Vinegar, lemon, and water
Choose this easy DIY method for a natural, homemade option. The slightly acidic mixture works to break down dirt and grime. In a spray bottle, mix 3.5 cups (830mL) of hot water with lemon juice from half a lemon, and 3 tablespoons (43g) of white vinegar. Spray the mixture over the grout lines. Let the solution sit for for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp rag. Alternatively, mix ½ cup of baking soda, ½ cup of white vinegar and ½ cup of water. Spray on the grout and dry with a cloth.
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Use this easy paste to lighten stains and cut through grease. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio. Add a splash of dish soap to break down grease (this is optional). Apply the paste to cover your grout lines. Leave the mixture on your grout for 10 minutes before wiping the surface with a damp cloth.
Toilet bowl cleaner with bleach
Try this cleaning hack for a minimal effort cleaner. Apply a toilet bowl cleaner (that contains bleach) directly onto your grout lines. Move fast as you apply the product to keep the flow even and keep your lines straight. After 30 minutes, wipe off the cleaner with a damp rag. Rinse the grout if necessary to get rid of excess cleaner.
Oxygen bleach
Use this method for exceptionally tough grout stains. Dilute 1.5 tablespoons (about 22 g) of powdered oxygen bleach for every 1 gallon (3.8 L) of warm water. Pour the solution over the grout enough to “flood” the grout lines. Leave the solution for about 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse off the solution and enjoy your clean grout. Oxygen bleach is a potent chemical, so it can damage your grout lines if you use it excessively. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is non-toxic to plants, animals, and people.
Chlorine bleach
Use this method with caution for rust and bad stains. It’s best to use this method in small spots rather than over your entire tiled surface, since chlorine bleach can ruin your grout. Apply undiluted bleach to the grout lines and let it sit for only a few minutes. Dry them up with a clean dry cloth. Chlorine bleach can discolor your grout, and if you accidentally splash it on nearby rugs, curtains, and towels, it can discolor those, too.
Alkaline cleaning product
Apply an alkaline cleaner to get rid of mold or mildew. Every store-bought alkaline cleaner will have different dilution and use instructions. Follow the instructions on the back for how long to let the product sit. Many products work within 5-10 minutes. Rinse the product off your tile after the recommended time.
Steam cleaner
Choose this method to go chemical-free. Steam cleaners use the combination of hot water and high pressure to bust dirt. Ensure your steam cleaner goes up to 200 °F (93 °C) to disinfect the grout. Hold the steam wand up to the grout lines and move it back and forth repeatedly to loosen up dirt. Go slow to make sure you’re getting a good burst of steam on the grout (since the steam might not come out consistently). If you use a bristle attachment for your steam cleaner, let the steam do the majority of the work. Too much pressure will wear out your brush.
Grout sealant and colorant
Use grout sealant preventatively or to restore grout color. Sealing grout stops moisture and bacteria from seeping into all the pores in your grout lines. You can buy grout sealant that will re-color your grout, too, effectively painting over it.
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