How to clean grout on tile, according to experts

Stained grout can really sneak up on you. One minute you’re loving the fresh white grout in your picture-perfect bathroom and the next you’re wondering, "When did my bathroom start looking like the New York City subway?"

Thankfully, we spoke to experts on the subject: The Grout Guy, Brian McAuliffe and Vera Peterson, group president at Neighborly. They gave some useful tips that will have your bathroom looking like new in no time!

What do professionals use to clean tile grout?

"A few of the more popular and effective commercial grout cleaning options are alkaline-based products, as well as the popular oxygen bleach product," says Peterson. Unlike chlorine bleach, which can discolor the grout, she says that oxygen bleach (chlorine-free) products will clean, sanitize and remove stains without harming the grout. "Both products effectively remove dirt and grime and restore grout to its original condition with minimal effort."

Believe it or not, Peterson says that a lot of professionals use a homemade mixture that consists of one cup of baking soda and one cup of hydrogen peroxide. "This simple and cost-effective method truly does the trick on tile grout," she says. "If you are using this solution in the kitchen, you can even add some degreasing dish soap to help break down the buildup of grease."

How do you clean grout with baking soda and vinegar?

Add baking soda into a mixing bowl (there are no specific measurements for this — the amount will depend on how much grout you need cleaned).
Slowly pour in the vinegar and mix it with the baking soda until a thick paste is formed.
Once the paste is ready, apply a generous amount across the grout.
Allow the layer of paste to sit on the grout for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
Once the 5 to 10 minutes is up, rinse the area with warm water to get rid of any leftover residue.

How do you clean grout with bleach?

Mix the bleach products with warm water (adding water allows the bleach to release oxygen that will lift dirt and stains from the grout).
Apply a thorough layer of the solution to grout lines using a damp sponge.
Let the solution soak for around 20 minutes.
Once the solution has had time to soak in, scrub the grout lines with an old toothbrush.
Rinse the area with warm water to get rid of any leftover residue.

How do you clean grout with hydrogen peroxide?

Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of baking soda.
Pour the mixture directly onto the grout lines.
Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before wiping away with warm water.

How do you clean grout with lemon?

Combine two teaspoons of cream of tartar with lemon juice to make a thick paste the consistency of runny toothpaste.
Pour some hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray the grout to get rid of mold and mildew.
Reapply if necessary, scrub and rinse.
Use a small stiff-bristled cleaning brush and apply the homemade grout cleaner to the area and scrub the grout. (This is when you put some muscle into it.)
Let the solution sit on the grout then rinse and wipe dry.
Repeat until you reach the desired level of brightness.

Aside from cleaning the tiles once a week with vinegar, McAuliffe strongly suggests that you treat the grout with a sealant to prolong the life of the tiles: “Reseal your grout every one or two years and you should be good moving forward.”

Frequently asked questions about cleaning grout

Grout is made up of sand particles, making it easy for liquids to pass through and dirt to collect on the surface. According to McAuliffe, there’s actually a simple solution to keep your grout from staining in the first place.

“Cleaning is the first step to preventing the mildew from ever establishing. Water in the bathroom may evaporate but dirt does not and soap film is the biggest culprit as the dirt clings to the scum left on the grout. The key is to clean your tile two to three times a week with a cleaning product that is made for removing soap scum,” McAuliffe says.

"In order to clean grout without damaging your tile, avoid using harsh or abrasive tools," Peterson states. "Instead, it's best to use a simple scrubber like the back of sponge or an old toothbrush as it will allow you to scrub in a precise manner to avoid the tile as much as possible."

How we chose the best products for cleaning grout

TODAY.com spoke to an expert to find the best practices for different methods to clean shower grout. Based on the guide they provided, we found affordable and fan-favorite products to help you get the job done.

Meet the experts

Brian McAuliffe is the founder of New Jersey-based The Grout Guy, a business that specializes in fixing grout.
Vera Peterson is a group president at Neighborly, a marketplace for home services. She leads the Maintain group, which covers Dryer Vent Wizard, Molly Maid, Window Genie, Junk King, Mosquito Joe and Lawn Pride.

Deal of The Day