Best Way to Clean Grout — 7 Hacks You Can Try Today

Grout is porous, which means it absorbs dirt, grime, and even mold over time. 

This can make your tiles look dull and dirty, no matter how often you clean them.

But don’t worry – you don’t need to douse your bathroom in harsh chemicals. 

You also don’t need to spend an hour on all fours to get your grout looking fresh again. 

This article will show you seven proven, fast, and chemical-free hacks to clean grout effectively. 

Spoiler alert: You probably already have most of what you need at home.

Best way to clean grout without chemicals

#1 — Start with baking soda and water

Baking soda is a miracle worker for grout. 

It’s abrasive enough to scrub away dirt but gentle enough not to damage your tiles. 

Plus, it’s super cheap and probably already sitting in your pantry. 

Here is how you use baking soda:

1. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to make a thick paste.
2. Use an old toothbrush or a grout brush to spread the paste onto the grout.
3. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the baking soda to work its magic.
4. Scrub gently, then rinse with warm water.

The baking soda paste works by breaking down the grime that’s embedded in the grout. 

Just be patient and let the paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. 

This gives the baking soda enough time to loosen the dirt, making it easier to scrub away.

Use circular motions when scrubbing to help loosen dirt without damaging the grout. 

Also, if you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains, you can add a little bit of white vinegar to the baking soda paste. 

This will create a fizzing reaction that helps lift the grime. 

Just be careful not to use this on natural stone tiles, as the vinegar can damage them.

#2 — Mix together vinegar and water

White vinegar is acidic enough to break down grime but safe enough to use on most surfaces. 

It’s a natural disinfectant, which makes it great for cleaning areas prone to mold and mildew. 

Here’s how you can use this combo:: 

1. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water.
2. Spray the mixture generously over the grout lines.
3. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to dissolve any tough stains.
4. Scrub with a brush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Vinegar is effective at cutting through soap scum and other grime that can build up on your tiles and grout. 

The acidity helps to break down the dirt, making it easier to scrub away. 

Just make sure to rinse thoroughly with water afterwards to remove any vinegar residue.

That said, don’t use vinegar on natural stone tiles like marble or granite. The acidity can damage them. 

If you have natural stone tiles, stick to baking soda or another non-acidic cleaner.

#3 — Add some hydrogen peroxide to the mix 

Hydrogen peroxide can be incredibly effective for tackling stubborn stains in grout. 

It’s a natural bleaching agent that’s safe and effective. 

Here’s how to use this simple swap for harsh bleach: 

1. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray it directly onto the grout.
3. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
4. Scrub away the dirt with a brush and rinse with water.

Hydrogen peroxide works by breaking down the organic matter that causes stains — such as mold, mildew, and even food spills. 

It’s particularly effective on lighter-colored grout that’s prone to discoloration.

For extra-tough stains, mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to form a paste. 

Apply the paste to the grout, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub it away. 

The combination of the abrasive baking soda and the bleaching power of hydrogen peroxide will leave your grout looking fresh and clean.

Hydrogen peroxide is also great for disinfecting your grout. This makes it a good option for areas like kitchens and bathrooms where germs can accumulate.

#4 — Use a steam cleaner for a deep clean 

Don’t want to get down on your hands and knees scrubbing? A steam cleaner can save you time and effort. 

Steam cleaners use high-temperature steam to blast away grime without needing any chemicals. It’s like having a mini power washer for your grout.

1. Fill your steam cleaner with water (no chemicals needed).
2. Slowly run the steam nozzle along the grout lines.
3. Use a brush attachment for an extra boost if needed.
4. Wipe the area clean with a dry cloth.

The high temperature of the steam helps to break down dirt and grime, while the pressure forces it out of the porous grout. 

This method is great for larger areas like floors where scrubbing by hand would be a workout.

Make sure to wipe down the grout with a dry cloth after steaming to remove any remaining dirt and moisture. 

This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing in the grout.

Steam cleaning is great for people with allergies or sensitivities to cleaning chemicals. 

It’s completely chemical-free and can help kill bacteria and allergens that may be lurking in your grout.

#5 — Try lemon juice for a fresh, citrusy clean

Who knew lemons could do more than flavor your water? 

The natural acidity of lemon juice helps break down dirt while leaving behind a fresh scent. 

It doesn’t hurt that it is a natural bleaching agent, which means it can help lighten discolored grout over time.

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly onto the grout.
2. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Scrub with a brush and rinse with warm water.

Lemon juice can help lighten discolored grout over time. If your grout has become stained or discolored, using lemon juice regularly can help restore its original color.

If you’re dealing with particularly tough stains, you can mix lemon juice with baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to the grout, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it away. 

#6 — Dab your grout with toothpaste

Yes, you read that right – toothpaste can work wonders on dirty grout. 

The mild abrasives in toothpaste help scrub away grime. It is a great, readily available alternative for when you’re in a pinch and don’t have other supplies on hand

1. Apply a small amount of white (non-gel) toothpaste directly onto the grout.
2. Scrub with a toothbrush or grout brush.
3. Rinse with warm water.

Toothpaste is not the most powerful cleaner but works best for small areas or for spot cleaning. 

Make sure to use white, non-gel toothpaste. Gel toothpastes don’t contain the same abrasives and won’t be as effective at scrubbing away dirt.

Just grab an old toothbrush, apply a little toothpaste to the grout, and scrub away.

#7 — Use salt and water scrub for tough grime

Salt’s gritty texture makes it a perfect natural scrub for tough grime. It’s also a natural disinfectant, which makes it a great option for cleaning bathroom grout.

1. Sprinkle coarse salt directly onto wet grout (or make a paste with water).
2. Scrub vigorously with a brush.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Salt physically scrubs away dirt and grime. Its natural disinfectant properties also help to kill any bacteria or mold that may be lurking in the grout. 

This makes it a great option for the bathroom or kitchen, where moisture and bacteria can be a problem.

Just make sure to rinse thoroughly with water afterwards to remove any salt residue.

For extra cleaning power, you can mix the salt with a little bit of lemon juice or vinegar.

How to keep your grout looking fresh longer

Now that you’ve got your grout looking good as new, let’s talk about keeping it that way. 

Here are some tips to prevent future buildup:

• Seal your grout — Apply a grout sealer every 6-12 months to protect it from dirt and stains. Sealing your grout creates a protective barrier that prevents dirt, grime, and moisture from seeping into the porous surface of the grout.
  
• Wipe down your tiles — After every shower or mop, wipe down your tiles to prevent water and soap scum from settling into the grout. This simple step can go a long way in preventing grime buildup over time.
  
• Use a bathroom fan  — Ventilation helps keep humidity down, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. Mold thrives in damp environments, so keeping your bathroom well-ventilated can help prevent it from growing in your grout.
  
• Avoid harsh cleaners  — Stick to gentle, natural cleaners to avoid breaking down the grout over time. Harsh chemicals can weaken the grout, making it more prone to cracking and staining.

Regular maintenance is needed to prevent dirt and grime from building up.

Make sure to clean your grout regularly and take steps to protect it from future stains.

What if my grout still won’t come clean?

Tried all of these hacks, and your grout is still looking rough? It might be time to re-grout. 

Over time, grout can break down and stain beyond what cleaning can fix.

• Re-grouting  — involves scraping out the old grout and applying new grout in its place. It’s a bit more labor-intensive but can completely refresh your tiles.
  
• Professional grout cleaning  — consider hiring a professional to do the job. A professional can remove the old grout and apply new grout quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort.

Re-grouting may seem like a big job, but it’s often the best option if your grout is beyond cleaning. 

It can make your tiles look brand new again. 

Also, new grout is easier to clean and maintain, so you won’t have to deal with the same issues in the future.

If you’re not sure whether your grout needs to be re-grouted, take a close look at it. 

If it’s cracked, crumbling, or stained beyond repair, it’s probably time to re-grout.

Keep a clean look with simple, natural tricks

Grout cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. You definitely don’t need to resort to harsh chemicals to get the job done. 

These seven hacks will have your grout looking fresh in no time — all with ingredients you probably already have at home. 

Just remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your grout clean for longer. 

By following these simple tips and using natural, chemical-free cleaners, you can keep your grout looking clean and bright without damaging it. 

So go ahead, grab your baking soda, vinegar, and toothbrush, and get scrubbing.