How to Clean and Whiten Grout

3 Easy Methods to Make Grout Look Like New

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 2 - 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 days
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Estimated Cost: $20-$30

Whether it's floor tile or wall tile that's dirty with grease, soap scum, mold, or just plain dirt, cleaning grout requires two things: a grout brush and a suitable cleaner. A grout brush is a small, stiff-bristle nylon brush, available in handheld and long-handled sizes. You can substitute a toothbrush in a pinch, but its bristles are often too soft to do much good. As for the cleaner, a lot of formulas work, so try different options to find the best performer for your tile. Bleaching grout can also brighten up things, as well as remove stains.

tile grout in a bathroom

The Spruce / Ruthie Darling

While there are excellent heavy-duty grout cleaners available, it's just as easy to mix up a solution with ingredients you already have on hand. Keep in mind, the time it takes to refresh your grout will substantially increase if you choose to seal the grout after cleaning.

How Often to Clean Tile Grout

Tile grout should be cleaned whenever it becomes dirty or discolored with mold and mildew—the frequency will depend on where your tile is located and how often the surface is used. Tiled walls may require cleaning just periodically, while frequently-used tiled shower walls that are subject to lots of moisture and constantly humid conditions might require weekly cleaning. The best rule of thumb: Scrub the tile grout whenever it is showing discoloration, mold, or dirt.

It's best to try grout cleaners in the order of harshness, beginning with an alkaline cleaner, then proceeding to oxygen bleach, then chlorine bleach, as necessary. It's always a good idea to reseal the grout after a deep cleaning.

Warning

While bleach can be used to clean grout, it's not recommended because it can fade the color and cause gradual damage if used frequently. Ammonia should never be used to clean grout. In addition, bleach and ammonia should never be mixed—it will produce a toxic gas. 

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Grout brush
  • Sponges
  • Safety glasses
  • Rubber gloves
  • Towels
  • Bucket or other large container

Materials

  • Alkaline cleaner
  • Oxygen bleach, powdered
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Grout sealer (optional)

Instructions

materials for removing tile grout
The Spruce / Ruthie Darling

How to Clean Tile Grout With an Alkaline Cleaner

The Tile Council of America (TCA) recommends alkaline cleaners for removing stains and making grout white again. Alkaline cleaners include Spic and Span, Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, and Mr. Clean's liquid cleaners, among others. These cleaners are particularly good for cleaning dirty, greasy grout joints in the kitchen.

  1. Mix the Cleaner

    Combine the cleaner with water in a bucket or large container, as directed on the package label. Do not exceed the recommended amount of cleaner, as it will not improve the cleaning power of the solution.

    mixing the cleaner
    The Spruce / Ruthie Darling
  2. Apply the Cleaner

    Coat the cleaning solution liberally onto the grout lines using a sponge, almost as if it were a paste. Allow the solution to sit and soak onto the grout for several minutes.

    applying the cleaner with a sponge
    The Spruce / Ruthie Darling
  3. Scrub the Grout Lines

    Using the grout brush, scrub vigorously at the grout lines until all stains are gone. You will notice the original color of the grout return as you scrub.

    using a grout brush to scrub
    The Spruce / Ruthie Darling 
  4. Clean Away the Solution

    Sponge up any excess cleaning solution, then apply fresh water to the grout lines and tile to rinse off any excess. Sponge up the water to finish cleaning.

    White tiled wall with cleaning solution sprayed on

    The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

  5. Dry the Surface

    Use a clean towel to dry the tile and grout completely. Let the surface air-dry overnight before moving on to resealing the grout.

    using a towel to dry the tiles
    The Spruce / Ruthie Darling 
  6. Reseal the Grout

    Your grout is now clean as new, and you should make sure to seal it in order to keep it that way. This is best done before using the surface again so you don't risk introducing any moisture to the tiles or grout lines.

    clean tile grout
    The Spruce / Ruthie Darling

How to Clean Tile Grout With Chlorine Bleach

You can make grout white again using household chlorine bleach. Ordinary household chlorine bleach is an effective way to clean grout, but consider using this method very infrequently to maintain the integrity of the grout.

  1. Wear Safety Gear

    It's important to protect yourself when using full-strength chlorine bleach, including wearing safety glasses, rubber gloves, and old clothes that you don't mind damaging with bleach stains. Bleach is caustic to the skin and can bleed the color out of clothing.

    Safety glasses held up in hands

    The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

  2. Ventilate Your Space

    Open up any nearby windows to ventilate the area you're cleaning in—bleach is toxic and releases noxious fumes which can make you very sick in a contained area. In a bathroom, running the vent fan at the same time you open the windows provides excellent ventilation.

    Window being opened to ventilate space

    The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

  3. Scrub the Grout Lines

    Dilute about 3/4 cup of chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of water in a bucket and mix. Dip the grout brush into the bleach solution, apply it to the grout lines, and scrub vigorously to remove stains.

    Warning

    Be sure to exercise caution when using chlorine bleach on grout near any type of carpet. The carpet fibers can be damaged if they come into contact with the bleach.

    Grout lines scrubbed with chlorine bleach and stiff brush

    The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

  4. Rinse the Tile

    Rinse the tile thoroughly with clear water and sponge it up to remove any remaining bleach. Repeat this step. It's important to remove all the bleach before you move on to resealing.

    White tile rinsed with wet sponge and gloves

    The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

  5. Dry the Surfaces

    Wipe the tile and grout surface with a clean, dry towel, then let the tile air-dry overnight before resealing the grout lines.

    White tile surface dried with white dry towel

    The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

How to Clean Tile Grout With Oxygen Bleach

Unlike chlorine bleach, using oxygen bleach to make grout white again is a non-toxic, safe method for the environment, and doesn’t have a harsh chemical odor. It also won't stain colored grout lines. Hydrogen peroxide is a form of oxygen bleach; however, it is typically sold in diluted solutions, making it a relatively ineffective cleanser for grout. A more appropriate choice is Ajax Oxygen Bleach Cleaner or a similar powdered product.

  1. Mix Powdered Oxygen Bleach With Water

    Combine the powdered oxygen bleach with water to form a paste similar to the consistency of toothpaste. Normally this requires a ratio of about 2 parts powdered oxygen bleach to 1 part water.

    Powdered oxygen bleach mixed with water in small glass bowl

    The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

  2. Apply the Paste

    Use a sponge to apply a coat of the oxygen bleach paste to the grout lines. Let the paste sit on the grout for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure to use rubber gloves when handling the mixture.

    Oxygen-based bleach paste added to white tile and wiped with sponge

    The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

  3. Scrub the Grout Lines

    Scrub the grout lines using a stiff grout brush. You should quickly see the grout brighten to its original color, and any bits of mold or mildew melt off.

    Grout lines scrubbing mold and mildew with stiff brush

    The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

  4. Rinse the Paste

    Rinse away the paste with clear water, then wipe the tile down with a clean cloth. Let the tile air-dry overnight before resealing the grout.

    Clean white cloth rinsing white tiles and grout with water

    The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Tips for Keeping Tile Grout Clean Longer

Grout lines are typically never fully flush and always a bit lower than the edges of the tile. That means whatever tile cleaner or method you use to wash your floors or walls may not effectively clean the grout lines, and some dirty water can pool in the grout lines. Since that is inevitable, you can employ a few smart tactics to help keep your grout clean. Place floor mats over tile floors to collect dirt particles, take off your shoes before entering the house, use the correct cleaners, and reseal the grout after a thorough cleaning. Here are other important tips:

Avoid Vinegar and Baking Soda

Do not use vinegar or only baking soda to clean tile grout. Alkaline cleaners are a better choice than vinegar or just baking soda because grout contains cementitious mortar that can be dissolved by acidic cleaners, including vinegar. Vinegar and other acids are also a bad idea for stone tile because the acid can etch the stone.

Reseal the Grout Lines

Once you have the grout looking clean and stain-free, sealing the grout will help create a protective surface that can prevent future staining and make it much easier to keep the grout clean. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying grout sealer. The tile must be clean and completely dry, and you must let the sealer cure fully before using the tiled area. Use a penetrating grout sealer for most tile grout, including bath and shower areas.

FAQ
  • How long does it take for bleach to whiten grout?

    Let a bleach mixture rest on the grout for at least five minutes but no longer than 15 minutes before scrubbing. Remember to rinse the bleach from the grout thoroughly after scrubbing.

  • Does hydrogen peroxide damage grout?

    Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on grout. Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to clean most grout. However, hydrogen peroxide should not be used on grout with marble tile to avoid possible etching.

  • Will bleach ruin colored grout?

    Chlorine bleach can fade colored grout and should only be used on white grout. Alkaline cleaners are recommended for cleaning all types of grout.