How to Actually Clean Dirty Grout
Grout is porous cement — it stains easily and resists most surface cleaners. Here's what actually works, from light maintenance to badly discoloured grout.
For Lightly Dirty Grout
Baking soda + dish soap paste: Mix baking soda with a few drops of dish soap into a paste. Apply to grout with a toothbrush or grout brush, scrub in circles, let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. Works well for regular maintenance.
For Moderately Dirty Grout
Baking soda + hydrogen peroxide: Make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (3%). Apply, let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, scrub, and rinse. The hydrogen peroxide lifts staining and kills mould spores.
For Badly Stained or Mouldy Grout
Bleach solution: Mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Apply with an old toothbrush, let sit 10–15 minutes, scrub, and rinse thoroughly. Ensure good ventilation. This is the most effective method for dark mould staining.
Oxygen bleach (safer alternative): Products like OxiClean dissolved in hot water, applied to grout and left for 30 minutes. Less harsh than chlorine bleach, still effective on most staining.
The Right Tool Makes a Difference
A dedicated grout brush or an electric toothbrush makes scrubbing significantly more effective than a regular toothbrush. The bristle shape is designed to reach into the grout line.
When Grout Can't Be Cleaned
If grout has absorbed years of staining from dark-coloured grout that's been neglected, cleaning may lighten it but won't fully restore the original colour. Options are: grout colourant (a paint-like product that seals and colours grout), grout removal and re-grouting, or tile replacement.
Preventing Grout from Getting Dirty
- Seal grout annually with a grout sealer — this fills the pores and makes cleaning much easier
- Squeegee shower walls after every use
- Run bathroom fan during and after showers
- Clean grout monthly rather than waiting until it's visibly dark
Grout scrubbing is part of every Maidless deep clean and move-out clean. Book at maidless.ca.