Grout is porous and sits slightly below tile level, which makes it a magnet for dirt, grease, mould, and discolouration. Even in a regularly cleaned home, floor grout can gradually darken and grey over time — not because the floor is dirty, but because the grout is absorbing what's tracked across it. Here's how to clean floor tile grout effectively and restore it to its original colour.
What You'll Need
- Stiff grout brush or old toothbrush
- Baking soda
- White vinegar (for ceramic/porcelain tile only — not natural stone)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Spray bottle
- Microfibre mop or clean cloths
Important: Know Your Tile Type
Before applying any cleaning solution, identify your tile material:
- Ceramic or porcelain: Can handle vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide safely.
- Natural stone (marble, travertine, limestone): Never use vinegar or any acidic cleaner — it etches the stone. Use only pH-neutral cleaners or stone-safe grout cleaners.
Step 1: Sweep or Vacuum First
Remove all loose dirt and debris from the floor before applying any cleaning solution. If you wet dirty grout before sweeping, you just spread the dirt into a muddy paste that's harder to clean. Vacuum or dry sweep thoroughly first.
Step 2: Apply a Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste of baking soda and water (about the consistency of toothpaste). Apply it directly to the grout lines using your fingers or a small brush. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to penetrate surface soiling.
Step 3: Spray with Vinegar or Hydrogen Peroxide
For ceramic or porcelain tile: spray diluted white vinegar (1:1 with water) over the baking soda. The fizzing reaction helps lift grime from the grout pores. Let it work for 2–3 minutes.
For tougher stains or yellowed grout: use 3% hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar. Apply directly to the grout and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent and brightens discoloured grout without the harshness of bleach.
Step 4: Scrub the Grout Lines
Use a stiff grout brush or old toothbrush to scrub the grout lines vigorously. Work in small sections — grout brushes with angled heads reach into the lines more effectively. Apply firm, consistent pressure and scrub along the length of the grout line, not across it.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Use a damp mop or clean cloths to rinse away the cleaning solution and loosened grime. Change the rinse water frequently — rinsing with dirty water just redistributes the dirt. Rinse each section thoroughly before moving to the next.
Step 6: Dry and Seal
Dry the floor completely with a clean microfibre mop. Once dry, apply a grout sealer along all grout lines using an applicator bottle. Sealing fills the pores in the grout and prevents future staining, dramatically reducing the effort needed for future cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean Grout?
High-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways benefit from a grout scrub every 1–3 months. Bathroom floor grout in well-ventilated spaces can go 3–6 months between deep cleans. Sealing once a year significantly extends the time between full deep cleans.
Professional Floor Cleaning in Toronto
Maidless deep cleans include grout scrubbing in bathrooms and kitchens across the GTA. Book at maidless.ca.