To fix discolored grout, start by deep cleaning the lines with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste or a commercial grout cleaner. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush, rinse, and let dry. If stains remain, apply a Grout Colorant to refresh the shade, and finish by applying a Grout Sealer to prevent future discoloration.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Steps:
To clean white grout that has turned yellow, treat the discoloration by making a paste with equal parts baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Scrub the paste into the grout lines using a stiff-bristled brush or an old toothbrush, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Vinegar & Baking Soda
No, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide will not damage your grout. In fact, they are highly recommended by cleaning professionals as a safe, non-toxic, and effective alternative to harsh commercial chemicals.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is excellent for cleaning grout because its gentle, grease-cutting formula will not strip sealers or discolor tile. For everyday maintenance, simply mix a dime-sized squirt of Blue Dawn in a 32-oz spray bottle of warm water. For tougher grime, you can upgrade to a deeper-cleaning DIY mixture.
Just a few more important points: As the grout can absorb the soap as well as a stain, do not clean with oil or wax based cleaners (Murphy's Oil soap, Pine Sol, etc.). These products will leave a waxy or oily film in the grout. Even good alkaline cleaners, if not properly rinsed, will leave a sticky soap film.
Often light-coloured and extremely porous, grout is prone to staining. The biggest culprits are mould and mildew, which can turn your grout an unpleasant grey colour, but a build-up of shampoo and shower gel can also turn your bathroom grout an unappealing shade of yellow or orange.
Yes, a Magic Eraser will successfully clean tile grout. Simply wet the eraser, squeeze out the excess water, and scrub the grout lines. The melamine foam acts like micro-abrasive sandpaper to easily lift away built-up grime.
Important note: To avoid damage to grout, it's best to avoid any acidic cleaners, such as vinegar or chlorine bleach, as they will damage and erode your grout over time.
OxiClean is a highly effective, fume-free oxygen bleach for lifting grime and stains out of tile grout. Mix 2 cups of OxiClean powder per gallon of hot water (or make a thick paste with water for tough spots). Apply it, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.
Here is what to do:
It's made up of cement, water, and sometimes sand, making it a porous substance. This porosity is what makes grout prone to discoloration. Over time, dirt, oils, mold, and mildew can seep into the grout, causing it to change color.
The best overall white grout cleaner is ZEP Grout Cleaner and Brightener. This professional-strength acidic formula lifts deep stains and brightens grout with minimal scrubbing. For a safer, DIY alternative, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide form a powerful whitening paste.
Hydrogen peroxide generally will not damage standard tile grout. It is a mild, oxygen-based bleach that is much safer and gentler than chlorine bleach. However, using it incorrectly or repeatedly can cause issues depending on your grout type.
To clean white grout that has turned yellow, treat the discoloration by making a paste with equal parts baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Scrub the paste into the grout lines using a stiff-bristled brush or an old toothbrush, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Grout turns yellow primarily due to the buildup of environmental residues, moisture, and chemical reactions. Because cementitious grout is highly porous, it acts like a sponge, absorbing microscopic particles that cause discoloration over time.
Common Household Products That Could Be Damaging Your Tile Grout
Yes, Dawn dish soap is excellent for cleaning grout because its gentle, grease-cutting formula will not strip sealers or discolor tile. For everyday maintenance, simply mix a dime-sized squirt of Blue Dawn in a 32-oz spray bottle of warm water. For tougher grime, you can upgrade to a deeper-cleaning DIY mixture.
Professionals use heavy-duty, commercial-grade acidic and alkaline cleaners, often paired with high-pressure rotary hot-water extraction machines. For stubborn stains, they frequently rely on professional-strength stain removers, or a simple DIY mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
Yes, you can use a Magic Eraser on grout. It acts like micro-sandpaper, making it highly effective at lifting stubborn dirt, grime, and mildew. However, because it is abrasive, you should scrub gently to avoid etching the grout or scratching surrounding tile.