How to fix dark grout?

Author: Missouri Witting  |  Last update: Friday, February 13, 2026

Clean black grout with hydrogen peroxide As a straight cleaner , mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a spray bottle. Saturate the dirty grout with the cleaning solution, then let it sit for up to an hour. As a cleaning paste, mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide.

How to fix grout that is too dark?

The only thing you can do to immediately even out the color, and/ or change its shade, would be to use a grout colorant. You can change any color to any other color, and in so doing, make the grout easier to keep clean and, at the same time permanently seal it.

How to lighten up dark grout?

You can either remove and replace the grout with new grout of a different color or you can apply a colorant to darken or lighten your existing grout.

What does it mean when grout is dark?

Darker grout can outline each tile, emphasizing the grid-like arrangement or specific patterns within the tiles. This approach can add visual interest and architectural detail to the overall design.

Why is my grout still dark after cleaning?

Blotchy grout colors are usually the result of too much water used somewhere during installation or cleanup process. Sometimes discoloration can occur due to minerals suspended or dissolved in the water used to mix the grout, insufficient mixing (uneven pigment distribution), or using grout that's past its shelf life.

Refresh Your Tile Grout

Does bleach lighten dark grout?

When this happens, you risk causing damage to the color of your grout. That's because bleach can fade or discolor grout. According to Do It Yourself and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), cleaning your grout with bleach can cause the color to fade over time, giving it a dull appearance.

How can I clean my grout between tiles that has darkened?

  1. Scrub dirty grout using warm water and a medium-bristle brush.
  2. Spray grout with equal parts vinegar and warm water.
  3. Apply a baking soda paste and then spray with vinegar.
  4. Pour on some hydrogen peroxide.
  5. Apply oxygen bleach and let it stand for up to 15 minutes.
  6. Try a commercial grout stain remover.

Does dark grout lighten over time?

Eventually, there could be a noticeable lightening of your black grout's color or make it look more like dark grey concrete. Your grout may always appear black from a distance, but over time it can lose some of its luster and depth of color if not properly cleaned.

How to fix discolored grout?

For discoloration, use some form of bleach until it's white again. If colored grout, use an appropriate cleaner.

How do you fix the wrong color grout?

Replacing grout is certainly one way to fix the problem. Instead, use UltraCare Grout Refresh, a water-based color seal, available in 40 standard grout colors. It's made for refreshing the look of old, discolored grout, or completely changing the color of the existing grout. Don't replace it, Grout Refresh it!

Does vinegar lighten grout?

Similarly, vinegar, baking soda, oxygen bleach and other homemade or DIY solutions will not only ruin your grout, they may even damage your tile. Don't take that chance. Instead, reach for a specially formulated grout cleaner that can handle both traditional white tile grout and colored grout.

Will hydrogen peroxide lighten 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.

How to change dark grout to light?

How to Change Grout Color With a Colorant
  1. Scrub the Grout Lines. Use a commercial grout cleaner to thoroughly scrub the grout lines with a small stiff scrub brush. ...
  2. Test the Colorant. ...
  3. Clean and Rinse the Tile and Grout. ...
  4. Mask Off the Tile Surfaces (Optional) ...
  5. Apply Colorant. ...
  6. Wipe Off Excess Colorant. ...
  7. Seal, if Necessary.

Can you put new grout over old grout?

You don't have to remove all of your old grout to apply the new grout. The new grout can be applied right over the top of the existing grout. You will need a grout removal tool, which is a small tool with a sharp blade capable of chipping away the grout.

How do you get dark grout off light tile?

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Saturate the grout completely with the vinegar solution, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Use a stiff brush (such as a nylon scrub brush) and a bit of elbow grease to start scrubbing the grout's surface.

Why did my grout turn dark?

Heavy traffic can wear down the seal on your grout, so grout in high traffic areas can be particularly at risk for grout discoloration if it isn't properly maintained. The truth is, grout discoloration is unavoidable when you use low-grade grout and grout products, and particularly if you are using cement-based grout.

How to fix grout that is too light?

There are two ways you can change the colour of your grout. You can either remove the old and replace it with new, or you can dye your existing grout. The latter will only work if you currently have light grout and you want to dye it darker.

Can you stain grout to make it lighter?

Yes, you can absolutely stain grout a different color. Whether you want to go lighter, darker, or experiment with a whole new shade, staining grout offers versatility in enhancing your tile surfaces. You have various stain color options to explore, from classic neutrals to bold and vibrant hues.

What do professionals use to clean grout?

Some professionals swear by a simple mixture of baking soda and peroxide to clean grout. Hydrogen peroxide is an acid, and baking soda is a base compound. Mixing the two together creates a reaction that can penetrate the grout lines and free dirt and debris.

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.

How do you remove black grout haze?

Homemade Grout Haze Remover

If you'd like to make your own grout haze remover and stay chemical-free, vinegar in conjunction with plain water can break up grout haze. Add three to four parts of distilled white vinegar to one part of cool water in a spray bottle. Mix but do not shake.

How to clean dark 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.

Is vinegar bad for grout?

Vinegar can indeed ruin grout.

Once lodged in these spaces, vinegar will corrode grout with the passage of time. The grout will eventually wear off. So you should take not to apply vinegar for cleaning purposes if you have unsealed grout in the area.

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