What Is the Best Way to Clean Grout? Tile and Floor

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Grout is a dense fluid (often a mixture of cement, sand, and water) that is used to fill gaps between tiles, such as floor or shower tiles. Dirt, mold, grime, and grease cannot penetrate the tile because of the density of the material, but they can penetrate the grout around the tiles because the grout is porous.

Over time, grout can look unsightly and be difficult to clean. In this article, I’ll describe the best way to clean grout so that it looks new again.

What is the best way to clean grout? Here are the 6 steps for effectively and easily cleaning grout:

  1. Prepare the Grout for Cleaning
  2. Prepare the Cleaning Paste
  3. Apply the Paste on the Grout
  4. Scrub the Grout
  5. Rinse the Tile
  6. Preserve the Grout

Here are 4 of the best things you can use to clean the grout:

  1. Use Oxygenated Bleach
  2. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda
  3. Use a Steam Cleaner
  4. Use Ammonia, Vinegar and Baking Soda

Read on to learn the best way to clean grout, know the cleaning substances that you can use, and other detailed information that will help you do the job safely and easily.

Also, to make cleaning grout much easier, take a look at the IEZFIX Electric Spin Scrubber,. Use the brush with stiff bristles to easily scrub the grout lines and lift the dirt and grime. 

Click here to see this scrubber on Amazon.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Grout?

Grout in between the tiles gets extra dirty because it is not as dense as the tiles. If you want the tiled floors of your living room, kitchen, or bathroom to remain immaculately clean, you need to clean them regularly. The best way to clean grout will depend on the amount of mold, dirt, and grime that has accumulated in the grout lines.

One of the typical ways of cleaning grout is by using water and vinegar. Mix the same amounts of water and vinegar, and pour this solution into a sprayer. Spray this water-vinegar solution on the grout and let it soak for a couple of minutes. Then, scrub the grout with a brush with stiff bristles. Wash or rinse the grout with clean water to complete the process.

A more aggressive way is required to clean stubborn dirt from the grout. If the grout is already discolored and covered with thick mold, you can pour some oxygen bleach on it. Then, wait for about 15 minutes for the bleach to work its way on the grout before washing or rinsing it with water.

best way to clean tile floors and grout
Best way to clean tile floors and grout

6 Steps for Cleaning Grout

The best way to clean grout in shower or bathroom grout is to start first with milder cleaning substances before trying out stronger and more aggressive chemicals. There is little danger of destroying the grout with mild cleaners. On the other hand, using strong chemicals can damage them.

To clean grout using the conventional method, you must have the following materials:

  • Baking soda
  • Dishwashing liquid soap
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Brush with  stiff bristles

Below are the 6 steps to guide you through easily and effectively cleaning your grout:

1. Prepare the Grout for Cleaning

Begin by spraying hot water on the grout. Next, scrub it with a brush to remove the grime and dirt on the grout surface. Use a circular cleaning motion and follow the grout line when spraying and scrubbing. You can also heat up the grout with a steam cleaner to be more efficient.

2. Prepare the Cleaning Paste

Combine one part of hydrogen peroxide with two parts of baking soda and make them into a paste. If you suspect that there is grease on the grout, you can add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to this paste.

3. Apply the Paste on the Grout

Apply the paste on the grout lines. You can use a small spoon to make this process more efficient. Allow the paste to sit in the grout for about 10 to 15 minutes to give the solution enough time to work its way into the grout lines.

4. Scrub the Grout

Use the brush with stiff bristles to scrub the grout lines. Your objective is to lift all the dirt and grime embedded in the grout pores. If you want to be more efficient in this process, you can use the IEZFIX Electric Spin Scrubber,.

Click here to see this scrubber on Amazon.

This electric scrubber has a 360-degree high-rotating speed that is very useful in tough grout cleaning jobs. It can thoroughly clean and wipe dirt and grime while supporting gentle cleaning at the same time. This scrubber can make grout cleaning faster, easier, and more efficient.

5. Rinse the Tile

Mix some drops of dish soap with hot water. Dip a sponge or clean cloth to the solution and rinse the tile. Wipe off cleaner residues from the grout lines.

6. Preserve the Grout

To reduce the time you spend on grout cleaning, apply a grout sealer to the grout lines. This sealer will fill up the grout pores. If the pores are filled with the sealer, grime and dirt will not be able to penetrate the surface of the grout.

In this regard, you can use the CoverTec GlazeGuard Satin Ceramic And Porcelain Tile And Grout Sealer. Applying coats of this grout sealer will seal the grout lines from all dirt, mold, grime, and grease.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This sealer can even seal the grout from water. Therefore, it is the best grout sealer that you can use in your bathroom and shower.

Another way to keep your grout lines clean is to run a squeegee over the tiles after taking a shower. This technique will prevent soap and mold scum from building up into the grout lines.

See the below video for other tips on cleaning tile and floor grout:

4 Alternative Ways to Clean Grout

If you are still looking for the best way to clean floor grout, consider these four alternative methods:

Method 1: Use Oxygenated Bleach

Step 1: Mix 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach with 2 cups of warm water.

For best results, make this solution in advance before cleaning the grout. Make sure that the oxygenated bleach is thoroughly mixed with the water. The bleach will act on the grout but will not affect the tiles.

Step 2: Test the solution on a discreet spot.

Before applying the solution to all grout lines, test it first in a discreet spot on the floor. If it doesn’t cause fading, you can proceed with the rest of the grout. If it does, dilute the bleach with more water until you achieve the right proportion.

Step 3: Pour the solution to the grout lines.

Make sure that the grout lines are fully covered with the solution so that cleaning will be efficient. Pour the solution one section at a time. This technique will ensure that the whole floor area will not be totally wet.

Step 4: Allow the solution to soak into the grout.

Give about five minutes for the solution to seep into the grout lines.

Step 5: Scrub the grout with a nylon bristle brush.

Using a back and forth motion, scrub the dirt and grime on the grout. Don’t overlook the edges and the corners of the tiles. Mold, grime, and dirt usually accumulate in these spots.

Step 6: Use more solution to remove tough dirt.

Dip the brush into the solution to scrub tough dirt, mold, and grime. You can also mix a stronger solution if you find that the dirt is tougher than you have expected.

Step 7: Rinse the grout and the floor with water.

After cleaning all the dirt, pour clean water on the grout and tiles. Dry them with a mop or clean rag afterward.

Method 2: Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

Step 1: Make a baking soda paste.

Mix three parts baking soda and one part water to produce a paste-like consistency. You can use this paste on the grout of all colors. Vinegar and baking soda paste is perhaps the best way to clean grout and tile floors.

Step 2: Apply the paste to the grout.

Cover the grout with the baking soda paste using your fingers. Wear hand gloves to ensure that your skin won’t get irritated by rough grout and tiles.

Step 3: Make a water and vinegar solution.

Mix one part water and one part white vinegar in a bowl, and pour the solution into a sprayer. Spray the solution to the baking soda that you have applied on the grout lines.

You’ll know that the natural cleaning process has started if you see bubbles on the grout. Don’t use vinegar if you have natural stone tiles. Instead, get a grout cleaner that doesn’t contain acids.

Step 4: Wait until the bubbling stops.

Bubbles show the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda. Cleaning is complete when the bubbling stops after a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Scrub the grout lines.

Get a brush with nylon bristles and scrub the grout. Don’t forget the corners and edges of the tiles. If you want to make the job easier, you can use the Dremel PC10-01 Versa Cleaning Tool – Grout Brush. This power scrubber will save you lots of time.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

It is equipped with a motor that spins fast, so it delivers faster results with less work. This scrubber also comes with a spin brush and pads that are best suited for removing stubborn scum and grime.

Step 6: Mop the floor clean.

Use a mop soaked in water to mop away the baking soda paste. Ensure that the residues of the paste are completely removed. Dry the floor with a clean rag or dry mop afterward.

Method 3: Use a Steam Cleaner

best way to clean grout and tile
Best way to clean grout and tile

Step 1: Get a steam cleaner.

You can efficiently clean and sanitize tiles and grout if you use a steam cleaner. One advantage of using this method is that you won’t be using any chemicals at all.

A steam cleaner should have a hose and a few brush attachments. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer’s direction in assembling the parts of the steam cleaner.

Step 2: Get the steam cleaner ready for grout cleaning.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when filling the reservoir of the steam cleaner with clean water. Also, don’t add soap or other chemicals to the water.

Step 3: Power up the steam cleaner.

Turn on the steam cleaner, and give it time to heat up. The cleaner’s operating manual will indicate the correct length of time.

Step 4: Use a back and forth motion.

Start cleaning on one side of the room. Make your way to the other end of the room by using a back and forth movement. The steam from the cleaner will draw out the grime and dirt from the grout. It will also kill the molds and mildew that grew inside the grout.

Step 5: Dry the floor.

Use a clean rag or mop to wipe the excess moisture on the floor. Steam will condense to water after a few minutes. It’s the moisture that you need to wipe off.

Take note that steam will also remove the grout sealant. Therefore, it is best to use a steam cleaner if the grout lines are already covered with grime, molds, and other dirt. After using the steam cleaner, you have to reapply another coat of sealant after you have dried all the grout lines.

Method 4: Use Ammonia, Vinegar, and Baking Soda

Step 1: Mix ¼ cup of vinegar with 1/3 cup of ammonia, ½ cup baking soda, and 7 cups of warm water in a bowl or water bucket. Stir the mixture thoroughly until they are completely homogenous.

Step 2: Get a sponge and dip it into the solution. You can also pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

Step 3: Directly apply or spray a generous amount of the mixture to the grout.

Step 4: Allow the solution to soak in the grout for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Get a brush and scrub the grout. If the dirt is difficult to remove, apply more solution to the grout and let it stay there for about an hour. Then, scrub it again.

Step 6: Rinse the tile and grout with clean water and dry it with a clean rag or mop.

See the below video for other tips on cleaning tile grout, bathroom grout, floor grout:

Conclusion – Best Way to Clean Tile Grout, Floor Grout, Bathroom Grout

So, to revisit our initial questions: “what is the best way to clean tile grout”; “the best way to clean grout in shower”; and “the best way to clean floor grout?” Follow these 6 steps whenever you need grout cleaning:

  1. Prepare the Grout for Cleaning
  2. Prepare the Cleaning Paste
  3. Apply the Paste on the Grout
  4. Scrub the Grout
  5. Rinse the Tile
  6. Preserve the Grout

Here are 4 of the best things you can use to clean the grout:

  1. Use Oxygenated Bleach
  2. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda
  3. Use a Steam Cleaner
  4. Use Ammonia, Vinegar, and Baking Soda

Grout can be difficult and stubborn to remove, but by following the steps in this article, the grout around your tiles will look new again!

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