We all know that scrubbing grout is a pain! Luckily, you can simplify your cleaning routine by opting for cleaning methods that lift dirt without a ton of effort. We’ll walk you through DIY mixtures and grout cleaning hacks before going over stronger chemical options. Check out these 8 scrub-free solutions for grout cleaning.

1

Vinegar, lemon, and water

4

Oxygen bleach

  1. 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.[7] Pour the solution over the grout enough to “flood” the grout lines. Leave the solution for about 15-20 minutes.[8] 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.[9]
    • Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is non-toxic to plants, animals, and people.[10]
7

Steam cleaner

  1. 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.[16] 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).[17]
    • 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.[18]
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Will vinegar harm tile floors?
    Dario Ragnolo
    Dario Ragnolo
    House Cleaning Professional
    Dario Ragnolo is the Owner and Founder of Tidy Town Cleaning, a home cleaning service in Los Angeles, California. His business specializes in residential & commercial cleaning. He is a second generation home cleaning expert, who grew up around his parents cleaning business in Italy.
    Dario Ragnolo
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    Vinegar is an acidic product and if left to long on the floor can damage the floor shine. Therefore we recommend it is best to use it sparingly since the acid in the vinegar can dissolve the finish on your floor.
  • Question
    Will vinegar soften grout?
    Dario Ragnolo
    Dario Ragnolo
    House Cleaning Professional
    Dario Ragnolo is the Owner and Founder of Tidy Town Cleaning, a home cleaning service in Los Angeles, California. His business specializes in residential & commercial cleaning. He is a second generation home cleaning expert, who grew up around his parents cleaning business in Italy.
    Dario Ragnolo
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    White vinegar is acidic and tends to accelerate the grout breakdown. We don’t really recommend to use white vinegar on tile floors as the vinegar is really acid and can damage the floor. There are many other products that are less invasive and do an excellent job such as Goo Gone.
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About This Article

DR
Co-authored by:
House Cleaning Professional
This article was co-authored by Dario Ragnolo. Dario Ragnolo is the Owner and Founder of Tidy Town Cleaning, a home cleaning service in Los Angeles, California. His business specializes in residential & commercial cleaning. He is a second generation home cleaning expert, who grew up around his parents cleaning business in Italy. This article has been viewed 23,997 times.
5 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: October 19, 2022
Views: 23,997
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