How to Properly Clean Grout

Cleaning grout is a chore that few people enjoy, but if you have tile in your home, you know it needs to be done. Depending on the tools and cleaning products you have on hand, there are several effective methods you can try. Here are the three best ways to clean grout.

How to clean grout

• Rub it with bleach. One of the easiest ways to clean grout is to scrub it with vinegar and a regular old sponge. This is especially useful when you’re dealing with mold, but it disinfects well no matter what. Mix one part bleach with 10 parts water, pour into a spray bottle and wet the affected area. After it has sat for about five minutes, you can scrub it with a sponge or an old toothbrush. You want something a little tougher and abrasive, so something rougher than cloth will do.
• Use a melamine sponge: If you’re dealing with regular old scum or dirt and don’t think you need the disinfecting power of bleach, the Magic Eraser ( or melamine sponge ) will bleach it well without compromising the integrity of the material. Simply dampen it lightly and rub onto the grout to refresh it almost instantly.
• Use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Another great method is an easy DIY method: mix two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide to make a paste, apply it to the grout, let it sit for five minutes, and then apply it with a brush. sponge or old toothbrush.

Do not use toilet cleaner to clean the grout.

There is a hack that involves using toilet bowl cleaner on dirty grout, but it’s actually not a good idea. Ceramic and tile are protected from these chemicals, but the sealant on the tile and the grout itself are susceptible to deterioration, so avoid this and stick to the tips above instead.