Does bleach break down grout?

Author: Bret Gaylord  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Bleach can degrade grout little by little and strip its color. Eventually, bleaching can dry grout, leading to cracks on its surface after repeated use over long stretches of time. The same goes for ammonia-based cleaners. On the pH scale, its range is between 11 and 12, so it's almost as basic as bleach.

What happens if you use bleach on grout?

Why is bleach bad for grout? Bleach can discolor or strip color away. That said, if you are using it to clean colored grout it will likely fade the color or make the color uneven or remove it altogether. Bleach erodes, so it can also weaken the grout causing it to crack and crumble.

What destroys grout?

Acidic Cleaners

Cleaners that have a high chemical pH or are acidic will begin to eat away at your grout and make it more fragile and porous. Stay away from cleaners that contain vinegar and citrus. This will eat away at the top layer of the grout and cause the need for replacing grout lines sooner.

How do professionals remove grout haze?

If the grout haze has hardened and does not come off with a scrubbing tool, use a mild vinegar and water cleaner. Mix together 1 part vinegar to 4 parts warm water. Then, use a mop or a nylon scrubber to spread the cleaner and remove the grout haze. Make sure you use a scrub pad that is soft and made of nylon.

What cleaners damage grout?

Next, ensure you're NOT scrubbing any of the tiled areas with bleach or ammonia products. Chemical cleaners, such as, Tilex, Soft Scrub, Scrubbing Bubbles, or ammonia products will nearly always result in your tile surfaces' grout becoming very discolored.

How to Use Bleach to Clean Grout

What do professionals clean grout with?

Professionals often use steam to loosen the dirt and other particles trapped in the grout without needing to scrub manually. While every steam cleaning machine is different, you'll follow this basic process to clean grout lines: Use a steam cleaner with a small nylon brush attachment.

Does vinegar destroy grout?

Grout is porous and usually sealed to resist stains. However, acid can degrade these silicone-based sealants, causing them to break down and wash away. Contrary to popular belief, this can happen with just one application of vinegar.

Does anything dissolve grout?

To remove grout from the surface of your tile, try the sugar and water method. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of sugar and 1-gallon hot water. This mixture will soften the grout, allowing you to scrub it away. Using a clean cloth, sponge, or brush, apply the sugar and water mixture to the grout you want to remove.

Will a magic eraser remove grout haze?

Once you've activated the micro-scrubbers inside, your Magic Eraser is good to go. Start by swiping it firmly across the desired surface. In just a few swipes, you should start to see grout messes and buildup begin to disappear!

What happens if you wait too long to wipe grout?

As go-to grout and tile care specialists, The Grout Medic truly wants what is best for your tile. Waiting too long to wipe grout could result in unsightly grout haze. Don't wait too long to wipe off grout!

What chemical breaks down grout?

Soften grout on floor tiles by soaking it with sugar water, a lemon juice solution, or a vinegar solution for 10–20 minutes. For a stronger way to break down grout, use a chemical remover like sulfamic acid or grout dissolver spray instead.

Does hydrogen peroxide destroy grout?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a natural neutral cleaner that is safe to use on grout. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce oxygenated bleach, which is highly effective for cleaning grout.

What eats tile grout?

Soap residue and body oils also create a food source that encourages mould growth. Once mould develops in porous grout joints, no amount of scrubbing can resolve it. Using chemicals to get rid of the mould won't help either, they will just eat away at the grout which can cause more damage.

Will OxiClean hurt grout?

Getting in between the tiles is hard but OxiClean™ can make keeping your grout sparkling white easy. Always refer to packaging for directions. MIX Fill to line 4 per gallon of water. For some surfaces, like grout, a more concentrated solution/paste may be needed.

Does bleach turn grout yellow?

Stay away from cleaning solutions that contain bleach or ammonia, as these will usually cause severe discoloration of your grout and you may need a full regrouting to rectify the issue.

How do you remove heavy grout haze?

There are several ways to eliminate the haze: wiping with water or vinegar, scrubbing with a rubber float, or using chemical cleaners. Keep reading for more details and to make sure you use the right method for your tiles to avoid damaging them!

How to clean grout in shower?

Method:
  1. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a bowl to form a thick paste.
  2. Spread the paste onto your grout using an old toothbrush to completely coat the area to be cleaned. ...
  3. Like the previous method, use a brush with firm bristles to scrub the grout. ...
  4. Use a damp cloth or mop to wipe off the remaining paste.

Does bleach dissolve grout?

Household cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia rank 11 to 13 on the pH scale, which means they are highly alkaline. Though alkaline solutions cut through dirt and grease, they will erode and discolor grout.

Does alcohol destroy grout?

Clean grout regularly to prevent buildup of dirt and mold or mildew. Each week, pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth and wipe down the dirty grout and tiles. This kills mold and mildew spores and help keeps the tile and grout clean.

What is the best thing to remove old grout?

A drill is an ideal tool for removing the old grout from between your tiles, or a small multi-tool which you can attach a rotating blade to. Use your electric drill with the blade attachment to gently go over the surface of the grout to remove as much as possible, remembering to keep it well away from the actual tiles.

Will hydrogen peroxide dissolve grout?

When applied correctly, it can effectively clean tile grout, restoring its original color and shine. While hydrogen peroxide can be an effective grout cleaner, it's essential to use it safely to avoid any potential damage.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean grout?

If you're a die-hard DIYer, using Dawn dish soap alone can be a safer option for mild cleaning. Dilute a small amount of Dawn in warm water, scrub the grout with a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly.

How long to let Dawn and vinegar sit?

Apply liberally, let sit for 10 minutes, scrub with a sponge, and rinse with a damp cloth. Spray directly on soap scum, wait 10 minutes, scrub with a brush, and rinse off. Soak a cloth in the solution, wrap around the fixture for 15 minutes, then rinse and dry.

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