Cleaning grout can be a messy and tedious task. But it doesn’t have to be.

Before you dive into scrubbing, make sure to sweep or vacuum the area. This will remove loose dirt and grime and help you achieve a more even scrubbing.

Then apply an alkaline cleaner according to product instructions. Follow up with a penetrating sealer like 511 Impregnator to protect your grout for years!

1. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

When it comes to stains on grout, hydrogen peroxide is one of the most effective cleaning hacks available. This non-toxic household product is a powerful oxidizer that can lighten, whiten, and disinfect just about anything, including your bathroom and kitchen grout lines. When mixed with baking soda, it also creates a paste that is mildly abrasive and effective at lifting dirt from porous surfaces.

To make your own homemade grout cleaner, mix together equal parts of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a sealable container with a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Apply the solution directly to your grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a scrub brush to scrub the mixture into your grout, paying special attention to dark areas that indicate dirt build-up. After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residual baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.

Another great way to clean grout is by combining hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. This combination is often recommended by professional cleaners because it can remove grease and other hard-to-remove contaminants from tile. The acetic acid in vinegar reacts with the hydrogen peroxide to create a bubbling action that works well at loosening and lifting dirt from porous surfaces. To get the most out of this hack, start by scrubbing away any surface dirt using hot water and a brush or sponge. Then, follow with a mixture of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and apply it generously to your grout. Wait a few minutes, then scrub the mixture into your grout with a brush or toothbrush and wipe it clean.

Before you start scrubbing, always remember to put on rubber gloves and open any windows in your home. Hydrogen peroxide is safe to touch, but it can sting your eyes or skin if you get it in contact with them. Bleach can also release toxic fumes, so it’s important to work in a well-ventilated area when applying any cleaner to your grout.

Another non-toxic grout cleaner you can make at home is citric acid. Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits and is a natural deodorizer and stain lifter. To make your own homemade version of this cleaning agent, mix a tablespoon of citric acid powder with one litre of water in a spray bottle and apply it to your grout. After leaving it to work for a few minutes, wipe clean with a damp cloth.

2. Dish Soap and Water

Using a toothbrush to scrub grout isn’t everyone’s idea of a fun cleaning project. But scrubbing those grout lines can be the best way to remove stubborn dirt that’s accumulated over time, especially when it comes to dark-colored grout. If you’ve tried scrubbing and it’s still looking grimy, then it’s time to move on to a more aggressive cleaner.

Fortunately, there are several different options for cleaning your tile grout. Most importantly, you should always clean the surface of your tiles with a damp cloth before applying any cleaning solution. This will help to prevent the dirt from spreading into the pores of the grout and make it easier to wipe away later on.

It’s also important to sweep or vacuum the area before you begin cleaning the grout, as this will remove any loose dirt and dust that’s floating around. Then, you can use either just hot water or a combination of water and vinegar in a spray bottle to clean the grout. Spray the mixture onto the area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush or toothbrush. Once you’ve scrubbed, you can rinse the area with clean water to remove any remaining residue.

If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains, try adding a bit of baking soda to your cleaning solution. This will help to give the mixture some extra grit, which can be helpful in breaking up and dissolving any built-up grime in the grout. You can also try mixing equal parts of water and vinegar with a little baking soda to create a paste that you can apply directly to the stained area.

Finally, if all else fails, you can also use sandpaper as a last-resort effort to get your grout back to its original color. Just be careful not to use a coarse grit, as this could damage or scratch the tile itself. Also, if you’re dealing with natural stone tile like marble, be sure to run the exhaust fan and open a window during this process so that you don’t end up breathing in the dust.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

We all want our homes to look clean, but sometimes there are stains in the grout that just won’t go away. This is especially true in bathrooms, where mildew, scum, and dirt can really build up on tile grout and make the space look dirty and dingy. Cleaning grout with vinegar and baking soda is one of the easiest ways to tackle this problem and get your bathroom looking like new.

First, you’ll need to mix some baking soda and water together until you have a thick paste-like consistency. Then, use a toothbrush to apply the mixture to the grout lines of your bathroom tile. Let it sit for about ten minutes and then scrub it with your toothbrush (or an old electric or battery-operated brush that comes with an extra head). Scrub until you’ve got the grout looking as clean as you want it to be.

Next, apply some distilled white vinegar to the grout. The vinegar will react with the baking soda to create a bubbling solution that will help lift any dirt and grime from your grout. After that, use a clean, wet sponge to wipe the solution off of your grout and then rinse it off with fresh water. Rinse the grout thoroughly to make sure that all of the cleaner has been removed.

If you don’t have any distilled white vinegar on hand, you can also try using some hydrogen peroxide instead. Just make sure that the area you’re working in is well-ventilated since both vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can release toxic fumes. You’ll also want to wear rubber gloves while scrubbing your grout to protect your hands from any chemical burns.

If you’re tired of scrubbing your bathroom grout with an old toothbrush or have a difficult time removing dirt and grime from your grout, try a commercial grout eraser. These cleaners are designed to get your grout sparkling clean with little to no effort, and they work great on both ceramic and natural stone tiles. Just be careful when using them, as they are intended for professional use and may damage your grout if used incorrectly.

4. Oxygen Bleach

If warm water and soap isn’t enough to get your grout clean, try a solution of oxygenated bleach (such as OxyClean). This safe, nontoxic product can be left to sit on grimy grout for a long period of time. You can purchase this product at most major grocery stores and hardware stores. When using this product, follow the instructions on the label. Generally, you’ll need to mix it with a liquid like water or hydrogen peroxide and apply it with a brush or a sponge. If the stains are severe, you’ll need to scrub the grout with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse and wipe it dry.

Another good way to use this product is to make a paste of baking soda, liquid dish detergent and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the mixture to a damp surface and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. You can also use this solution to clean cloth diapers. It’s especially effective on stains caused by vinegar.

For a quick clean, you can also use a powdered form of oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean. Combine it with a little water to form a thick paste and apply it to the grout, working in small sections. You can use an old toothbrush to work it into the corners and crevices of your grout, and then let the paste sit for about 10 minutes. After scrubbing, you can wash away the paste with a damp cloth or sponge and then rinse the area thoroughly.

If the stains are persistent, you may need to repeat the process a few times before you see results. If you’re still not satisfied, a professional cleaning service can help. With the right products and a few extra elbow grease, you can have your grout looking as good as new. For expert help with a range of home improvement projects, choose the Neighborly network of home improvement professionals. Our pros offer years of experience, attention to detail and work backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise. Get started with a free quote today.