Cleaning grout probably isn't your favorite chore. That said, there's something satisfying about seeing how much brighter and cleaner your bathroom or kitchen feels after you've cleaned the grout. It's easy for this spot to harbor dirt, mold, grime, and other unpleasant residue. We tapped cleaning pros from the Home Care and Cleaning Lab for advice on the best way to clean grout.
Here's some good news: The expert-recommended method doesn't involve scrubbing at your grout with a toothbrush for hours. All you need to do is apply the right products, let them sit on the grout for several minutes, and then rinse them away. Our cleaning experts also sent along some tips that can help you keep your grout from getting dingy over time, plus advice on how often you should be cleaning the grout to prevent it from yellowing.
Keep reading for the best way to clean and whiten grout using store-bought or homemade products. If you're looking for other tips on how to keep your bathroom looking bright, read up on the common shower habit that could be making mold worse, this lazy shower cleaning hack that's gone viral, and our step-by-step guide to removing hard water stains.
How to Clean and Whiten Grout in Tiles
Don't let your grout get past the point of no repair: Clean it every week or as needed to prevent it from yellowing. When you first catch a glimpse of grout haze (or when you just feel like your bathroom needs a refresh), follow this step-by-step guide:
- Mix 3/4 cup household chlorine bleach with 1 gallon water. Or for a ready-made option, try CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Cleaner.
- Wearing rubber gloves, use a stiff brush to apply the formula to one small area at a time. Be careful not to let the liquid splatter onto you or surrounding surfaces.
- Let sit for several minutes, then scrub and rinse.
How to Make Homemade Tile Grout Cleaner
Proof that you don't need to rely on bleach and other chemicals to make your bathroom sparkle. Instead, turn to your pantry for all the ingredients you need to make this all-natural cleaner. To note: This mixture isn't quite as powerful as commercial cleaners or bleach, so it may take extra elbow grease and patience to get noticeable results.
- Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide until it forms a paste. Apply it to the grout.
- Let sit a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
How to Prevent Future Grout Haze
General rule of thumb: The drier you keep your space, the less you'll have to clean it. Moisture leads to mildew stains, which is the common cause of yellowing grout. To prevent dingy shower grout, run a squeegee over the tile after you're done showering. Opening a window, turning on the exhaust fan while showering, or leaving the door open will also reduce moisture.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
