How to Clean Grout Without Scrubbing

Co-authored by Dario Ragnolo

Last Updated: October 19, 2022 References

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

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.^{[1]
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- 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.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Dario Ragnolo
  House Cleaning Professional
  Expert Interview. 13 August 2019.}

2

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.^{[3]
X
Research source} Leave the mixture on your grout for 10 minutes before wiping the surface with a damp cloth.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Dario Ragnolo
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 13 August 2019.}

3

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.^{[5]
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Research source} After 30 minutes, wipe off the cleaner with a damp rag.^{[6]
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Research source} Rinse the grout if necessary to get rid of excess cleaner.

4

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.^{[7]
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Research source} Pour the solution over the grout enough to “flood” the grout lines. Leave the solution for about 15-20 minutes.^{[8]
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Research source} 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]
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- Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is non-toxic to plants, animals, and people.^{[10]
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5

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.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Dario Ragnolo
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 13 August 2019.}
- Chlorine bleach can discolor your grout, and if you accidentally splash it on nearby rugs, curtains, and towels, it can discolor those, too.^{[12]
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6

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.^{[13]
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Research source} Many products work within 5-10 minutes.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Dario Ragnolo
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 13 August 2019.} Rinse the product off your tile after the recommended time.^{[15]
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7

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.^{[16]
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Research source} 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]
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- 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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8

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.^{[19]
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Research source} You can buy grout sealant that will re-color your grout, too, effectively painting over it.^{[20]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Will vinegar harm tile floors?

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
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.