How do you clean severely dirty grout?

Author: Elian Schamberger  |  Last update: Sunday, March 2, 2025

The most effective and simple way to clean your grout is using distilled white vinegar mixed with water. If the grout is heavily stained and requires lightening, you may decide to first apply bicarbonate of soda paste before you begin cleaning.

How do you clean years of dirty grout?

Spray the grout with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. I used a tooth brush to do some scrubbing, you can use a grout brush too. Let the solution sit in the grout lines for about 5 minutes, then wipe up and rinse thoroughly.

How do you remove ingrained dirt from grout?

Use a commercial grout cleaner or a homemade solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the grout lines generously with the cleaner. Scrub with a Brush: Scrub the grout lines with an old toothbrush or a grout brush. Use a back-and-forth motion to loosen dirt and stains.

How to clean grout that has turned black?

To clean black grout, mix water and white vinegar. Then rub the solution on the grout using a toothbrush and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. You can also use a mixture of water, baking soda and dish detergent. But don't use bleach or hydrogen peroxide excessively as they cause discoloration.

How do professionals clean grout?

Steam cleaning is one of the most powerful ways to clean grout without the use of harsh chemicals. Professionals often use steam to loosen the dirt and other particles trapped in the grout without needing to scrub manually.

DIRTY GROUT WHITENED in 15 seconds

Does hydrogen peroxide really clean 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 gets black out of grout?

Another way to clean dark-colored grout is to use vinegar. This is a natural and effective cleaning agent which inhibits the growth of bacteria. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar and generously spray on the areas affected by mold.

Why is my grout still dark after cleaning?

Ammonia and bleached-based grout cleaning solutions can strip the color from your grout, causing an irregular appearance. Conversely, cleaning agents might settle into the pores of your grout and act like a magnetic force for dirt and grime, causing a dark, dull appearance. It's a common mistake.

What should you not use to clean grout?

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 do you remove heavy grime from tile?

1. Vinegar/Hot Water Method
  1. First, wipe down the area with hot water to remove surface dirt.
  2. Next, fill an empty spray bottle with a mixture of half hot water, half white vinegar.
  3. Spray the solution on the grout, then let it stand for five minutes.
  4. Scrub the grout with a soft toothbrush. ...
  5. Rinse the area with water.

How do you clean 10 year old grout?

Here is what to do:
  1. Mix baking soda and water into a bowl, and make a thick paste.
  2. Also, prepare a solution of vinegar with equal parts of warm water. ...
  3. Apply baking soda paste on grout lines.
  4. Spray the vinegar-to-water solution on the paste.
  5. The mixture will start foaming once it stops, scrub with the brush.

How do you get deep stains out of grout?

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
  1. Combine the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and form a paste.
  2. Apply the paste to the stained or yellowed grout area.
  3. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
  4. Scrub with a grout brush.
  5. Rinse with water.
  6. Repeat as needed.

What is the best chemical to clean dirty grout?

If you prefer cleaning grout with a DIY mixture, make a paste of 3/4-cup baking soda, 1/4-cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap. Apply the paste to the grout with a grout brush and scrub the grout.

Does hydrogen peroxide damage grout?

In most cases, hydrogen peroxide is safe for cleaning grout, as long as it's used correctly and in moderation. However, some grout types, like colored or older grout, may be more sensitive to chemical cleaners. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure there are no adverse reactions.

Is bleach bad for grout?

The long-term use of bleach on grout can lead to several adverse effects. As an oxidizing agent, bleach can weaken the cement binding the grout, reducing its durability. Additionally, it can cause discoloration, leading to an uneven and blotchy appearance.

Does vinegar damage grout?

White vinegar is an acidic solution that can etch or corrode some tiles, particularly those made from natural stone or unglazed ceramic. The acid in white vinegar can also weaken and deteriorate certain grouts over time, particularly if the grout is already damaged or in poor condition.

Does OxiClean clean grout?

If you're trying to clean grimy grout between your bathroom shower or floor tiles, then OxiClean™ bathroom cleaners are here to help! They get rid of grout stains on vertical and floor tiles for a refreshed bathroom.

Do grout pens work?

This really works! The grouting around the tiles in our kitchen and bathroom was looking very tried with several black damp spots. The grout pen covered it all in one coat and was very simple and quick to use. We added an extra coat on the very stained sections and now it all looks like fresh grouting.

How much does it cost to have grout professionally cleaned?

Tile and Grout Cleaning Cost Per Square Foot

The average cost of standard tile and grout cleaning services is $0.75-$3 per square foot.

Does Windex clean tile grout?

Windex can also be used to clean tiles and grout, without causing any damage.

How much does Stanley Steemer cost?

Stanley Steemer prices vary from $125 to $143 per room for carpet cleaning to $125 to $440 per piece for upholstery cleaning. Total costs vary depending on the room size, furniture type, and your home's accessibility. Cleaning out your air ducts with Stanley Steemer costs $500 to $1,000 on average.

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