How to clean grout: 6 methods to try and a product you might want to avoid

Grubby grout spoiling the look of your tiled surfaces? We've spoken to the experts to ask them how to make your grimy grout gleam.

1. Take a gentle approach

“As with any cleaning project, start with a mild cleaning solution, such as an all-natural homemade recipe,” says Nigel Bearman, CEO and founder of cleaning company Daily Poppins.

If hot water or your regular surface cleaner isn’t sufficient, “natural grout stains can be removed with lemon juice or white vinegar”, he suggests, adding that either can be applied directly to the grout.

Allow the liquid to sit for 10-15 minutes and then brush with warm water.

Vinegar is acidic and therefore has the potential to corrode grout over time, so use sparingly if applying neat.

2. Use washing up liquid

Jennifer Sharpe, chief fragrance officer at Fabulosa, offers up washing liquid as an alternative solution.

“If you want to achieve spotless grout, all you need to do is take your washing up liquid and mix with bicarbonate of soda to form a luscious-smelling foam,” she says.

“Then simply take the mix on an old toothbrush and begin scrubbing. Leave the mixture to do its work for a few minutes and wipe away with a damp cloth to reveal a sparkling shine.”

3. Use bleach with caution

Although it’s tempting to assume the colour-removing properties of bleach make it the quickest fix for discoloured grout, you could be doing more damage than good in the long run.

“Over time, bleach breaks down the cement in the grout because it is highly alkaline," says Bearman. “As a result, the grout may become brittle and crack, allowing moisture and dirt to seep into the system, causing further damage.”

Bearman adds: “If not used properly, bleach can also cause discolouration or staining of the grout.”

If you do choose to use bleach, make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle, taking extra care to ensure you dilute it properly and don’t leave it for an extended period of time.

4. Spray mouldy grout before you wipe it

Even if instinct tells you to scrub the mould away, it’s never the right approach. All you will do is extend the surface area for the mould to attack.

Instead, spray on a specialist mould cleaner, leave it to work for the recommended time on the label and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

I speak from experience having used this method for many years. I admit to getting a small sense of achievement from watching the mould disappear in front of my eyes – without even wielding a cloth.

Although I’ve tried more expensive brands of mould cleaner, I find the Astonish Mould & Mildew Remover equally effective and more appealing in price.

5. Clean the tiles before you start

It’s something Bearman highly recommends. “To prevent additional dirt from getting into the grout, clean the tiles’ surfaces before you begin cleaning. Larger areas can be easily cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner,” he adds.

6. Try one last tip before you regrout

You’ll need:

• Bucket, cloth and mop (for larger areas)
• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Cleaning brush for grout
• An old towel or cloth
• Bicarbonate of soda, 1/2 cup
• Hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup
• Washing up liquid, 1 teaspoon
• Spoon

Method:

• Clean the tiles and grout with your multi-surface cleaner and a microfibre cloth.
• Prepare a thick paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and washing up liquid together.
• Spoon the paste onto horizontal grout lines first, then vertical grout lines, scrubbing with the grout brush as you go. Let it work for 10-15 minutes.
• To remove any residue, rinse the treated area with clean water. You can use a cloth or a mop with a warm bucket of water.
• Wipe away any moisture from the surface using an old towel or cloth.

Consider regrouting

If you’ve tried every trick and applied plenty of elbow grease, but still feel your grout has seen better days, regrouting can be a relatively low-cost and effective option according to Leigh Price, co-director of Real Stone, Tile & Bathroom.

“If you have the time to dedicate to it, regrouting is fairly low cost and can give your bathroom the look of an expensive makeover,” says Price – although he adds a word of caution…

“Before taking on your regrouting project,” he advises, “you ought to be aware that while it is something you can do yourself at home, it is a time-consuming job which must be done carefully."

“Opt for a decent quality powdered grout, which you need to mix with water as per the instructions on the bag,” advises Price, “and once you have gouged the existing grout out, smooth the new grout into the joints ensuring there are no air bubbles and the grout joints are full."

“Bear in mind also that if you get any excess grout on your tiles, better quality grout will be easier to get off the tiles – so don’t skimp on your grout choice, and definitely stay away from ready-mixed grout, which tends to be poorer quality.”