner. Create a thick paste with the two substances and apply it to your grout. Let the mixture sit for five minutes, scrub the grout, and then clean it with a dry towel.

Vinegar

Vinegar cleans all types of surfaces, including glass, floors, and dishes. It’s acidic and can help remove grime from sealed tile grout. If your grout is unsealed, vinegar may damage it, so only use vinegar on sealed grout.

Take your spray bottle and fill it with equal parts vinegar and warm water. Spray the solution along your grout and let it sit for five minutes. Then, take your brush and scrub the surface. 

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a popular cleaning solution around the house. It’s acidic and can naturally bleach materials like grout. However, it may take a few applications.

Lemon juice can help remove grout stains and discoloration. To use, apply lemon juice directly to your grout. Leave it to sit for ten minutes, and then wipe it with a damp sponge or cloth. Repeat the process until the stains have been removed from your grout.

Grout Cleaning Services 

Grout cleaning isn’t an easy project. And if you don’t want to spend time experimenting with home solutions, it’s time to call a professional grout cleaner to get the job done.

If you need help with your floor cleaning routine, we have premium services to help. We’ll help you keep up with home maintenance and get your grout to look spotless. To get professional grout cleaning services for your home, contact us today!