How to Clean Grout: The Do’s & Don’ts

Grout is one of the most underestimated cleaning jobs in the house. It doesn’t take up much of your floor, but you’ll be surprised how much a deep clean makes it sparkle. Grout is designed to be porous so it can act as the “joints” between your tiles, which also means it collects dirt, dust, bacteria and grime.

Whether you’re planning your next spring clean or want your last professional tile and grout clean to last longer, here’s how to clean grout step by step, the do’s and don’ts that keep it in good condition, and when it’s time to call in a professional.

How to Clean Grout, Step by Step

• Sweep or vacuum first. Loose grit gets pushed into the grout lines once the floor is wet, so clear it before you start.
• Wash with warm water and a mild cleaner. A few drops of gentle dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water is enough for regular cleaning. Work it into the grout lines with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Scrub the grout lines gently. Use a soft nylon grout brush or an old toothbrush and work along the lines.
• Use a bicarb soda paste for grime that won’t shift. Mix bicarb soda (baking soda) with a little water into a paste, spread it along the grout lines, leave it for up to an hour, then scrub gently.
• Rinse with clean water. Leftover cleaner and dirty water settle back into the grout, so rinse well and change the water often.
• Dry the floor. Wipe over with a clean, dry towel or microfibre cloth, and open a window to help it dry.

Whatever you use, test it on a small, out-of-the-way patch first. Tiles and grout vary, and a product that works on one surface can mark another.

The Do’s of Tile and Grout Cleaning

• Regularly sweep your tile floors. Dirt left on the surface only settles further into the grout, which leads to damage and a dull, dirty look.
• Promptly clean up spills. Grout can stain, just like carpet. Pay special attention to acidic spills like wine, tomato sauce and fruit juice, and to grease, which soaks in fast. Wiped up quickly, most spills come off without any discolouration.
• Use a soft cloth, mop or sponge when cleaning your floors. Gentle is key to keeping your grout in good condition.
• Keep wet areas well ventilated. Run the exhaust fan or open a window after showers so moisture doesn’t sit in the grout and feed mould.

The Don’ts of Tile and Grout Cleaning

• Don’t use harsh tools. Just as dirt and dust wear grout down, so do harsh cleaning tools. Stay away from wire brushes, abrasive scrubbers, sanders and similar tools.
• Be careful about what cleaners you use. Bleach and other aggressive cleaning agents can damage grout below the surface, so it absorbs stains and dirt more easily in future. Avoid regular use of vinegar and other acidic cleaners too, as they can weaken cement-based grout and etch natural stone. Bicarb soda is fine as a gentle paste for an occasional deep clean, but don’t scour hard with it. For everyday cleaning, stick with gentle soap.
• Never mix cleaning products. Bleach mixed with vinegar or ammonia gives off toxic fumes.

Cleaning Grout in the Shower

Shower grout works hardest of all, with soap scum, body oils and mould on top of everyday dirt. The steps above still apply, with good airflow and a bit more patience. For a full bathroom routine, including a tea tree oil mix for light mould, see our guide on how to clean bathroom tiles and grout.

When to Call a Professional

If your grout has lost its sparkle despite regular cleaning, keep an eye out for stains that won’t shift and grout that stays dark even when it’s dry. These are signs it’s time for a professional clean. Cracked or crumbling grout needs repair rather than a clean, and our post on grout cleaning vs grout replacement explains how to tell the difference.

How We Clean Grout Professionally

At Wizard Cleaning®, our team starts by applying a pre-cleaning solution over the entire tiled area. We then target the grout lines with a concentrated solution that breaks down the built-up grime. Finally, our high-powered machinery, working together with the cleaning solutions, lifts the grime from the base of your tiles and grout, and our team leaves your floors looking fresh and clean.

Ready to bring your grout back to life? Call us on 0400 634 609 or send us an enquiry for a free, no-obligation quote on tile and grout cleaning.